In an inspiring conversation with 17-year-old Michael Opara, the first runner-up of the inaugural OCP Farm&Fortune National Agric Quiz competition held in 2023, he shares a deeply personal vision that transcends academic achievements. Instead of pursuing a career as a doctor, he dreams of becoming a fish farmer.

In this chat with AgroCentric, he reflects on how an agricultural boot camp transformed his worldview and what he hopes to build for himself and his community in the next decade.

Let’s get to know you, Michael. Can you tell us about yourself and what you’re currently doing?

My name is Michael Opera, and I am 17 years old. I teach basic four and physical and health education for JSS1 to JSS3 in Lagos. I am preparing to write JAMB next year to pursue higher education. 

Why are you waiting until next year to write JAMB?

I’m not yet 18, and when I applied for JAMB this year, I was told I needed to be 18 to qualify. So, I’m using this year to teach, study, and prepare for the exam.

Let’s talk about the OCP Farm&Fortune National Agric Quiz competition you joined. Did you think you’d win?

Honestly, no. When we arrived, we saw so many intelligent students from different schools. But we were determined. We believed that if we didn’t come first, we’d at least come second or third.

Can you walk me through the competition and life afterwards?

Sure. We were told it was an international competition, but didn’t know about any prize money. It was just about representing our school. Once we got there and entered boot camp, we met other students, made friends, and started to take it seriously. We studied hard and prayed even harder. My partner and I read together at night, preparing as best as possible.

 At the start, we were anxious. Hearing the scores of other teams made us nervous. But we passed the first stage, then the second and third, that’s when hope sparked. When the results came, we were thrilled to finish second. That prize money really changed a lot. Since then, I’ve been preparing for JAMB, and my partner is writing this year because he’s older.

How did the prize money from the competition help you?

The cash prize was a game-changer. Before, I had no real hope of going to university. The money boosted my confidence and gave my mom and me a financial start. It made higher education feel possible and motivated me to keep pushing.

That’s inspiring. Which university are you aiming for, and what do you want to study?

I initially planned to apply to Imo State University, but switched to Lagos State University (LASU) to stay close to my family. I’ll apply for pharmacy in my first year, as my teacher advised it’s easier to get admitted, then switch to medicine and surgery. After that, I want to study fish farming for a few years to learn its practical aspects.

Medicine, pharmacy, and fish farming, that’s an ambitious mix! Can you clarify how you plan to combine these?

My parents want me to study medicine and surgery, but my real passion is fish farming. I discovered it during boot camp, where I fell in love with the idea of raising fish. To honour my parents’ wishes, I’ll study pharmacy first, then switch to medicine. After graduating, I’ll focus on fish farming as my main career, possibly using medical knowledge to support it. I also love singing and acting, so I might explore those later.

But why start with Pharmacy?

My teacher advised me to start with Pharmacy. Medicine is very competitive, which might improve my chances of getting in. Once I’ve started, I can try to switch.

That’s interesting. Has medicine always been your goal, or did the boot camp spark your interest in agriculture?

Medicine was always my plan because of my parents, but the boot camp introduced me to agriculture. During the competition, I worked on a rice farming project, which was eye-opening. That’s when I got hooked on fish farming. It felt practical and exciting.

Tell us more about your rice farming project in the competition.

My partner and I had separate projects. Mine was on rice farming, which is huge in Nigeria because everyone eats rice. It provides carbohydrates, and we explored how it’s grown on large plots using mechanical ploughs or manual tools like hoes. It showed me how vital agriculture is to feeding people.

Aside from fish farming, are there other agricultural ideas you’re excited about?

Yes, I love maize farming too. In school, we did a practical maize planting project before the boot camp, and I enjoyed it. Maize and rice are crops I’d consider working on alongside fish farming.

Have you been involved in any agricultural projects since the competition?

Not yet, because I haven’t had the opportunity, but I’m researching fish farming, learning about species like catfish, and visiting local fish farms. I plan to start a small fish farm while at university.

It sounds like fish farming is your true passion. Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

Yes, the practical side of fish farming really interests me, especially the business side. I love fish, and I want to invest in that space. I want to become a fish farmer. In 5 to 10 years, I’ll likely finish my medical studies and national service. Right after, I want to build my own farm. I’m still researching and learning about fish, like catfish, and visiting farms in my area. I haven’t pinpointed a specific problem I want to solve in the area, but I’m studying to understand the challenges and opportunities in fish farming.

Do you plan to practice medicine since your heart is in fish farming?

To be honest, studying Medicine is more for my parents. My real interest is in building a fish farm. I also love singing and acting. So, yes, medicine is my path now, but my heart is elsewhere.

So, you plan to fulfil your parents’ dream, then follow yours?

Exactly. I’ll study Medicine and Surgery for them. But once that’s done, I’ll focus on my dream: fish farming.

What’s the biggest misconception about agriculture you’ve discovered?

People think farmers are poor or just uneducated villagers. The boot camp showed me agriculture is a vast, exciting field with opportunities for everyone, not just the poor. It’s a profession that feeds the world.

How would you change that misconception if you had the chance?

I’d show people the difference through practical examples. For instance, I’d compare fruits and vegetables grown with organic versus artificial fertilisers to prove that organic ones are fresher and healthier. Demonstrating the difference would shift people’s views.

If you were president for a day, what would you change in Nigeria’s agricultural sector?

I’d ban artificial fertilisers and promote organic ones. Artificial fertilisers harm crops over time, while organic ones keep them fresh and healthy. It’s better for our soil and food quality.

That’s a bold idea. So, what advice would you give young people entering a similar competition?

Don’t let fear hold you back. Believe in yourself, put God first, and read to understand, not just to cram. We initially underestimated ourselves, thinking others were better, but confidence and preparation made the difference. Never doubt your ability to succeed.

Thank you for your time, Michael, but I advise you to follow your passion because it is very important. We want to see you succeed. Thank you for sharing your story, Michael.

Thank you for having me!

If you are an agricultural student or involved in innovative agricultural projects, we would love to hear your story. Send us a request to be featured on the platform today.