On Thursday, July 25th, 2024, my four years academic journey which circumstantially metamorphosed into a five years journey eventually came to an end when I took my last examination. I am so grateful to God that a journey which seemed as though it will never come to an end finally did.
Apart from God, who initiated this project and saw me through till the end, there were people who stood by me to make sure this achievement becomes actualized and I will always remain indebted to them. First, to my ever dutiful parents, most especially my mom, who initiated this project when I did not even consider it feasible because I allowed the financial hardship I faced during that season to becloud my vision.
I remember how difficult things were. I was so despondent because the business I was running as at that time that was so profitable collapsed unexpectedly, as a result, picking a JAMB form to process my admission into the university was the least thing that I ever considered.
When she shared with me that she wants me to go to the university, I had questioned her about how we will be able to raise my school fees every year for as long as the programme will last, she assured me that God was certainly going to take charge. These were her exact words, ‘have you not seen orphans go to school and come out successfully? The same that has been doing it for those orphans will do it for you. You are not an orphan, you have me and your father alive. Together we will support the little you will be able to generate from the skills you have acquired and you will be able to foot your academic bills’. These were the words that strengthened my faith.
Even though I was financially capable to buy JAMB form, my mom was the one who got it for me just to encourage me. While I acknowledge the efforts of my both parents towards this achievement, the bulk part of the accolades is unapologetically allotted to my dear mother. My greatest joy today is that my both parents are all alive to share in this joy.
There are many people who have also made contribution towards this success, and, as much as I don’t want to bother my audience with their names – and, of course, it would have been a long lengthy list as they are many – I want them to know that I truly appreciate them from the depths of my heart.
The Beginning.
I set out on this journey in the month of April, 2019, amidst doubt. By stipulation, it is usually a four years programme but mine lingered into the fifth year and this was occasioned by two factors. My first year of studies was interrupted by the corona virus outbreak in the year 2020. And, later in 2022, another interruption came when the academic staff of public universities embarked on a ten months strike.
Do I Have Any Regret That I Chose this Path?
Certainly not. My life has witnessed a sustained tremendous improvement both intellectually and in character throughout the years that this programme lasted.
About My Course of study, no Regrets Either.
After I had thoroughly carried out a self-assessment, English education was the course I finally settled for. There at the university, the English I met appeared to be tougher than what I had imagined, but, thankfully, I was able to scale through because I was so determined.
I had My Days of Adversity Too.
Like every other person, I had a fair share of my days of woes which would have made me to give up on my educational pursuit. The first terrible experience occurred during my first year in school when I discovered that I had two Ds when my first semester results were released. I also remember how discouraged I became when I learned that the school fee portal was to be closed the next day. It was already a day to the deadline and I was still not able to raise my school fees. God knew how disastrous the consequences would have been so he stepped in. Miraculously, the portal closure was further extended by two weeks.
GOD Gave Me Friends.
One of the things that will always make my university days memorable is the gift of friends that God has given me. The story I am sharing here would not have been complete if I fail to tell you how resourceful they were to me. All through this journey, my friends have been so helpful to me, both academically and in other areas of my life.
While the sign out ceremony was going on, I got a surprise gift of my portrait with a letter attached to it from one of my friends. As long as I will live on this earth, this is one of the things that I will always treasure in my life. I am so happy that I have not only return with a degree from this journey, I have also been able to establish valuable friendships and relationships that will last for a lifetime.
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