20-year-old Ijaw girl emerges overall best student from class of 2021 at Syracuse University, USA

A 20-year old Nigerian, Alaba Ann Tam Danagogo, who hails from Ijaw, Rivers state has emerged as the 2021 overall best student in Syracuse University in New York, USA.

Alaba an indigene of Rivers state graduated with distinctions in Biology Major and minor in English and textual studies, among other accomplishments. She was awarded a prestigious scholarship by the University for another four-year medical course.

She was the valedictorian for her graduating set and was selected as a Senior Class Marshall of the university.

Alaba was also recognized as a Distinguished Syracuse University Scholar, having graduated summa cum laude with a 3.97 CGPA in a four-point system.

Receiving her valedictory award, Alaba stated that although the journey was not an easy one, she had always promised herself to remain the best regardless.

In her words,

“The journey was tough but I made the promise to myself to do my best and make my time at Syracuse University special for me.

“I hope to gain the necessary scientific skills to care for those in need and also bring my thoughts to bear through literature and creative writing.”

In his remarks, posted on the university’s website, U.S President Joe Biden, who is also an alumnus of the institution charged the university’s 2021 graduating class to remain resilient and purposeful to positively change the trajectory of their world.