At just 19 years old, Tamarapreye Dimaro has already carved out a remarkable academic journey, graduating with first-class honours in Management Information Systems (MIS) from Covenant University and emerging as the best graduating student in her course.
Tamara, as she is fondly called, who happens to be the eldest of her siblings, credits her early exposure to leadership and responsibility for shaping her mindset and values.
Raised in a family where discipline, faith, and planning were the cornerstones of growth, she was taught from a young age to believe that “nothing is impossible with the right mindset.” This belief would later define her academic and personal pursuits.
“I’ve learned not to wait for opportunities, but to prepare diligently and create the right conditions for them to unfold,” she said.
A love for tech, rooted in purpose
Tamara’s choice to study Management Information Systems came from a deep fascination with how technology solves real-world problems.
Her course introduced her to both technical fields, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering, as well as business disciplines such as Project Management, Systems Accounting, and E-Commerce.
“MIS integrates technology, IT infrastructure, people, and business intelligence to drive decision-making. I found that incredibly empowering,” she explained.
From aspiration to achievement
Though her academic path was challenging, Tamarapreye was not surprised by her first-class finish; rather is deeply grateful. After a tough start in her first semester, she redefined her approach to learning, developing a study routine that included daily planning, class engagement, and strategic revision techniques such as active recall.
“I wasn’t driven by constant motivation but by systems and discipline,” she said. “Excellence became a habit, not a feeling.”
This strategy paid off, as she maintained first-class grades across six consecutive semesters, two of which were perfect 5.00 GPAs.
A full life on campus
Beyond academics, she led a well-rounded university life. She served as a wing representative in her hall, was a 2024 Millennium Fellow, and participated in the Hult Prize competition. Time management, she notes, was key, not about doing everything but about doing the most important things well.
Despite her packed schedule, she maintained close connections with family and friends and regularly carved out time for relaxation.
“Those quiet moments with friends or a quick game helped me recharge. Balance is everything,” she said.
Overcoming challenges with grit and grace
The rigorous balance of technical and business courses, especially during exams, often pushed her to the edge. Her final year, in particular, brought the additional challenge of a demanding research project on stock price prediction using hybrid machine learning models.
“There were moments I felt drained, but I learned that resilience is about never getting tired, it’s about showing up, even when you are,” she shared.
Her structured planning, support from family, especially her mother, and a circle of equally driven friends helped her stay grounded and accountable.
Redefining excellence
Asked whether the increase in first-class graduates is due to declining academic standards, Tamara firmly disagrees.
“At Covenant University, excellence is earned, not handed out. My grades reflect hard work, discipline, and genuine learning,” she emphasised.
She credits her lecturers for upholding high standards and providing mentorship that challenged her to grow, both intellectually and personally.
Looking ahead: Innovation, impact, and inclusion
For her, graduation is only the beginning. She envisions a future where she can drive Africa’s digital transformation through technology-driven governance, AI, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure development.
“I want to build solutions that impact businesses, governments, and communities across Africa. I’m especially passionate about bridging digital gaps and creating platforms for others to thrive,” Tamara explained.
She also plans to mentor young African girls and women in tech, committed to being a part of the generation that redefines global perceptions of African talent.
“Excellence isn’t just personal, it’s generational. I want my journey to inspire others to pursue purpose, not just performance,” she emphasised.
