In this exclusive interview series, we have a special guest—Mottie Crayton—who is the overall best student of Microbiology and Industrial Biotechnology from Caleb University.
Mottie Crayton stands out as a shining star in the field of Microbiology and Industrial Biotechnology. With an unwavering passion for harnessing the power of microorganisms to drive innovation and solve real-world problems, Mottie has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the intricacies of microbiology and its applications in various industries.
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Alright Mottie, let’s get right into it. Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Mottie Crayton. I graduated as the best student from my department in 2024, Microbiology and Industrial Biotechnology. I’m a very determined person—if I set my mind to something, I’ll definitely do it. It’s all about hard work, really.
So, can you tell us what inspired you to study microbiology, and what do you hope to achieve in the field?
Well, to be honest, I didn’t initially want to study microbiology—I wanted to study nursing, but I couldn’t get in. I had to write JAMB again. During COVID, when most universities weren’t holding classes, I started checking out private universities.
I found Caleb University online and liked what I saw. Since I’ve always liked biology, I thought, “Let me go for microbiology,” because it was the closest thing. Little did I know, it would turn out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. So, I got admitted in 2020.
Can you take us back a bit to your educational background?
Sure! For primary school, I started at Kekotuman Memorial School in Surulere, then moved to UNILAG Staff School. I thought I’d continue to ISL from there, but my mom said I was going to boarding school—which I did. Boarding school was a bit challenging, but I had a strong foundation from primary school.
In primary school, I didn’t really read much, and I continued like that into secondary school. But that strong foundation really helped me. When I got into SS1, I started struggling a bit with science subjects—my Further Maths was especially bad. My mom would come to school and see my results and be like, “What is this?” and I’d say, “I don’t know!”
But by the time I got to university, I was more determined. Since I didn’t get into nursing, I told myself I’d make the most of this opportunity. I developed the habit of studying on my own, which helped a lot. That’s pretty much my background.
You mentioned struggling with science subjects in secondary school. How were you able to overcome that and then go on to study biology in university?
I remember that I originally chose science because a friend was in the science class. But looking back, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. In secondary school, I didn’t really get the hang of math, but I liked biology. That’s why I chose microbiology.
When I got to university, I had a lot of determination. That, along with my love for biology, really helped. I would advise students to pursue what they love. When you love a subject, you’ll be naturally inclined to learn more about it.
But even if you don’t love a subject at first, sometimes, you grow to love it. Most importantly, be determined and dedicated. My parents paid a lot in school fees, and I didn’t want it to go to waste. I also wanted to make them and myself proud.
Another key factor was my friends—Gift and Blessing—who were also studious. We read together, and they helped me stay focused. Your friends can either build you up or break you.
In 100 level, the exams were mostly objective, so it felt easy. But by 200 level, we had to take our own notes and study deeply. My department has zero tolerance for cheating, which pushed me to study even harder. I’m really grateful to my lecturers for that.
I had a good CGPA in 100 level (around 4.4), and in 200 level it improved to 4.6. But it gets tough when you start feeling like your recent results aren’t as good as the last. I had to constantly push myself—jot more, study harder, and spend longer hours reading.
We’d love to hear more about that. Tell us your story about how you studied and what kept you going.
My course is very broad—bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi—we had to cover a lot. I’d be in the reading room for hours. Sometimes, I read so much that people would stop and say, “Wow, you’re reading so hard, I pray it pays off.”
Sometimes I’d read at night with a torchlight if there was no electricity. I’d walk around with my pillow and read until it stuck. I looked so tired and thin—you wouldn’t even recognize me.
There were days I’d read and end up crying from exhaustion, thinking, “I can’t take this anymore,” but I’d remind myself of my goal: to be the best graduating student. People say graduating with a first class doesn’t matter, but it does. When I came to the U.S., I got a job in one of the best labs in Maryland USA. My first-class degree gave me an edge.
That’s inspiring. But was there ever a time when you doubted yourself?
Yes, there were moments when I doubted myself—especially when my grades dropped. I remember a semester when someone told me their CGPA was two points higher than mine. I felt crushed. But then my lecturer, Dr. Ademola, came to class and said, “Some of you did better this semester, some didn’t. Just try your best.” That meant the world to me in that moment.
I learned that even if you don’t get what you want, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, but always give your best. And if you fall, get back up—again and again.