From State Runner-Up to National Champion: Chibueze Favour Leads Team South-East to NNSO 2026 Victory

From finishing as runner-up at the Abia State level to emerging as the National Champion and leading Team South-East to victory at the 2026 Nigerian Nursing Students Olympiad, Chibueze Favour Ezinwanyi's journey is a remarkable story of resilience, discipline, and determination. In this interview, she shares the challenges she overcame, the lessons she learned, and the inspiration behind her pursuit of excellence in nursing.

Q1. Congratulations on your outstanding achievement! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?

Answer: My name is Chibueze Favour Ezinwanyi, and I am a 300 level nursing student at Abia State College of Nursing Sciences, Umuahia. 

I hail from Obingwa Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria.

I am the first daughter in a family of 6, being raised by my wonderful mother, alongside the enduring legacy of my late father of blessed memory.

Q2. What inspired you to study Nursing and pursue excellence in the profession?

Answer: To be frank, nursing wasn't my initial dream, I had an interest in Computer Science.

However, my mother wanted me to pursue a path in healthcare.

Even after I gained admission, I was still quite hesitant and hadn't fully embraced it.

This changed when I met one of my lecturers, Mrs Ifeoma Kalu.

She became a pivotal figure in my life. She opened my eyes to see the beauty and endless possibilities within the nursing profession.

Through her mentorship, my mindset shifted to not just staying the course, but actively pursuing excellence. 

I'll forever be grateful to her. 

Q3. How did you first hear about the Nigerian Nursing Students Olympiad (NNSO), and what motivated you to participate?

Answer: The first time I heard about the Nigerian Nursing Students Olympaid was last year (2025), when the first edition was held.

An invite was sent to my school to provide participants.

During the 1st edition, I was deeply inspired by Roseline Ezinne (South South representative), who emerged as a winner at the national stage. 

I thought, 'If she can do it, I can do it too', and that gave me the courage to give it a shot. 

Q4. The competition covered Foundation of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Anatomy & Physiology. Which area did you find most challenging and why?

Answer: Of the three courses in which we were tested, I found Medical-Surgical Nursing most challenging.

This is as a result of the bulkiness of the course.

Having to know all the disease conditions related to each body system, their aetilogy and risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, medical and nursing management....

That is quite challenging.

Q5. You finished second at the state level in Abia State before emerging first in the South-East zone. What lessons did you learn from your initial performance?

Answer: As I finished second at the state level, I became aware of my weak points, which were time management and depth of knowledge.

With the eagerness to do better, I doubled my study time, and solved more questions using timers.

And of course, it paid off.

Q6. Can you walk us through your preparation process for the competition?

Answer: The preparation process was such a rigorous one.

I had to create tough daily study targets.

From the study vigils, to the cutting down on even relevant activities, down to starving until I reach my study target.

I really had to go extra mile and thankfully, it paid off.

Q7. How did you balance your academic responsibilities with preparing for such a highly competitive event?

Answer: Like you rightly said, 'a highly competitive event'.

I won't lie, I was nervous, especially as I drew closer to the final stage.

I had this feeling that I wasn't doing enough, as I was going to compete with the finest minds in the different geopolitical zones in Nigeria.....That was scary.

And so, the balance wasn't there.

I couldn't efficiently study for my semester exams at once, as the courses for my current semester and that of the competition were different.

Instead of a balance, it was like a 9:1 ratio.

Nevertheless, with extra effort, I'm able to do well in my semester exams too.

Q8. What was going through your mind when Team South-East was announced as the overall winner at the grand finale?

Answer: At that very point, I was overwhelmed with joy.

With tears of joy, I released all the fear in me.

Just then, I remembered the words of my course rep, when I voiced out my fear to him concerning the competition.

He said "Chibueze, no be you again? Leave that one abeg, that one na less" 

And yes, that one turned out to be less!

Q9. Were there moments during the competition when you doubted yourself? If yes, how did you overcome them?

Answer: Yes, there were moments when I doubted myself, but when that spirit of doubt comes, I rebuke it.

As an ardent believer of God's word, I always tell myself that "All things work together for the good of they that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose "– Romans 8:28

With this, I know that lines will always fall in pleasant places for me......And it did.

Q10. The NNSO brought together some of the brightest nursing students across Nigeria. What was the experience like interacting with other participants?

Answer: Meeting some of the brightest nursing students across Nigeria was such a privilege to me.

They were very welcoming and friendly, and I appreciated every moment I shared with them.

Beyond the financial rewards gained from the event, the connections established are invaluable to me.

Q11. What message would you like to share with other nursing students who aspire to compete in future editions of the Olympiad?

Answer: As Suzy Kassem rightly said, "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will" 

My message is simple: don't let self doubt talk you out of an opportunity before you even start. 

Don't ever look down on yourself or underestimate what you can achieve- there's no limit to that.

Be eager to jump at every good and beneficial opportunity that comes your way.

Always remember, 'na who read book de sabi book o'

Take your study seriously, commit to the process, and your future self will thank you.

Q12. Looking ahead, what are your academic and career goals?

Answer: Short-term, my goal is to graduate with one of the best results in my school, immediately after which I'll secure a job, to fine-tune my clinical expertise. 

Long term, I plan to pursue advanced studies in the occupational health nursing specialty.

I've always been passionate about occupational health nursing, especially working as an offshore health and safety officer.

It may not be easy, but with God on my side, I'll definitely get there. 

Benita Ibrahim