Gbenro Adesina
In what looks like a tale from a Nollywood movie, Dr. Modupe Blessing Kamiyole, who recently obtained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology (Cybersecurity) at University of the Cumberlands, United States of America, took to Facebook to narrate her experience.
Encouraging those who may be passing through the same experiences not to give up, Kamiyole described how difficult it was to wade through life but eventually, she got her heart desire.
She wrote:
“I started kindergarten (Nursery School) at the age of seven. Had to also miss a year of school at the age of 9 to stay with my little sister because Mom could not get an “IYA” (a Nanny) for her. In summary, at the end of my primary (Elementary) school days, Mom called me and said that my father does not want to be involved in my education any further. Didn’t know why he did what he did, but some folks told me that my father was under a strong “Ijebu” spell that will not allow him to sponsor my education, and continuing education after primary/elementary schools involved money those days. Dad was a lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University satellite campus (ATC/ABU, Kano). Hmm, the Lion has spoken…, there is nothing anyone can do…, not even my mother. I was sad, and the future was blurry…, could not even think about what the future holds. Had to help Mom sell anything sellable, from Kankara (Iced water) to Kunu, to Zobo, to puff-puff…, to make ends meet.
“I was not allowed to go to a boarding school, as there were no means to finance it…, who will then be selling the Zobo, Kankara, Kunu, puff-puff, and so on if I leave for boarding school?
“Although not a palatable experience, I was happy when the Reinhardt Bonnke crusade riots hit in 1989/1990, and we had to leave Kano for Ibadan. However, I could not take my placement exam transcript with me due to the nature of the Kano turbulence, so I had to begin from Form 3 (JSS3) at Queen School Apata Ibadan. Though I was not happy, I still thank God that the school was free and I did not have to hawk anything. Just be a smart or rich kid and one can get into a good “High” school in the South but school fees must be paid in College. Before I could finish secondary (High) school, I had already gone to four schools in total due to some family situations and youthful exuberance. At a time in my life, I did not care about what the future held anymore.
“When I got to my final year of high school, Mom called me and told me that she and my father had concluded that I learn tailor business because they (Mom and Dad) believed that I would not be able to pass my WAEC (SAT) exams and do not want to waste their money… To the glory of God, I can proudly say that I passed my WAEC (SAT) in one sitting, and that is the same High School Diploma that I still used/tender to date.
“My main story started when I gained admission to the Polytechnic, Iree. It was then a satellite campus of the Polytechnic, Ibadan. I was very happy that even though I did not have the opportunity to do Jamb, I could still get into College. I sold food, snacks, cakes, and did any handiwork I could lay my hands on (except stealing (laugh)). I started from Remedial studies, though. In the fourth year (HND 1), I realized that I was one of the victims of the embezzlement that the rector committed… I WAS BROKEN! Where will I start from now? My mother and I wept and wept. We (Mother and I) later saw this same rector after a couple of months…, already released from prison! We confronted him with paying back all my money. He was just looking at us as if we were mad women. I wept and wailed, and that was the day I made a vow that I would further my education to the Ph.D. level.
“The Jamb was already taken for that year, and I could not meet up. However, I did not want to stay home for another year, so I had no option other than to get a diploma application. I got a diploma application in Statistics but later changed my mind when I was opportune to walk along the road towards the Theatre Arts Department of the University of Ibadan. The students gathered together, singing with joy! The joyful atmosphere, the singing, the happiness and enthusiasm showing in their faces was so magical that I did not know when I went back to the First bank and changed my Diploma in Statistics application to Diploma in Theatre Arts. It was so magical that I did not feel depressed about my present situation! The first time I will be so happy in years was when I get the admission to pursue a Theatre Arts degree! CHOBOI! However, My Mom almost passed out when she realized I had changed my course of study. I was working and going to school simultaneously during all my college days, and it was very tough…, very, very challenging. Until today, I still do not know how I survived those days.
“In summary, there have been so many difficulties in the journey of fulfilling my vision and my goals. Some of my high school and Polytechnic mates mocked me when they realized that I was just starting a Diploma when they were already back for a Master’s degree. It was depressing, but I did not lose my focus. I was determined to fulfill my goals, and my vision was not wavering! After I got married, a new intense and rigorous battle of life hindered me in achieving my vision for a while, but I will not be covering that in this medium.
“Folks, through all the frustrations, the ridicule, the hatred, the pains, the agony, the depression, the sorrows, and all obstacles, I held on to God and overcame! Furthermore, to those who believed in me and helped me on this journey (You all know yourself- especially my Mom), may God continues to bless you, and may you all live long and fulfill your destiny.
“I am writing this long post to encourage someone who wants to give up today to hold on, be determined, stay focused, and do not give up! There is a “Light at the end of the tunnel.”
