As another session is coming to end in the university of maiduguri the students are in jubilee as the whole atmosphere is filled with laughter and conversations about home and the upcoming holidays. It is a rare moment when students take a break and enjoy the comfort of home and be rejuvenated for another session in 2025. Many are excited to go back home, some are eager to complete their exams in the upcoming week but it is a whole different feeling for Favour Sunday a final year student from the department of Maiduguri.
Education is a dream for many, but achieving it often requires extraordinary resilience. Born into a modest background, Favour’s path thus far was paved with challenges. Despite the odds, her unwavering determination and resourcefulness enabled her to rise above her circumstances. Now set to graduate, Favour’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.
Favour is the eldest child of two of her late parents. It was the first of her administration that she lost her mother to cancer and just when it felt like things couldn’t get any worse, she lost her Dad the next year. “The death of my dad came as a shock to me as he was hail and hearty” she narrated. ” We even spoke on phone the night before and he was fine, we even made plans about travelling to the village together…not knowing it was the last time i would hear his voice” she explained as she fought back tears from falling. It could be seen that the death of her Dad is a pain she is still unable to move on from completely as she had to repeat a semester due to the emotional stress. Since the death of her parents, Favour’s life would never have been the same, as a young ambitious lady with lots of things on her check list to accomplish had to give up on those unchecked list to take responsibility for her self and her younger sister.
“It wasn’t easy,” she said, her voice steady with pride. “I had to take on part-time jobs, from being a receptionist at a spa to selling items online. Sometimes, I had to choose between buying textbooks and saving for my next tuition fee. But I knew I couldn’t give up.”
Balancing work with academics was no small feat. Favour recounted nights when she stayed up studying after long shifts. “There were days I thought I couldn’t continue, but I reminded myself why I started. I wanted to make my Papa proud and fulfill his long wish of his first child graduating and to be an example to sister.”
Favour’s resilience was tested at every turn. She explained how she managed her finances meticulously, ensuring every naira was spent wisely. “I learned to prioritize. I cut out unnecessary expenses and focused on my goal. Sometimes, it meant sacrificing comfort, but it was worth it.”
Her Boss and coursemates admired her work ethic and determination. “Favour is an inspiration,” said one of her lecturers in the Sociology Department. “She’s a brilliant student and a role model for others. Her story shows that with hard work and focus, anything is possible.”
As she prepares to graduate, Favour reflected on her journey and shared advice for others facing similar challenges. “Don’t let circumstances define you. Your dreams are valid, and with determination, you can achieve them. It won’t be easy, but the journey will shape you into someone stronger.”
Favour Sunday’s story is not just one of academic success but also a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Her journey highlights the importance of access to education and the need to support those who strive against the odds to achieve their goals.
As she steps into the future, Favour plans to use her degree to make meaningful contributions to society, particularly in addressing issues of inequality and access to opportunities.
To Favour Sunday, we say congratulations! Your journey inspires countless others to believe in themselves and strive for greatness. You are proof that with resilience, hard work, and faith, no dream is too distant.
By Doris John Tah, a 300level student of the Department of Mass Communication University of Maiduguri.
