Introduction
My name is Aghedo Alele Peter, the second child in a family of six. I graduated from the university of Benin, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance. I also hold certifications in Project management, Human resource management, Health safety and environment from Pan-African institute of Professional studies.
Background
I was born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria and completed virtually all my education in Benin City. My father is a civil servant and my mother is a trader.
Growing up, I had so much interest in education. My father being a lover of education and also a disciplinarian truly wanted the best for us. This made my parents to go the extra mile of getting finance to enroll me and my other siblings in a private school. I remember vividly that whenever we fail to read our books, and also do our assignments, we usually receive the punishment of our lives. However, this couldn’t continue because of financial constraints. My dad had to withdraw us from private school and enrolled us in a public primary school.
My enrollment in a public school almost made it look as though I had lost my dream of becoming what I intended to become in life. This was because the public school I attended was overcrowded to the extent that if you didn’t come to school on time, you were left with no alternative than to sit on the window to take lectures. However, in all of these, I was focused on what I intended achieving in life. Even though I was there, my mindset was thinking beyond that school environment into the future I wanted for myself.
In the midst of these financial challenges, my parents began to experience serious conflicts and they eventually part ways.
Academic Pursuit
After my parents separated, my mother became the one responsible for our education. The burden of fending for the family was overwhelming for her and this made me venture into several menial jobs to assist her. I remember vividly that when I was in SS 2 my friends and I had to leave school severally to building sites to assist bricklayers in order to get money to buy text books and also pay for other minor expenses. It was out of the money I saved that I was able to buy my JAMB form; although my WAEC fee was paid for by my mom.
In 2016, I got admission into the university. That night, I remember the torrent of Joy that flowed through my heart. I had to inform my mother and called my Dad to inform him also. They were both happy on hearing the news but the challenge was how to raise the funds for the acceptance fee and school fees. I called some of my uncles and aunties for financial support, but there was no positive response.
My parents had to source for funds for the fees and I assisted them to raise the required fund; even as some of my friends also contributed. There were times in my year one where l couldn’t buy textbooks because the money wasn’t really there. This made me to get lower marks because some of my lecturers do award marks for buying textbooks.
It wasn’t really easy, there were times I had deep thoughts thinking about where the next school fee will come from, but God and determination kept me going.
RDSF and I
One day, while I was in 200 level preparing for the end of the semester, I saw a post on the WhatsApp status of a close friend about a seminar that was to be organized by an organization. When I enquired to know more about the seminar, he told me it was organized by RDSF. It was an ICT and soft skills training session. I never wanted to go because I was not someone that attends seminars in school. However, it was as though God was intentional about me going because I gave it a second thought and attended.
During the course of the seminar, I got to know that the Foundation had scheduled interview sessions for students from my school and other tertiary institutions who had applied online earlier in the year. They later decided to give other participants of the training an opportunity to attend the interview sessions before applying online. I visited their website, read the guidelines and applied for the scholarship. It was indeed a great relief to get a positive response from the foundation; afterwards I was given the grant which I used to pay for my school fees in 300 level. I also received continued support in my final year.
Conclusion
The greatest threat to the progress of any man in life is himself. No man can stop you if you are determined to become successful. My deep appreciation goes to almighty God who has
My name is Damilola Toyosi Ajibade, the only child of my late father and the first of my mum. I am from Ikorodu in Lagos State and a graduate of history and international relations from Tai Solarin University. I currently work as a personal assistant to the Chief Responsibility Officer of Widows and Development Services. I also make and sell different kind of native fabric called Aso-Oke. I am in my mid-20s.
I was 2months old when I started staying with my grandmother because my mother at the time was overwhelmed with the reality of losing my father at a young age and she despised me. Although she remarried but still couldn’t take responsibility of me. My grandmother is a strong and hardworking woman who could do anything to ensure I was well taken care of. There wasn’t much though; we lived in a room with shared facilities with my aunt who was schooling at the time. My grandmother was a trader, she sells cassava grains (garri) at the market and was able to cater for my needs as a child.
The dark days of my life started when my grandmother and I had an accident in the year 2003. While I had no scratch, she remained unconscious for days. Meanwhile, there was no one to go to her place of sales, her shop was locked due to reasons I couldn’t understand. She regained consciousness after days that I lost count of. After she left the hospital, to get back to work became an issue. She moved from selling yam powder to selling provisions in front of the house; but the situation never got better. She then took a job to offer cleaning services to homes and taking care of the elderly who had health or physical challenges; all in the cause of providing for me who had moved from primary to secondary school. Schooling in Maryland from Kosofe requires a lot of money, yet my grandmother didn’t stop me. I recall times she would give me all the money she had so I could go to school while she trekked quite a distance to work.
I finished from secondary school when I turned 16-years old and from then, I began to work to support my grandmother. Thanks to my grandmother’s teaching that were in line with the scripture, I was hardworking in everything my hands can do. I worked as a sales girl while staying with my aunt and stopped when she and her family relocated. I then moved to my mom’s place to work in my step- father’s shop where he sells different kinds of doors and paints. He promised to pay me annually but I stopped after realizing it wasn’t adding any value to me. I moved backed to my grandmother’s place and started learning decoration and event planning. While I was doing this, I mingled with some people that changed my orientation. Although my living condition wasn’t too pleasant at my grandmother’s place but I was at liberty to make decisions. I was also able to also cater for my needs from what I earned.
I wrote JAMB after much encouragement from friends and colleagues with little or no preparation. I sat for this exam in 2014, had a good score but couldn’t pursue admission because I knew there was no means to finance a tertiary education. Fortune smiled on me when I took a job offered on referral to work as a sales representative to a cement distributor. At this stage I was quite comfortable with what I earn. One day, my boss asked what my educational plans were and I told him I had none because there was no sponsor. He met with my grandmother and decided to support me financially. I was able to gain admission that year and also continued working while in school. It was a tough task to combine work with school because my physical presence was often needed at the sites but the earnings were motivating.
My joy was short-lived when my boss wanted to start taking advantage of me; like the popular saying ‘nothing goes for nothing’. I refused and he threatened to stop paying my fees. I informed my grandmother about my predicament and she had to go in search of help. We never saw that coming and for this time, we needed a miracle. Some money was lent while part was donated and eventually the fees for that session was paid. This situation eventually led me to my current boss – Mrs Williams who introduced me to the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation. I was guided through the application process by Mrs Williams and I eventually got the scholarship. When my former boss realized that I didn’t drop out of school, he then began to send me money once a while.
It hasn’t been a smooth and easy journey so far but I kept moving on; days without food hoping for a new morning, disappointment from direct family members but I kept moving on. I believe there are many people out there in similar or worse situation but my advice to them will be not to give up.
I would like to appreciate the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation, my spiritual parents, my sweet grandmother, Mrs Williams and everyone that has contributed to my success story. May God Almighty bless and reward you all
We don’t have the chance to choose where we want to be born and our preferred parents. Therefore, anywhere you find yourself continue to move and don’t stay there stagnant.
My name is Adesina Emmanuel, I am from Ogun State in a local government called Ipokia. I graduated from University of Ibadan where I studied Political Science. I currently work as the Administrator and a Tutor in one the best academic centres in Alimosho local government; Ever Bright Tutors/College (success at its peak). I also sell and fix all forms of Laptops, iPhones and Androids Phones.
Being born into a family of ten is not a fancy situation especially when the silver or golden spoon is not in your mouth. It is like you are born to search, work and fight to live and survive. I am the second born in a family of six boys and four girls; all from the same superwoman (Iya Koko). My Dad has a little form of education maybe to form 1 or 2 level I am not sure as we never had that conversation while mum had no formal form of education. Despite her educational status my mother supported her family and she still does with God’s help. One of the things I wish to accomplish before leaving this world is to write my autobiography because my life story will definitely give people hope. That is why I must make it.
My educational life started quite well as a brilliant boy; I definitely was leading the class as far as I can remember. I was in primary 4 reading 5 at Saint Matthew Primary school, Isolo Lagos state. One day the school owner Uncle Matthew called a PTA meeting about his decision to change the location of the school. It was moved to Alagbado and I couldn’t continue in another private school because Dad had lost his shop to fire and demolition at Tejuosho Market Yaba. This was the beginning of unpleasant times. My father made an attempt to register me in public school but government policy wasn’t favourable at the time. It was impossible to get admitted into any class other than primary one; so, I had to start from Primary 1 again. There was also an issue with my birth certificate and this led to another year without education. The brilliant boy at this time was already losing interest in education. After a year, my father was able to obtain a new birth certificate and I had to recite and read the morning songs again. The teachers knew I was different, smart and intelligent but they could not help me to jump a class.
I graduated from the primary school as the overall best student and I was so happy to start my Secondary school journey because I heard a lot of good and interesting things about science and other related subjects. Then struck the lightning, when we had to move because the landlord asked us to evacuate the house. Else I forget to mention, we were already six children at this time – this is my strong reason against a large family and it can never be over emphasized. My dad just had his own way of listening.
We moved from Isolo down to Ayobo which was a typical village settlement at the time. The only single reason was because my father could not afford the expensive rent the Lagos Landlords were demanding and they were also not encouraged to give their houses to a large family like ours. Three of us had to stay back in Isolo to continue our education while the rest of us never had any idea where they were going from there. The firstborn was thrown to my uncle’s place and I had to take the place of the first child. The period of our stay with our ‘big Daddy’ then was an experience that is best left undiscussed. It was a large single bedroom divided by a curtain. They were nine or ten in total before the three of us joined them. The landlord complained that she can’t allow us to stay with them. My big Daddy begged that she should just allow us to finish third-term and we would find our way back to wherever we came from but she didn’t oblige. We had to go to school as early as 5:30am because the Alhaja must not see us and we would wait at the school’s gate till the gateman opens the gate. The sound of the closing bell is the best period in schools because students are happy to go home. That wasn’t the same for me. Why? You have to roam around till dark so you can sneak into the house and you can’t go out of the room till the following morning. You should wonder what my weekends were like.
It got to a point that we had to move back to Ayobo and from Ayobo, my siblings and I had to go to school in Isolo. My own school was Ansar U Deen Comprehensive College Okota which is another journey from Isolo. You might take a guess what time I wake up and what time I get to school and return back home. I did this two to three times weekly for a complete session; not counting the weeks we don’t go at all. The movement changed and molded my education because I had to stay away from school for about two to three years. Thanks to my pastor that made the dream of going to school a reality again. I don’t have to narrate all forms of child labour I did just to survive and gather money for uniform.
My story in junior secondary school wasn’t fascinating because we were overpopulated, some of the teachers chose the wrong profession and there were periods where we stayed at home due to the government’s indebtedness to teachers. These imbalances changed my gear of education from science enthusiasts to someone at the crossroad. I eventually finished as an art student. To be sincere I wasn’t happy but that role developed leadership skill and communication in me. However, my love for science never died.
I took my first Jamb in 2012 and chose Obafemi Awolowo University. I took part in the Post Utme and passed excellently but whether I was given admission or not I can’t say. That can be attributed to little or lack of information about the processing of admission into the university. The following year I wrote another jamb and picked the prestigious university, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. The reason wasn’t far-fetched; I can only afford to sponsor myself in a federal university. I remember my parents asking me not to bite more than I can shew. I was determined to be the first graduate in my family and beyond after which my siblings will also follow.
I gained admission to study Political Science in the university of Ibadan although my strong interest was in administration. I had been involved in administration and management of people as far back as primary school days. UI does not have a Public Administration department and what was close to this happens to be Political Science. The news of admission into the university was like a fall of rain after a long drought but no basin to store the water. I hit the road and flex my tiny muscles because I had to raise funds just like I have been doing since age 10.
My 100l was okay because I had money from my savings to run around and go about with registration and other forms of admission process. I scaled through 200l but life became hell in 300l. This column won’t be enough to discuss what transpired during that period. Thank God Rehoboth Solid Dream Foundation came through. They play a major role in making my dream of graduating come true. Right now, I can boast through the help of God not me that two of my siblings are graduates and doing fine in their space and one of the army (siblings) is stretching the small pocket and I keep telling God that I need help. She is currently in 200 level in the law faculty of University of Ibadan. I am trusting God to help me achieve this by making her a renowned lawyer.
I am not fulfilled yet because I want more and I am not where I want to be. Although I can’t be ungrateful because things are better than when I had to wait on who will eat, remain and remember that I have not eaten. One thing this life has taught me is that you lose when you give up. So, if you fall seven times, lift yourself up twenty-one times. With God on your side, you will be great. Many parts of the story are left out because the best is yet to come (smiles).
All thanks to God and the wonderful, selfless and supporting trustee behind RSDF, God bless you all and soon I will be part of the trustees as well. We still have lives to touch.
Background
My name is Gambo Sandra and I am from a family of five. I am the third child and the only girl. I am from Uromi in Edo State, I have a BTECH in Project Management and I am currently working as a sales executive with Vava because I was retained after my nysc program. I am also a realtor at ATCO homes. I was born in 1996 at the Air force base in Ikeja, Lagos State. My father worked with the force and my mum was a trader. I attended Air force primarily school and everything was working out fine as we could afford the basic needs of life and were very happy until I lost my dad in 2001 while I was still in primary three.
The Dark Pathway to Survival
My mum didn’t own any property In Lagos at the time and couldn’t afford to pay rent since she was just a petty trader. She had to send my little brother and I to my aunt in Bariga, Lagos; which is located on the mainland and I thought I would continue my education at my Aunt’s place. However, instead of sending me to school, my aunt turned me to her domestic help for running all manner of errands in the house. I cried each time I saw my cousin go to school and I am in the house. It continued like that for a while until one day, my brother and I decided that we should run back home and we did. My mum had just received the death gratuity of my dad and she sent part of the money to her brother to help her get a property at Ibeju Lekki axis so she can focus on my dad’s burial. She also had to take me to another of my aunt’s place in Ogun State to stay for a while. This aunty treated me very nicely and I also attended a very nice primary school where I did primary four. After a while, my mum was told to leave the Air force base, she called my uncle to ask if her house was ready, he told her to come that he was done with it. To our astonishment, my mum got there and realized that nothing has been done on the land and started crying because she had nowhere to go. My uncle then suggested we come stay with him since he lives in a three bedroom apartment in Jakande Estate; he gave us a room and took two for himself and his family. After a while, I was brought back home, my mum enrolled me into Victoria Island primary school where I eventually completed my primary education.
The struggle to access education
Few years later, we had settled down and adjusted to a new environment and financial situation. I got admission into Aunty Ayo secondary school in ikoyi and my mum got a shop in Jakande; she was making sales and we were happy again until one day, I got back from school to see all our belongings outside. My uncle’s wife had hired some men to throw our things on the street for reasons I still can’t explain today. My mum cried and promised never to go back there because if not that her brother spent all the money that was supposed to be used in building her house on himself, we won’t be in that situation. It was people around that moved our things into their houses because it rained on that day. My mum had to beg God to send help. An old woman heard what had happened and asked my mum if we could be sleeping in her sitting room because she had rented out the remaining rooms in her flat. My mum agreed and we moved in with her; we would spend most of our time in the shop so that we only go to the house at night to sleep and leave very early in the morning. I missed a lot of classes because my mum couldn’t afford transport fare; sometimes I ask people to carry me on their lap, while sometimes I stand in the bus. This often made me get to school late and I still get punished for coming late. It continued like that till I got to SS1. While in SS1, I met with Pastor Kehinde Komolafe; he was the Teens Coordinator at the Redeem Christian Church of God, Resurrection Parish in Jakande Estate Lekki. I told him my problems and he directed the late Ms Bamipe to be giving me weekly transport fare and this was how I was able to concentrate in school. My mum was excited that my transportation was sorted and this continued till I graduated from secondary school. My mum eventually got sick and almost lost her life. We took her to the hospital but there was no one to help us with the medical bills; we had to bring her home and hope for a miracle while my eldest brother took charge of the shop. He decided to extend our shop since it was wooden to make an extra room and we moved in. We stayed in our shop for three years before a company came that they want to use the land. They compensated my mother and that fund was to complete her 2 bedroom flat and we moved into it. I got a job after secondary school and started to assist with the bills.
Taking action
In 2012 I got admission into a polytechnic, I couldn’t afford it and I had to leave it. I told late Ms Bamipe about it and she encouraged me to try and get admission into the university then we will know what to do from there. In 2013 I got to know about pre-degree program at the Federal University of Technology Akure, I told my mum about it she told me she couldn’t afford it. I cried for the whole day and when she saw I wasn’t happy, she felt really bad and went to take a loan from a micro finance bank to fund it. I got to school and couldn’t afford accommodation. I met with a lecturer and told him I needed a place to stay, he took me to the portal and asked her to let me manage in any of the room since school was on strike and most of the rooms in the hostel was vacant and that was how I got free accommodation for the first second semester.
The RDSF Impact
I wrote jamb in 2014 and I passed and then went back to the late Ms Bamipe who spoke with Mrs komolafe and she told me to apply for the RDSF scholarship. I got the scholarship and this covered my tuition and accommodation. I became the class representative of my department and I was able to sell handout to my coursemates to get money to feed myself.
After our first set of results were pasted, I was shocked to see my cgpa was 2.19. Tears roll down my eyes and I couldn’t sleep for nights. What happened was the school did a Computer Based Exam and there was no matric number 87 and I was 88. However, whatever matric number 86 scored was recorded automatically for me. I had same score all through with her and same cgpa. I went to complain but I was told nothing could be done and this was me on the verge of losing my scholarship. It was a traumatic experience and I even had to start fasting and praying. I put in so much hardwork to eventually graduate with a second class upper in 2019.
Thank you for your support
I thrive daily to be better as I aspire to get a better job placement to enhance my career and earnings. Today, I can say I have started impacting the lives of others the little way I can. I am very grateful for the support I received from RDSF and I specifically want to appreciate the Founders and Trustees of RDSF, Admiral & Mrs Komolafe and Late Ms Bamipe who was always there for me. My dream of being a graduate came to pass even when my mother could not have afforded it. God bless you all.
My Name is Nnah Kelvin Chinonso I will start up my story by saying this 
Many great men have tales of humble beginnings to tell, a fact that buttresses the saying that ‘nothing good comes easy’. It is even a common saying here that ‘He who craves to be tall would not mind to have tiny legs’. So, it is believed that greatness and success come carrying a huge baggage of sorry tales. In spite of all of these I was determined to tell a different story.
I grew up in a family of two children and I am the first child in the family growing up was a huge struggle as my parents struggled to pay my school fees all through my time from primary up and until secondary school I remember vividly how my Father was robbed in broad day light on his way to pay my school fees after I had been sent home from school severally the thought of what my parents went through to raise the fees was one that haunted me as it was a loan , to pay back with a certain amount of interest. All of these struggles continued up until I finished my secondary.
The Beginning of Hope – Our Decisions
Seeing the neighbourhood I grew up in I was determined to stand out and also, my mother constantly reminded me about the love of Jesus who makes all things beautiful in His time. She also brought me up in the way of the Lord. I remember growing up, my favourite verse of the bible ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and every other thing shall be added unto you’. This has always been a mantra and always kept me in check at every point in time I feel like doing it my own way or following the way of the un-righteous.
I agree with the saying that we are a product of how much we perceived ourselves, and also the decisions we make goes a long way in shaping our lives for the better .I remember the very day I received my admission letter into the university it was a bitter sweet feeling I looked into their eyes and I could tell it all. As it was glaring the questions my parents both asked themselves would they be able to sustain their first and only son through the university we had acceptance fees to be paid and whole loads of fees. I was stuck in between losing my admission and leaving it all to chance and hoping a miracle happens. Just when all hope looked like it was falling apart God used my aunty to raise money to pay for my acceptance fees in all, my family members all contributed in their own little way to complete my entire fees.
At a point my mother got in contact to Mrs. Abimbola Akomolafe who introduced her to Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation. I wrote to them about my career goals and how financially capacitated my family was in achieving my career goals they believed in my dream and they sponsored me. I am beginning to see the fruit of this kind gesture and investment of a lifetime.
I became a beneficiary when I was in 200level. As at then, to access materials for learning was difficult. Things could have been even worst when my dad lost his job during my 100 level in the build up to my 200level if not Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation I honestly would have been a drop out from school as my mum had to cater for the entire family from her meagre salary she earns working as a Cleaner which wasn’t enough as some times she always get into bad debts and solicit for help from well-meaning colleagues and family friends.
The Steadfastness of Hope – Persevering
Lamentations 3:22 says; the steadfast love of the lord never ceases his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning and because perseverance is so important a choice, and because it is no small challenge ,God’s promises has always been sure to strengthen us with all power so that we can attain steadfastness. During this period we really need to preserve and keep our eyes on the goal. Sometimes I must admit it can be difficult but with Christ all things were made possible because challenges comes in different forms, to limit us and make us doubt God’s plans and purpose for our lives. I encountered different challenges that could have limited my chances of ever becoming a graduate I kept overcoming, one challenge at a time.
RDSF has seen me through my academic pursuit as I was able to pay my fees with ease and as at when due. I also had materials at my disposal thanks to RSDF.
It occurred to me that education has the power to transform people and the potential to take them to places they never imagined they could get to .It has the power to reshape one’s life and bring beauty out of ashes .I said to myself what if I had dropped out of school what would have become of me if I never had the support of RDSF.
Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation has invested in my life and education and, for this I am eternally grateful.
I agree with the saying that there is always light at the end of the tunnel just when life is about to take a twist God always shows himself strong for his own if there is anything that works whenever we are facing difficulties or adversity, it is not to give up and start thinking of retreating .It is to continue fighting and to climb on the shoulders of adversity.
Influence – Someone is watching
We can never tell the possibilities of a little seed of joy and happiness we sow in the life of others. My mum has always been a huge influence in my life bringing me up in the way of the lord, and always making me realise that my life is like an open book before everyone an I am the author how I choose to write it determines what kind of energy I want people to see and also that we are nothing but pencils in the hand of the creator.
Looking at my life and the life of others around me, there are a few things that I have learnt that comes to mind.
Finally, I can’t but appreciate God for RSDF as they have proven to be more than family. I owe everything to this family of mine (RSDF)
May God bless and continue to keep RSDF.
BACKGROUND
My name is Lawrence Andrew Akor, Male and second out of two children. I hail from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue state. I hold a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from University of Jos and a Bachelor at Law (BL) from Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus. I am currently a Corp Member serving with the Ministry of Justice, Katsina, Katsina State.
THE CRADLE
I have been with my family all my life and have noticed how we got to this present state. The journey at the beginning was quite daunting as it all proved that all hope was lost. My Dad finished his National Diploma in the year 1996 when I was four years old and had to stay for a while without job. He later got a job with the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) where he was sometimes not paid for months. Initially, he didn’t like the idea of my Mom working; we had to rely on him for virtually everything. The non-payment of salaries cum the travail faced by the then Nigerian Railways Corporation eventually led my Dad into quitting his job and that alone brought untold hardship to the family. At a point, my elder brother and I will jubilate upon sighting rice being prepared as meal in the house. All this happened while we were residing at Kaura-namoda, Zamfara state.
THE STRUGGLE FOR A BETTER LIFE
I attended Sabon-gari Model Primary School, Kaura-namoda, Zamfara state. This was a government (public) school. We were only allowed to pay a token of ₦20 as PTA fee and ₦10 as money for our report sheet in a term. I remembered vividly that we were taught eight subjects of which Arabic, Hausa and Islamic Religious Studies were practically compulsory. We were allowed to take Christian Religious Studies examination only on examination day in place of Islamic Religious Studies and we were never taught in school. We were advised to attend Sunday school as supplement for normal classes. An attempt to persuade my Dad into changing my school to private was met with harsh and adverse comments. This will not be unconnected with his low financial standing and the family predicament.
Within this period, my Dad had to do a lot of jobs just to ensure that we feed. On one of such occasions, he embarked on the sale of liquor (alcohol) which is still prohibited in Zamfara state. Sometimes he would be arrested and embarrassed publicly but couldn’t quit because he had to feed his family. There were times when he would calculate his profit even before selling and on many occasions, he usually doesn’t meet up as he was used to selling on credit.
In 2001, an opportunity availed itself for my Dad to gain a job; my Dad met a police commandant who was ready to help him get into the Nigerian Police Force. He sold everything to raise the money for the quest and left us with only ₦5000. My Mom toiled into the same line of business and had to be sending money to my father while He was in Police College Sokoto. The news that my Dad’s recruitment was successful in 2002 was met with a great joy as he even sent some pictures of himself. My Mom handling my dad’s business became a turning point in our family. She managed it efficiently and effectively and unlike my dad who sold on credit, my Mom was very strict. Soon we began to have Christmas clothes and good food. My Mom was practically the head of the family because my Dad’s salary as at 2004 when I finished my primary school was not up to ₦10,000.
In 2005, I was enrolled into Federal Government College Anka, Zamfara State and my brother 2004 with the expenses emanating from my Mom. It was more like a herculean task on her because she also had to send some monies to my Dad who was far away at Abuja. While in school, we were not like other children. We were mindful of our spending and always have at the back of our minds our background. We often return our pocket money back home and our Mom was very pleased with us.
THE UNIVERSITY STRUGGLE.
I graduated from Federal Government College Anka with one of the best result in the school in the year 2010. Due to the challenge in securing admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, I enrolled at Federal Polytechnic Kaura-namoda for an IJMB programme. During this programme, the house that my Dad and Mom were building at Masaka, karu LGA., of Nasarawa State was roofed and near completion. My Mom was asked to relocate and move to Nasarawa state and that was not helpful to us at all. The support from our Mom Seized and we all relied on our father’s low income to survive. My elder brother was also in school and Mom was at home doing nothing. My Mom’s only sister – Comfort Uloko came through for us. She was a relief to the family. She assisted financially and we always look up to her for practically everything. I got 14 point from possible 16 in my IJMB examination but had to drop the result because the combination couldn’t secure me admission to study law as a dream course ( a course I made up my mind to study at Primary three).
In 2013, I eventually secured admission into the University of Jos to study law. I can tell you for free that I lost my voice that night after checking my admission status. This was due to the massive shouts and jubilation. The next problem afterwards was that I still have to wait for ASUU to suspend strike that year. This was a great news for all and sundry. My family in particular couldn’t hide their joy as their son will soon be a barrister. This is coupled with the fact that I have been applying for admission for three years now. They were oblivious of the fact that such profession is capital intensive. As my lecturers would say that the legal profession is not for the poor. My dad on his own part did his best. He ensured that my year one fees was paid with a reasonable pocket money for me to live well in school. This was because he was still basking in the euphoria of his son studying law in the university. My fees were only paid and there was no money for textbooks. I squeezed to buy lecture notes and that got even worst in my 200 level. My pocket money was affected badly because my Dad took a loan from Police Microfinance Bank and we had to survive by the leftover of his salary after the loan is deducted. It will interest you to know that he was a Corporal then awaiting Sergeant. Things took a different dimension, so, I had to borrow books from friends.
MANNING TO THE TASK
It was obvious that my Dad’s salary will not be sufficient for my family with all honesty. This was never his fault because my brother was also in school and my mom very sick at that period. I have to do something to support myself. I decided to teach whenever we were on break or vacation. And most times, I don’t resume early with my mates as I have to work for an additional month to be able to help myself in school. Most of my mates thought I was unserious and was doing that deliberately but the few that were close to me knew my predicament. God blessed me with the gift of good friends. My friends were very loving and caring in the university. We were called Golden six – Feng Mandung Pwajok, Nuhu Kim Mali, Charity Oganya Ogbole, John Ben Odeh and Dominic Okaja Dominic. We are still very much together and close as the bond we share seem to be growing even stronger. These friends were very helpful in school – academically, financially, morally, etc. Giwa Anyinpoyi, Stephanie Alli and Happiness Adamu also came to my rescue on many occasions. To further cut down expenses in school, I decided to cook once in a week. I would take garri in addition to whatever I ate from my friends. The lecture time table was also helpful as we were so busy that one would forget that he hasn’t eaten.
TURNING POINT
In 2015 while in 200 level and towards the end of our second semester examination, I was thinking about my school fees for the next level when Giwa Anyinpoyi recommended me to our level coordinator – Matthias Zachariah Esq. for the award of RDSF scholarship. I met the requirement but was reluctant to upload the necessary documents due to my previous experiences. I arrived home on the very day I finished my GST examination to resume my teaching job as usual. The news at home was not palatable as my Dad was seriously sick. That was when I realised that I needed to complete my scholarship application which I earlier put on hold. I sent all necessary documents to RDSF via email and an acknowledgement message was sent to that effect. I had even forgotten that I applied for a scholarship when I was contacted by my mentor cum big brother Mr. Edison Egere that I needed to be in Jos for my interview. I was confused at that point and didn’t know what to do. How do I get to Jos considering my Dad’s ill health? There was no money in the house. I put a call through to Mr. Edison Egere to know if it was possible for me to reschedule my interview date. The answer was in the negative because the team will be coming to Jos from Lagos for that very purpose. The question is how much was my transport fare to Jos then? The sum of ₦2500 would take care of that. The amount I couldn’t afford. It was that bad. I became hopeless and very worried.
I went to church the Sunday before the interview that was scheduled for Tuesday. That was when I actually believed that God is on the throne. I am a Catholic. The chairman of the Catholic Men Organisation – Mr Bitrus P. Zuli came to our youth meeting. He was meant to address the youth and towards the conclusion of his address, He acknowledged me as “the Jesus of the church” (I had acted the role of Jesus in the Good Friday Passion play). The chairman told the youth that He promised to give me something for malt but has failed to do that. He immediately brought out the sum of ₦2000 from his pocket and gave them to me. I was filled with joy. I didn’t share the money with anyone. I made straight for home knowing well that I was going to travel. At home I got additional ₦500 from my Mom. That was how I was able to attend my interview.
Fortunately for me, I was considered for the RDSF scholarship at the time my sun was about setting at noon. My Dad whom I even borrowed part of the money to buy drug didn’t survive the sickness. My life in school afterwards was a bit hitch free as I was able to buy books and pay fees as at when due. The support for my law school tuition fee by RDSF came unexpected. It was indeed succour and a massive relief.
APPRECIATION
My big brother Edison Egere has been very helpful and supportive in school. He often calls to check on me. Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe, Mrs Bimbo Komolafe and the entire RDSF family, I will forever be grateful to you. By your kind gesture, I have decided that I shall also affect humanity positively. I pray for the opportunity after my youth service to give back not to just RDSF but the society at large.
Kindness is not measured by the result you get in return. Sometimes it is exhibited in order to affect people even without any affiliation with them. I make bold to say that this is a gesture that is being exhibited by RDSF today. God bless RDSF.
To the glory of God, I am now a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
My name is Makanjuola Ogunleye. I am first a beneficiary of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation, An ambassador of the same foundation and a PhD student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
I had my master’s degree in Computer Science (Predictive Analytics Major) in May 2019 from Austin Peay State University, Tennessee, US.
Due to my master’s program, I had an opportunity to fly to New Jersey, US for an all-expense paid Leadership retreat. During this trip I paused to reflect on some things and on the power of Education.
I thought; “Education has the power to transform a person, it has the potential to take you to places you never thought of going. It has the power to reshape one’s life, to bring beauty out of ashes. I said to myself what if I never went to primary school, or what if I was never serious in my secondary school or higher institution, could I ever have had this privilege that I am having. Then I concluded that an investment in Education is a worthwhile investment.
Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation has invested in my Life and education and for this I am eternally grateful. I received RDSF scholarship twice, first in my second year in the University of Lagos and the second time in my Final year. This scholarship with financial assistance came at crucial points in my life. For the first time It was to support my career aspirations. I desired to pursue a career in Information technology, I wanted to register for a Cisco Networking Academy Certification Exam with the hope that this could be added to my professional portfolio and could be a stepping stone to further my education in the United States, but I was financially incapacitated to achieve this dream.
At this point in time I got in contact with a friend who introduced me to Rehoboth dream solid Foundation. I wrote to them about my career goals and how I was financially limited to achieve them. They believed in my dream and they sponsored me. I am beginning to see the fruit of this kind gesture and investment in my life.
This is my story; I grew up in a family of five children – Second born of my the family. At 8 in Basic 3. I occupied the second position in Academics in a class of about 50 students. At 9, in Basic 4, I stayed at home for the whole first term of the Academic year due to insufficient money to pay my school fees. When I finally got back to school in the second term my position dropped to fourteenth. It took me two terms for me to get back to second position and then to the first position. I had many tough experiences while I was growing and I’m able to tell this story because I have in one way or the other scaled through them.
Looking at my life and the life of others around me. There are a few things that I have learnt that comes to mind.
I agree with this statement that says, “Our decisions determine our destiny”. From choosing the clothe we wear to choosing either to walk or drive to work and choosing to eat at this restaurant or the other. We make daily decisions that shape our directions in life. It would be to our utmost
advantage if we seek out time to conscientiously identify the best decision for us at each moment of life and to follow that decision diligently.
I was looking for a way to best illustrate this idea and I couldn’t find a better example than an experience I had as a Freshman in the University of Lagos. When I first got into Unilag I was naïve and had little understanding about the approach and strategies to becoming a successful student. I was carried away by every wind that blows – I walked about cluelessly with dozens of friends to visit every location on campus and to attend every sightseeing events (relevant and irrelevant) at the expense of my academics. Then one evening, I paused, and I asked myself real life questions. If I keep doing what I am doing, what would my life tend to? I then decided to stop every unimportant activity that I am involved with and to cut away from friends that tends to pull away more than they push me towards success. This was a defining point in my life. From then everything changed. I had a renewed focus. A single passion and purpose – To succeed. And I was ready to commit everything I have got to make it happen. At the end of that semester I was the only one together with another student that had a First-Class grade in my class.
I think when we carefully make a decision that impacts us positively and we tenaciously follow it
– That alone is the beginning of hope and the steppingstone towards a brighter future.
Many times, whenever we are working towards a goal, difficulties, distractions and challenges comes our way with one purpose to limit us from achieving our goal. During these times we are to persevere and to keep our eyes fixed towards the goal.
I remember when I was preparing to come to the United States for my Masters. I encountered different challenges that could have limited my chance of coming. But I persevered and I kept overcoming – one challenge at a time. For instance, after receiving a scholarship that waived my Tuition, the total amount needed to make necessary preparation (Visa processing and flight ticket) was a little above half a million. I didn’t have anything close to this amount at that time. The situation was so tough that I almost began to have other thoughts about the travel process (maybe it’s not God’s will, if it’s God’s will then money shouldn’t be a problem etc.). Then I thought to myself I would be foolish to think like that and to make such kind of conclusions. God has overtime shown himself to always take preeminence, superiority and Glory over seemingly difficult situations. I then put my absolute trust on God. Gradually, as the moment flies the money needed started to surface and I had more than enough to finish my travel plans.
When we dream and decide to be successful in any of our endeavors, what we are doing in essence is that we are extending an open invitation to challenges that would tend to fight against that dream. Because the way the world is formed, it is place where our life and achievements depend on our fight. If there is anything, I think works during any period whereby we are facing difficulties or adversity, it is not to give up and look back towards retreat. It is to continue fighting and to climb on the shoulders of adversity.
Let me just shed a light about the situations surrounding international students in the United States so that at least those who have intent to further their studies in America would benefit from this write up too.
As an International student in the US you are given a Visa Status (called F1 visa) that limits your flexibility of work outside of school. When you graduate you can work only for a maximum of three years (for those in STEM field) unless you receive a change in Status. This means you must get a Job or move into another program in other to extend your stay in the US otherwise you would have to go back to your home country.
This puts a lot of International students on a race – race to be settled with a Job or perhaps a higher program – especially when they are in their final year of study.
I was in this same situation in my second year of my master’s program. I applied to several Internship and Jobs that I even lost count and to a few Desirable PhD positions. I went through recruitment stages with top companies like Google, Amazon and Visa. I even reached the last stage with Google, but I did not pull through. I got rejections from lots of other companies too.
I had similar experience with my PhD applications. One after the other I was getting denials from the programs I applied to. However, I kept on to the power of hope despite difficulties. One day I reached out to the Chair of one of the schools I applied to, which is a highly desired and competitive school. She told me all my application documents were great and competitive and that scholarships were not currently available but that I should get back to her as time goes on to know about the status of scholarships. Time went on and I was about a month away from graduating and I haven’t heard anything yet from my applications. But I kept on hoping.
Amazingly towards the end of my master’s program the chair of the school emailed and asked me if I was still interested in the PhD program. I said YES! And that was the beginning of a new story full of joy and gladness. I got a fully funded PhD scholarship to advance my studies in Statistics.
I believe that when we have put our very best and things are not forth coming. If we put our absolute trust on God, we would soon see him working and when he starts to work he is void of limitations!
Another thing I have learnt in life is the power of influence. We never can tell how much influence we exert in the life of others. We never can tell the possibilities of a little seed of joy and happiness we sow in the life of others. I have seen people watch me and replicate some of the things I do in life. The moment I noticed this I made up my mind to live my life in such a way so that I can always exert positive influence in the life of others.
Finally, God is the author of our lives he has the architecture of our lives with him. It would be a wise and worthwhile decision if a man draws near to God and learns to trust in Him for guidance in every situation of his Life. I never regret living my life this way.
Introduction
My name is Ige Rachel, the last child in a family of four children. I am a graduate of the University of Ibadan from which I got my LL.B degree, I also hold a BL degree from the Nigerian Law School, Abuja.
Background
I was raised in Ibadan and had most of my education in the large city of rusty roofs. My parents were both civil servants who were deeply involved in the overall welfare of their children. My father was a teacher as such, he placed a high priority on education and did all he could to ensure that his children had access to great education. I remember when we were in Primary school, my father would wake my siblings and I up as early as 4:30am. We would read our book till 5:30am, have our family devotion and from there prepare for school and we were never late!
Expectedly, with our supervised reading our academic performances improved. I particularly was always in the top 5. Thankfully, my school, St Catherine’s Nur/Pry School, Jericho Ibadan, has a proprietress who loved to encourage students who display academic prowess and show avid interest in education. As such, being the best graduating student in my primary school, I was offered a partial scholarship at St. Catherine’s College, Aleshinloye Ibadan. This was a great relief to my parents as they had to juggle payment of my elder siblings’ university education alongside mine and my brother’s secondary education.
My father would always tell us that the only inheritance he would leave for us is a good education and with that he was confident that we can forge our own paths and make a name for ourselves. His aim, as he would always tell us, was to ensure that we his children would have all completed our tertiary education before his retirement.
His death……
Unfortunately, about four years to his retirement, my father died. This was during the long ASUU strike in 2013. I had already gained admission to study law at the University of Ibadan and was in my second year at the time. Due to the strike, I had enough time to grief and was a bit emotionally stable at the point of resumption. Before my father’s death, I was a bit too comfortable and lax with my education, as I always believed that as long as my father was available, things would always make sense. When he died, I had a rude awakening, I knew I had to work harder since my failsafe option was gone. Thankfully, though I could not afford to buy textbooks, I was blessed with senior colleagues who donated theirs to me and they really helped a lot.
My brother who was a banker at the time took up payment for mine and my immediate elder sibling’s education, supporting my mother. It helped that we were both in Federal universities with reduced fees.
RDSF and I
The first time I heard about RDSF was in 2016. I was already in my final year when we were notified of a call for applications for sponsorship by a charitable organization through the University of Ibadan. Although I was almost done with my school, I felt the monetary aid would come in handy for my thesis as I was struggling and managing the limited funds at hand, it helped that I was frugal. Unfortunately, an interview date was set for applicants but I was not aware because my phone was faulty and I didn’t get a notice. I only knew about the interview days after it was conducted when a junior colleague informed me. By December 2016, I graduated with a Second Class Upper against all odds.
It however seemed that God was intent on my paths crossing with RDSF. When it was time for law school, I could not afford the fees but it didn’t stop me from trying. Garnering the fees was a daunting task particularly because the fees were almost four times the amount I ever had to spend in a session while in the university. I considered giving up the whole idea of attending law school until a colleague of mine who was a past beneficiary of RDSF encouraged me to apply for sponsorship. I was well aware that most of their beneficiaries at the time were undergraduates but I just had to explore all chances no matter how slim. I visited their website, read the application guidelines and followed them to the letter. It was a great relief when I got a response from the Foundation, I was given a grant which revived my hope and vigour and within a few days of the grant I was able to pay my school fees and also get reading materials, textbooks and satisfy other needs with the help of family and friends.
Conclusion
To benefit from a scheme, grant or curry favour generally it is often believed that you need connection, a foot in the door, a person on the inside. I probably would have continued believing in that stereotype if I had not come across RDSF. Just by following due process and making a standard application, RDSF came through for me without caring who I was or who I knew; all they cared about was my desire for education and they strived to keep that dream alive and for that I would always be grateful.