My medical dream pushed me to ‘perfect score’ from Russian varsity
Why Kano is engaging youth in auto repair, other skills
Mohammed Mustafa Cengiz was born in Kano state Nigeria, in 1991 to a Nigerian mother and Turkish father. Cengiz who is from a family of nine and raised by his mother recently graduated with a ‘perfect score’ of 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) on June 26, 2017 to emerge the best graduyate from Kazan State Medical University in Russia where he read medicine. In this exclusive interview with he spoke about his background in Kano’s Hotoro district, his primary and secondary education at Rakad International School, Bennie International School, and other experiences. @SimonEchewofun
How would you relate the strength of early education to the success you have attained?
Well primary and secondary education are the most important in any person life, it carves the person into what he or she becomes in life and prepares them for the hurdles in life. During my secondary school days I obtained a lot of discipline and motivation that later paved the way to my path in life. I would conclude that my studying in Nigeria carved the person I am today and will be tomorrow. I would like to thank all my teachers and tutors for all their efforts. It is not easy to.
What other things motivated your academic success?
I feel lucky and continuously thankful to God for the position I am in currently because nothing is possible The Director General Kano State Directorate of Youth Development and Economic Empowerment, Alhaji Ado Abba Tudun-Wada has said the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is empowering youth to become self-reliant.
He said the administration intervened in the formation of a vibrant caretaker committee of the Youth Council under Comrade Kabiru Ado Lakwaya and has since been empowering members through the platform. without Him. Hard work and dedication were the formula, but it is also necessary to work smart and efficient because time management is a very important. All these aren’t possible without continuous motivation though, so people around us-meaning family and friends play a very important role in keeping us concentrated on the ultimate goal. So to sum up I would base all of it on God, Dedication and social circle.
Could you describe your undergraduate days?
I can easily say that it was one of the best experiences I’ve had, both in the positive and negative sense of it. When I first arrived to Russia for the programme, I was very unconfident and nervous. I felt like I didn’t have what it took to become a doctor, especially after taking a two year academic leave, but then I promised to never to give up. Russia’s climate is one of the harshest
Some of the engagements he said are that over 90,000 youth were successfully registered under the ongoing FG’s N-Power scheme; within two years, 250 youth have been trained on ICT and another 100 youth trained in auto-mobile maintenance and repairs at the Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) learning centre in Kaduna.
Tudun-Wada said a committee Youth Empowerment was established by the state with a release of over N132 million to fund various skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for 5000 small on and it made everyday activity very challenging, especially when most lessons where located at different points of the city. The struggle to balance a social and academic life was also tough, but my dream of becoming a surgeon was always the ultimate goal.
What would you do differently from what is done in the field?
I suppose I am in no position to be critical in the way the system is ran back home, as I am sure those in charge are doing all they can with the limited resources they might have. Nigeria is a country filled with talented people whom are underrated due to lack of sufficient resources and infrastructure. Given the proper environment and material, the sky is our limit. However as I already mentioned above the resources are the main challenge, so what I would do differently would be to provide what is necessary. The government should understand that human resources are the most valuable of all, not just from an ethical point of view but also economically and socially. Give them the tools and watch them succeed is what I would suggest.
What platform do you wish to create to engage other youth?
With the help of the internet and social media I will create a platform for young and bright minds to engage in crucial complications faced in medicine. To create a sort of guidance and counseling businesses operators unemployed youth.
Part of the State’s achievements on youth empowerment he said is the approval the Directorate got to select 2,000 youth from the state to train for proposed Peace Corps in anticipation of being fully employed once the scheme gets FG’s funding.
Alhaji Ado told the Daily Trust that 2,445 young people have also been trained on apprenticeship programmes with support from DFID’s MAFITA, a UK funded programme that runs for six years in the North West, and kick-started in March 2016. and network for those who aren’t medically literate, so they can be advised properly on therapeutic steps.
Many Nigerians or even people around the world are usually confused when it comes to medicine and this will help and guide them through it.
How did you secure your admission?
Gaining admission was quite straightforward, I found a couple of university options online with some advice from friends. And I decided to send my credentials, they school later replied and I began to process the necessary documentations at the Russian embassy. To be honest it wasn’t as hectic because I did so from Ankara, Turkey with a Turkish passport which was quite easier than the process in Nigeria.
Is there a chance for youth to attain their dreams in the present Nigeria?
There is nothing that would make me happier, but it all depends on dedication and sacrifice. Nigeria is a growing nation and I have no doubt in the future it will be the land of opportunity, unfortunately with the current situation it is quite difficult to reach the pinnacle of your dreams, not impossible but quite demanding. The percentage of success will have to be increased as it is currently in “winning the lottery” level. Meaning only a few will actually attain their dreams.
What is your advice to Nigerian youth, many who are unemployed?
T o whomever is reading this; even if the message is passed to a single person this is my advice to you: I have studied the art of man and his organism, and I bear witness that all brains, vessels, flesh and bone are same and equal, no man/woman is better than you nor are you better than them. I am not where I am because I am the smarter or brighter, and my words and advice may mean nothing to you. But if there is one thing I have learnt from life, it is that contentment is the key to true success. Wherever you find yourself just do your best and leave the rest to God. Always compare yourself with those below you when it comes to success and riches, and always compete with those above you when it comes to knowledge.