International Student of the Year Fredrick Ukaegbu – on the mission of a doctor, blood donation, Russian friends, and how to inspire by personal example
Every international student studying at Kazan Federal University has a story to tell about life in our country and their exciting student days.
This time, the story comes from Fredrick Ukaegbu – a fourth-year student at the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, winner of the Student of the Year of the Republic of Tatarstan 2025 award in the International Student of the Year category, as well as a laureate of the Student of the Year KFU 2025 award in the Best International Student category.
Per aspera ad astra
Our hero recalls that this was not his first time participating in the Student of the Year competition.
“In my first year, I had absolutely no experience; I simply applied, but, as it turned out, unsuccessfully. This time, Liliya Zaripova (dormitory placement and extracurricular activities department employee – editor’s note) suggested I participate. We talked it over, and I decided to try again,” says Fredrick.
The first stage involved submitting documents and preparing a CV. The second stage required conducting a master class. In it, he spoke about Nigeria, his homeland, and why he deserved to be the International Student of the Year.
“When I first arrived in Russia, the only words I knew in Russian were ‘hello,’ ‘good,’ and ‘thank you.’ Despite this, I was able to overcome the language barrier and become a good student. It was not easy at first, but I still strove for the best,” says the young man. “Besides that, I am a medical student and a donor; within the framework of the BRICS Family community, I donate blood and plasma. I told the jury about all of this, and concluded the presentation with a master class where I introduced the peoples living in Nigeria and their costumes – everyone has their own authentic culture – and treated everyone to a national snack called ‘puff-puff.’ It’s like chak-chak in Tatarstan.”
Best of the best
According to Fredrick, the victory came as a real surprise, and personally, he felt he had already won just by making it into the top four.
“By then I understood that I was one of the best. When they announced that ended up first – it was awesome, magnificent, beautiful! It is more than I expected,” he shares. “The organizational effort is the best I have ever seen, from start to finish. The supervisors and all others, those whose work is not readily seen, were wonderful. They are students themselves, and it is amazing that they can organize an event so well.”
In December, Ukaegbu became a laureate of the Student of the Year KFU award in the Best International Student category. He was one step away from victory.
“Much of what I didn’t manage to do at the university’s competition, I accomplished at the provincial one. I was already happy when I became a laureate at Kazan Federal University. It was a big achievement for me,” the activist emphasizes.
Land of opportunity
Fredrick is 23 years old and is studying general medicine. He dreams of becoming a surgeon.
“In childhood, I was the kind of child who, if something broke, tried to fix it myself. It was always interesting to return something to its proper state. I give hope to those who think they are living their last minutes. I try very hard to help people. Last year I became a blood and plasma donor. And this is one of my most important achievements. I was informed that my blood was used for someone who needed it,” the student says.
His schedule also includes classes in the student surgical science club, Cognomine. Additionally, he plans to participate in an Olympiad this year.
“Russia gave me the opportunity to fulfill my mission, that is, to become a doctor. I applied in Nigeria, but didn’t succeed due to high competition. There is competition in Russia too, but everything worked out successfully, and I am receiving a medical education. After my studies, I plan to stay in Kazan and continue my mission. I am looking for institutions where I can utilize myself as a professional in medicine. If Russia gives me this opportunity – to work as a surgeon – then I will help people here. Who I treat makes no difference,” he sharea his plans.
Lessons of Russian
Before enrolling in the University, Ukaegbu studied at the preparatory faculty for international students. Although he knew the Russian language perfectly in theory, a language barrier existed. At IFMB, he met a classmate, Galiyar, who helped improve his spoken Russian and later became Fredrick’s friend.
To the question “What do Russia and Nigeria have in common?” he answered the following:
“A difficult question. These are countries that create conditions for students. Another similarity is the tradition of hosting guests and showing care, and equal opportunities regarding foreigners.”
Leading by example
The student noted that at the recent award ceremony, he was one of the few representing Africa.
“Students from other countries are afraid to participate in events because they think they won’t be able to do it, won’t win, speak Russian poorly, or something else. I want to be an example for them so they see – Fredrick could do it, and I can too. Fredrick and I study at the same institute, which means what he has, I have too. It will be great if in the future foreigners actively participate in events, simply to become better in different spheres of life,” the interviewee opines.
In conclusion, he shares that after the results were announced, his teachers congratulated him. Receiving praise from mentors very pleasant, and KFU has the best teachers who try very hard to give students the best knowledge, emphasized Fredrick.