- UNN PhD graduate narrates how he pushed wheelbarrow, weaved baskets to raise money for his school fees
- Odo says dad also engaged in menial jobs for his education even as mum was selling banana, groundnuts on the high way for his education
- He advises youths not to give up on their good dreams, says hardworking, honesty pay
Call it from grass to grace story but for Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odo, success in life can only be achieved through dedication, hard work and perseverance.
Dr. Odo, the immediate past leader of Udenu local government legislative house and chairman of the legislative leaders of all the 17 local government areas in Enugu state bagged PhD in political Science and on May 11, 2024 was among the PhD graduates at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
WITHIN NIGERIA reporter caught up with him at Ekpo convocation hall where they had a hearty and he x-rayed his tortuous journey into the hall of intellects.
Excerpts
In the beginning
My name is Nnamdi Odo from Obollo-Afor, Udenu local government area of Enugu state. I attended Maitumbi Primary school, Minna Niger state.
My parents couldn’t pay my school fees when I was in nursery 3 and gave me out to an uncle living in the North. I grew up in Niger state doing boy servant and going to school. In JS3, due to family crises my uncle sent my younger brother Ikenna and I back to our parents.
I stayed a year plus, doing all sorts of menial jobs to support the family as the first born son. I resorted to weaving baskets, pushing wheel barrow on Afor and Orie market days. In those days, we hunted squirrels which we sale to bush bar people just to raise money to go back to school.
My dad also resorted to menial jobs to feed the family, mum was hawking perishable fruits along New road Obollo Afor.
Apart from other menial jobs I did to raise money, I also sold books and had savings from teaching in private schools. This helped me to finish my secondary school level.
How God sent helper to me
Despite all these, I couldn’t still sponsor myself fully in the university. And so, everyday, my hope of returning to school continued to be a mirage until God sent a helper in the person of Rev. Fr. Brendan Nwodo who was my parish priest at St. Mary’s Iheakpu Obollo.
The priest heard of a young intelligent boy who wanted to go to school but his parents had no money.
Fr. Nwodo took it upon himself, sent me back to school and paid my fees till I graduated from the University.
After my first degree and National Youths Service Corps program, I had to choose between being satisfied with first degree and taking a step further by obtaining a Masters degree.
The decision to go for my Masters was a difficult one because I had nothing at hand financially. But I had to rely on hardworking and grace of God.
At each point of my life, God always send helpers to put me through, my education never cost my family beyond Nursery fees for the terms they could pay, other terms I was sent home and stayed back till the following term. My Master’s first year school fees was paid for by Odoh Cletus, AKA Government. He may not remember, but I remember running to him for help and he never hesitated before giving me the school fees.
God sent other helpers when things seemed difficult. Prof. Fredrick Eze made sure I picked my Ph.D form and continued dragging me up whenever I thought of giving up. My Ph.D theses is specifically dedicated to him in appreciation of his mentorship and fatherly roles in my life.
While at University, I was writing books, going to churches, schools and bus stations to sale them and support my family and plan ahead.
What next for me?
I am looking forward to opportunities both in lecturing and politics, so as to serve my people.
My advice to youths is to have a dream and be consistent in pursuing it. Work hard and if you never give up you will achieve your goals.
After NYSC I went back to do my master’s and eventually Ph.D Today is a testament that if you never give up you will reach your destination. Though, I am yet to reach mine but when I look back to see how far I have come, I nod my head and appreciate God for bringing me this far from the rubbles.
I dedicate this achievement to every young person aspiring for greatness, especially those who come from poor family. Do not be discouraged, just have a dream and pursue it.
I never let my dream die.
