The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, recently hosted its inaugural alumni lecture series to inspire, motivate, and encourage young people and undergraduates. Benjamin Nworie writes
The maiden edition of the alumni lecture was a flagship of the faculty under the dean, Prof Nkechi Emma-Echiegu. Dr Chike Onwe, from the Department of Mass Communication, coordinated the event. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Awoke, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Ike-Elechi Ogba.
It was a day of fun, of celebrating hard work, and of sober reflection and lessons. The day that a great alumnus of the university, Dr Chimaobi Anyaso, shared his torturous struggle in life, and how he rose to the limelight. Anyaso said he saw “hell” during his academic pursuit at the Department of English and Literature, but he never relented or was demoralised by his poor background.
“I did not attend university to get first class. I came to Ebonyi State University to grab my certificate and run away with it. I was never a brilliant student. My classmates knew that I was not intelligent. I do not attend lectures every time. Furthermore, anytime I was absent from lectures, I was either going on a business trip or marketing one product or the other,” said Anyaso. “Sometimes, when I visited the village, I used to take mangoes and other fruits to the market. I was hustling. I was into different things to make money.”
The story of Anyaso served as an indication that everyone can succeed in life through hard work, commitment, and dedication. It was not as if he only wanted to grab his certificate and run, as he said, but he had a keen interest in business and entrepreneurship. He drew inspiration from his parents. The theme of the lecture was ‘From Classroom to Boardroom: The Power of Education in Shaping Destiny’. The auditorium was filled as Anyaso inspired the audience, including students and lecturers. He went down memory lane and shared how he made it in life. Indeed, education can shape every destiny.
He was accompanied by his wife, friends, and business associates. He began his lecture with emotion, perhaps in appreciation for God’s grace in his life. He gained admission in 1999 when Ebonyi lacked the basic needs of life. Life was so miserable in the state, ravaged by guineaworm and other diseases.
This university gave me more than an education. It gave me belief. It gave me the courage to dream. I walked the same paths many of you walk now. I sat in those lecture halls. I faced academic pressure. I wrestled with self-doubt. I even questioned whether my dreams would survive outside these gates. When I graduated in 2003 with a degree in English and Literature, which did not reflect my potential, many people quietly wrote me off. Some thought my story had ended before it truly began.” Anyaso concluded, saying, “Your future is not written in your grade. It is written in your script. Some of the most successful people on earth started from failure, from rejection, from nothing. Your setbacks are stepping stones. Turn your delays into discoveries.” The event also allowed Anyaso to give back to the university. He donated a study hall to the university. The complex, which cost N250 million, is expected to be completed and inaugurated within 12 months
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