MY EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
The struggle started about 20years ago. It was a terrific scene for a beautiful Monday morning as I was told. I was taken to Adegoke Nursery/Pry School, unarguably one of the best primary schools in my region. The proceedings were done, and boom! I became a pupil in the school.
I completed my nursery classes there. Due to some reasons, I couldn't complete everything there. That's the moment I changed to Ghanaian Nigerian International Group of Schools, owned by a Ghanaian, Dr. Akubia. I completed my primary school education there. I was a public figure there, probably because of my popularity, and intellectual reasoning. I was well-known by all and sundry in the School. But all in all, Phebey is a genius that I greatly respected, nobody comes close. I wonder what she'd have become by now. May her gentle and beautiful soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
A day to the incident, we played too well. Full of strength. We never knew! I was bothered that day. That really looked strange. I've been sensitive to stuffs, right from day one. Our colleagues usually call us love birds. The information reached out to me the following morning, was still on bed sleeping. It's like a dream. I had to cleanse my face. I couldn't believe it, Phebey is gone? How?! Why?! She's absolutely amazing, intelligent. I've always liked intelligent babes right from time. The one that I get jealous whenever I see other boys talking to her. And how I usually followed my Mom to Secretariat on mid term breaks, then, fully dressed in my DANSIKI, with a well tailored native cap. To say hi to her father, and going by the culture, I usually lay flat on the floor. I wasn't a shy person, like now. I miss those days.
I enjoyed the unnecessary competition among us; Me, Ojerinde Rokeeb, and Ademola Paul to see who get to the finishing line first. We usually move at the same pace with the teacher. I guess that's what made my writing more legible, I won't say otherwise. My writing tend to be more beautiful those days. But now, it's beyond my comprehension. The more I go, the worst it becomes. Secondary school was still pretty okay. The tertiary own is out of it; my colleagues don't pray to sit next to me. They will see nothing.
In no time, we were already in primary five. On the day of our UNIFIED exam 'Private Schools' held at Adegoke. I met some new faces, the likes of Saleem; the talkative. Rhyanna; the playful one. Naheem; the noise maker.Those were the ones I could still remember. I noticed that. It's a fun-filled day. Meeting new people, and all. You know, you are about to have another taste of life. And for my common entrance examination, I was really tensed on that day. I was posted to Ogboja Grammar School, my Dad was the Vice Principal. I remember how I was tagged by my colleagues with different names - 'School daddy e ni now, o ni problem', till we got back to School. That was their song. Na him go mark am? Try make it make sense. And, how we normally have extra lessons between the hours of 3-5 led by Mr. Odesola. Tunde Olawoyin, and Toheeb Raji were Maths guru.
Fast forward, I applied into Adegoke College, did their entrance examination; on this day I met Adeoye Mukhtar and Okedigba Ruth. I was offered admission into the great citadel of knowledge, for my secondary education. I met bosses there, jackers, you know. They all made it interesting, and stressful. A lot happened during this phase, but I wouldn't like to dig deep on that. My experience at ADEC can never be fully discussed here. It's so lengthy, plus the challenges. Boom!, here we are, SS3, everybody was full of joy, hoping to get it done, gain admission into the university, serve for a year, get a well paying job, get married, and live happily ever after. But, life's beyond that. And everybody was able to see that.
In Junior classes, I miss how we normally play soccer in the school. You design your players to your own taste, using paper. We were consistently chastise for the act by the teachers. We were all engrossed in this act, we were caught on different occasions. Always staying vigilant. The cheat was a simple one, you make the players big, and tall. Some of the opponents then usually make their players bigger than the post. We were about 7, and how we usually create a league table. The individuals with better performance move to the next level, then, and then, and then. I once won the league. Lateef, Mukhtar, Hezekiah, Qoyyum Arisekola, all did too. Muhideen, Faith & Favour were in the group too. The day I won, I was full of myself throughout the day. E be like say I won jackpot. E no easy.
Physics, and Chemistry were actually my best subject, I find those courses interesting to read, plus their uniqueness. My mathematical foundation was hell! I gained interest in Mathematics when I was in SS3. It's a tough one, but I managed to get through it. The passion continued to grow big and bigger, an unexpected one. Then, I became a die hard fan of Mathematics. It reached a point Chemistry got substituted by Mathematics on my list. I solved nearly all the questions on Physics and Mathematics then series 'WAEC'. Mukhtar is a witness.
I miss how myself and Mukhtar usually buy fish roll, as we fondly call it. We normally buy #50 each; that was #5 per one. That makes it 10. Our group walking when going Home, I miss them, it's always fun. The separating point is always funny. We usually get off the board one after the other, once your reach your destination. The last person maintain the cycle. The usual extra classes on Saturdays, I miss them too. And, how we usually branch at Ìyá Síkiírù spot to get ourselves a well-papped pap. Pap #10, sugar #10. I miss Nigeria. We sef don dey old oo. Ìyá Síkiírù was the number one in the neighborhood, before she left for her country, Togo.
Yes, I attended Success Link Continuing Education Centre, Igboora. Being a first timer in that environment was full of shyness. I eventually gained myself back, and I met different species of students there. The bookworms, the gentle ones, the silent killers; not gentle, the average members, the fine ones, the disturbances, the hunchos, the ITK gang, the never ending questioners, etc. I'll spend the whole day stating the different kind of breeds there, let me stop. IHS Students actually held the highest percentage, no doubt. Na dem plenty pass, na them get Scholars pass. It's all fun, and interesting. In all, I miss Corper Destiny. I actually hate going to the lesson on Saturdays, we usually stay longer. We finish normal classes by 12. Start further Maths session, Mr. Aako. Then, practicals! Those days are usually long.
Sorry, I'm moving too fast. Yes, in SS2, I was appointed as the assistant time keeper, I ran that for a session. I represented my school for competitions at Ibadan with my colleagues - both were held at Wesley College of Science, Ibadan 'WESCOS'. The first one, I was there for a debate competition; imagine. Do I look like a good debater? I'm a terrible one. I know what I faced when I had one within the school premises. I flopped terribly. I was called by different teachers giving different instances, you know. So, this same me, you gave me a Debate. Come on, that's a big joke! Those that were supposed to represent in debate were set for quiz. Misplaced priorities. That's when I knew we have problem. How would you set me and Maryam for debates?! Mukhtar would have done better.
The competition wasn't even on my mind. The exploration was all I had on my mind. My first time of seeing Ibadan. I was really anxious. I locked my eyes at the window side till we got there. We actually noted every labelled place in a jotter. Everything! We got to the venue, and my heart skipped for a bit, I was perplexed by the number of schools, and the students. Girls with mad vocals! Melomelo. The crowd scared me out. Will I be able to stand this? I asked myself. So, na me go face these efiwes. Interesting.
The second time wasn't as shocking as the first one. I've gotten the system. I represented the school in Chemistry. My colleagues offered Mathematics and Physics, too. It's funny. Then, we went with the junior category too - name withheld, they offered Mathematics. People dey para. Questions that I was still trying to wrap my head round it, some were already done within 45-50minutes. Mad!!! I don't know what they did. As in! No be the same question?! That's how we ended that. We headed back home, discussing the questions. That's gone. Sorry. The COWBELL competition was a funny experience; no calculator. And how I ended up seeing one Michael Paul on the list scoring a 100/100 is still a mystery. He's from Benue. He did the same thing in MAN. He killed it. 100/100 too. Come on! People dey hot.
In JSS1, I won't deny the fact that I once doubted Raimot's competency in English. But, along the line I was proved beyond reasonable doubt. We changed teacher in JS3, still she held the number one position in the course. SS2 too, we changed teacher. Still! That's when I realized she's actually GOATED. I respect her for that. My clique in junior classes were Faith & Favour Adetona, Sauban Adseope, and Taiwo Hezekiah. It's really a progressive group. We run stuffs together, and that's helped us all grow into better individuals. The constant reviews on Solution. Checking who get the highest mark. It's all fun, and challenging. And I'm glad they are all doing well in their respective fields. In Senior classes, I had no clique, but I had close buddies.
The day we were all waiting for is finally here, it's time for prefects to be elected/selected, SS3. All ready, and jiggy. The election was done, and the decision was made. The list came out, and I was selected as the Health Prefect Boy, and my long-term beautiful one emerged as the Health Prefect Girl. We were swore-in. And, we ran this for a whole session, as well. The day I carried out a general check on the pupils; socks, finger nails. And a close one was found guilty, I seized his socks. His whole class was against me. I was called by several teachers - "why did you seize his socks?". Me; "First of all, it's not allowed to put on a black socks, it's against the rule of the school, and Mas, I was just exercising my duty". They were surprised.
Within no time, the WAEC timetable was released, everybody was tensed, it's a thing we never tasted. How would it be? Gbam! The exams kick-started, and we were all fighting our way out. The day of physics was a day I'd never forget. And NECO, during further mathematics. We were all choked, and my further mathematics colleagues, too. Well, the result came out, and AlhamduliLlah, it came out well. At least, you understand. We had our Valedictory Service, and that's how we ended the whole thing. I'm declaring this publicly, I love you all, and I miss you too much.
I collected Jamb form, chose FUNAAB, I did their post utme. Compelled to answer 60questions in 25minutes if I'm not mistaken, with my friends - Bolaji, Martins, Ali amin, and others. And yeah, I was offered admission, I didn't accept it. I wasn't pleased with the course. I didn't tell my Parents, I had my reasons. I told them in 2020 or 2021. And, I must say, FUNAAB is a beautiful campus, plus, their land size is hell! I trekked the campus with a friend, looking for a brother. Ommor! E choke.
That same year, I applied for the First Technical University Scholarship, Ibadan, during the tenure of Hon. Habeeb. The processes were done. And, the examination date was released. Despite the fact that I was not physically okay; I had a dislocation. Yet, I managed to show up for the examination at the premier University 'Ibadan'. I was there with the likes of Adebayo Sururoh, Adetokunbo Soliu, Amusat Islaameyah, and several others. We were forced to wait for hours under hot sun. Omooor, I sufffered that day. I used the second hand to support the other hand. The hand could do nothing. I was so weak, but that didn't affect my brain. I know what I was doing.
Thankfully for me, we had CBT, considering my energy at that period, it was a yes for me. We diid the examination, I operated with my left hand, and I was really happy. We headed back home. I waited for days anticipating for a message. Indeed, I got nothing. I reached out to a friend, and she said 'she received a message'. That's the moment everything looked interesting. I enquired about my score, nothing was presented for it. I've never been sure of anything than the exam. I eventually locked up sha. It's what it is.
Towards the end of that year, I proceeded to Winners Advanced Success Academy 'WASA' in Ilorin for Advanced Level Programme. There, your field of interest determines your subject combination. Me, as an aspiring Engineering student that I was, I offered Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. For any health related course, Maths will be replaced by Biology. It's a very delicate moment. I remembered my first moment in that class, it's a funny one. I entered to see new faces, and I set for the front seat, then I was told, 'Sorry, someone's here'. Silly young me, I've forgotten this is not a secondary school. Seats are always been booked. When I get used to the system, I did that on different ocassions for my close pals - Fareedah, Abiola, SK, and many others.
Within no time, the system is part of me already. I met scholars there; Agboola Lukman; the maths lord. Neemah; she can read for straight 18hours. Eze; she never missed a question throughout my stay in winners. Al-Murtador; the silent wizard. Jacob Emmanuel; the organic lord. Stephen Nathaniel, Dunmininu Akeredolu, Joseph Oluwi, Victor Siseku, and several others. These People are fire! For the couple of months I spent there, it's wonderful moments, filled with everlasting memories. For days I usually have classes from 8-6 on Mondays, it looked like hell. Monday to Friday, I'm always having classes. Plus, the distance my hostel shared with the centre na die! Oju ri to.
I've seen and seen alot in hostels. In my room, we were 5. You can imagine how congested things will be. I can't count the number of times our goods have been taken, even when the door is locked. Things sup! Hostels taught me alot! You learn lessons there. If you no wan wise, you go wise.
For days we'd to trek to the junction just to get bike to Kilanko junction, that'd cost about 7minutes+, pelu ìrìn àrìkárakára. I must say, confidence almost killed me during this phase. The time SAM will be busy jacking Nelkon & Packer. I respect him for that. Always busy jacking till around 3AM, consistently for months. I'll be busy sleeping. I never felt oppressed. Believing I have everything under control, and I did. It just wasn't that much. How I wish I could jack like that. I'd probably be on top of the world.
On the day of the final exams of A'Level, out of 1860+ that seated for the exams at my designated examination centre, just like jamb, and common entrance. Myself, and 200+ others offered Mathematics. That day, I nearly died! The hall was scanty! It's a great day. Everybody was busy solving, battling, exploring his/her mathematical knowledge, calculative skills, looking the questions critically. The hall was in total silence. The atmosphere wasn't friendly. There was heat everywhere. Everybody was boiling, we all could feel the intensity of the course. AlhamduliLlah. I conquered.
Furthermore, I proceeded to Kwara State University. I was convinced by a brother, and I was able to get his points. I didn't think it twice. I was given admission to study Materials and Metallurgical Engineering (MME), Direct Entry (D.E). 200level was a very hard one for me. I started on a rough note. Everybody felt the heat, but I felt it much more. I was disturbed. I'll tag that level as the most worst level throughout my stay in the University, I was shaken. A lot was on my mind, then. I was physically exhausted, reasons best known to me. Moreover, being a fresh Student, my desk was filled with several activities. Combining everything together was a bit hard. But, all in all, I managed myself.
Boom, exams were fast approaching: first semester. I had everything in control, but my mind was on Engineering Maths and Engineering Graphics. Engineering maths being a complex and terrifying one. And, Graphics being the stressful, time consuming, and disturbing one. I never had problem in them. The stress wasn't just for me. The drawing of lines, creating your title bar, writing names, dimensioning in (mm), plus the necking that comes with graphics made it unfavorable. The every week classworks, and assignments. The fights for seats on Mondays for graphics - owing to the fact that FST Students usually take the course with us.. Omoor, na better push we dey always give ourselves. If you no stand gidigba, you go collect. You know, you have to get yourself a better table to project your drawing table for better comfortability. I didn't hate them. I no just like stress. Well, I did the exams, and I actually overcame. To God be the glory. I kept on doing this over and over. Exams come, and they go. You know.
This same level, we had our SWEP (Students Work Experience Program). It's a standard proudly recognized by all courses in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology in all Schools. It's a case where you go round all the department in Engineering, spend some weeks there. It all lasted for months. We were provided with working tools; lab coat, measuring tape, screw driver, and solder. It's the same in all Schools. I fell in group A, and the first department I was, was Aero & Astro! E choke!!! À fi ká fi énu á dáké.
In 300level, I became a registered Member of NAMMES; National Association of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Students. The whole process became more challenging than it was before. I had to put in some extra efforts, realizing I'm losing control. I sourced for practice questions, moved closer to my predecessors, most especially Bro Mustapha, asked about each and every Lecturers in my department about their mode of teaching; How do they teach? What's the marking guide? Are they strict? The anxiety in me didn't let me rest, and I made sure I got answers to those questions. I was gaining some stands, doing well. Energetics 1&2 happened to be my fav. course in this level. Dr. Bello made the course easy for us all. A versatile Lecturer. The provings! Bibo. 300level is gone! My best year and my worst nightmare.
Part 4 is here. Everybody was happy that the journey is eventually getting to an end. You know, the first semester, then I.T.. Then finals come. That made it more exciting The 400level was more fun. Exams were like-stess free. It's tiring, though. We did series of online classes, series of assignments, physicals tests and online tests. I didn't forget. Exams were around the corner, everyone was busy battling with their books; this semester must obeyed. We all jacked, jacked, and jacked! Exams started, and I fought through. Stephen is a good friend. I'd miss his incessant disturbance on me getting the practice questions solved, then we'll review it together. He brought out the beast in me. I don't like jotting out. But, I had to, for the reviews. Exam is gone! IT; industrial training is knocking. Where do I go from here?! How? The only plug I had had failed me. I had to wait for a month or two before I can be granted. There were some students there already. That's Ewekoro Cement Industry. Me later lock up. I have a lot to tell my kids.
Fortunately, after series of tour to Lagos, Ogun, and Ibadan. I later secured one, but guess where? Ilorin! I never though of there. The day I got admitted, I started work. Throughout the first week, I dey always tire. I'm not used to it. The following week sha, I was full of energy, I've gotten used to the system, I can now officially stand for 5hours. And, my bond with my fellow Colleagues has grown much stronger. We now converse as buddies. This made it much easier for me to express myself in their midst. I ask questions whenever I'm confuse about one thing or the other. Fast forward to the day I was introduced to welding with a galvanized pipe, I welded the whole components. As an amateur that I was, I can only weld on galvanized stuffs, 'cause no matter how much the pressure you exert on it, it will never get punched. It's a safe one for amateurs to weld on. Also introduced to cutting of metal rods, plate etc, and grinding of a welded part for smooth running. And many more.
My Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at VICTORY TECH ENGINEERING WORKS was indeed a worthwhile experience as I was exposed to a vast range of knowledge of manufacturing industrial machines, and all effort and systems of promoting its quality. This course has broadened my knowledge in the practical aspect of my course of study. It was full of fun. I met a lot of amazing and creative people there, Alfa, Aji Baba, Alfa AminuLlah, Godwin, Yorobo, and many more which I will not be able to mention. All thanks to the Boss, Engr. Sanjo Gbadebo, jiinu Engineering for the rare privilege. I'm humbled, Sir. We had the usual IT defense in the School.
Striaght to finals, first semester. I was tired. The break was too long. Since the end of 400level first semester, we've been away from school. Reading was a bit hard, you know. The stress is out of the body. Pretty sure a lot of people really enjoyed during their ITs, even us that didn't. So, getting back to the school activities was a bit difficult. But, we eventually adjusted. The first task on desk was the project proposal defense; it was at this point I began to feel the heat. I've always had phobia for crowd. I had to train myself, adjust to the whole situation. About 2-3months after, exams came knocking, and it sure did. Adding the project to the regular school activities wasn't easy.And, I'm sure those that have been there will clearly understand.. Preparation on preparation.
Some days after the examination, the progress defense came up; still on the fact that I don't enjoy speaking - I hate it.. My project was actually a group one. We were three in my group and we did split the work into three parts. I was saddled with the responsibility of design analysis, power efficiency, calculations, energy balance, momentum balance, and natural balance for the Design, Fabrication, and Evaluation of a Motorized Fruit Juice Extractor. Something Baba Kamo will do without taking any of those into consideration. But, being an engineering Students that we are, we have to follow the right protocol. We are Engineers, not Fabricators. Wahala. Work began fully. Everything was getting set. It's getting clearer. We had the progress defense, and we ended that semester like that.
Second semester of the final saga is knocking; having in mind, the tension is getting reduced. But,the joy of being a graduate in some months set everything right. Had our usual classes, tests, and serries of assignments. Exams is here! And yes, the semester was a very sweet one, going by the exams. About 2weeks after, the final defense came up. That's always been my biggest fear in school. The project was presented, defended, and graded. As the adage says; Man propses, God disposes. The result eventually came out, but the result was below expectation. Gosh!!! AlhamduliLlah always!!! I never took that for granted, and I immensely appreciate all. A lot has happened.
The 5years journey is done!!!
And some months after, the convocation, and the induction program were set, and we celebrated in grand style. 5years no be play. And I'm glad we all are alive to witness the joy, and I pray this will not be the end of it in each and everyone's life. And I say a very big thanks to Almighty Allah for his guidance. My parents for their love, support, and nurturing till this moment. My gees. Another big one goes to my colleagues for everything, I appreciate you all. Thanks, and God bless. Alas!
#materialscientist
#materialsengineer
#mineral processor
#metallurgist
© Fatiu Bello GMNSE.
