Convocation spotlight: Chidiebere Ezenyem

Chidibere Ezenyem and family

After earning a BScn in medical radiography and radiological sciences in his home country of Nigeria, Chidiebere Ezenyem made his way to Canada. Since that time nearly 10 years ago, Chidiebere has been on a path of furthering his education — a path that may still not be over, even as he celebrates his graduation with a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Alberta.

When he arrived in Canada, in order to be certified to practise radiologic technology Chidiebere needed to take some retraining, which he completed at NAIT in 2015 before moving to Nunavut to begin his career. Over the years in Nunavut, he found himself drawn to nursing as a better way to truly make a difference in the health of the people in isolated and underserved communities. 

A father to four young children who lived in Grande Prairie with his wife while he was studying in Edmonton, Chidiebere called upon all of his faith and determination to complete his degree with first-class honours. 

What drew you to nursing?

The passion of being a leader and an advocate, especially in remote rural communities.

What are you most proud of about obtaining your degree?

I graduated with first-class honours, despite having four kids under the age of eight and having to drive over 1,000 kilometres back and forth every weekend to be with my family. Being a University of Alberta student ambassador was also a privilege I am proud of, allowing me to connect with the broader U of A community.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?

My biggest challenge was battling the cost of living and maintaining literally two residences. It was also very challenging to balance the enormous volume of course work with leading a family.

How did you stay motivated through the hard times?

My faith in God has always been an immense source of strength for me to keep going. I am especially grateful to my wife who was very encouraging, supportive and very strong for my kids through each week that I was at school. I was also motivated by the various scholarships, awards and bursaries for academic excellence and leadership that I received. These lightened my financial burden and recognized my dedication. 

What advice do you have for students embarking on a nursing degree?

I would encourage them to embrace every opportunity for growth, both in and outside the classroom. Seek out mentorship and build strong relationships with professors and peers. Don't hesitate to apply for scholarships and awards, as they can alleviate financial stress and recognize your hard work. Lastly, remember that success is not just about grades; it's about resilience, adaptability, and staying true to your passion.

What are some of the most valuable things you learned while pursuing your degree?

First and foremost, I've realized I possess unwavering determination and resilience and that I can overcome virtually anything with perseverance and a positive attitude. Moreover, my experiences have unveiled my natural leadership abilities; serving as a student ambassador revealed my capacity to inspire and uplift others. Additionally, I've recognized my deep passion for nursing and my commitment to excellence, which I will channel into providing the best possible care for my patients. Furthermore, my ability to seek and secure scholarships and awards has sharpened my resourcefulness, which I'll carry with me into the professional world. It's a reminder that opportunities are available for those who actively seek them out. All of this will be the foundation upon which I build my professional life, so I can excel in my chosen field and contribute positively to the world.

What’s next for you?

I am currently thrilled with emergency nursing and I hope to some day return to school to study medicine. This will allow me to step into another level of leadership and have more to offer my community when I eventually return to remote rural communities, where I came from and where I hope to return some day to serve.