FOUR YEARS IN THE SAVANNAH II

Chapter 2: A TRAP Ogbomoso slowly faded behind me, but the memory still lingered in my brain. Hot water slowly slid down my cheeks.I leaned back in silence. At that moment, I did not fully understand what I was stepping into, but I knew one thing, I was no longer the same person who had stood at that gate a few minutes earlier. Years passed after that journey North, and I began to experience life in ways I never imagined. Moving to the north, I had a belief that the grass would be greener. That getting admission would be a piece of cake but nah…. Life humbled me. I sat for Jamb two times before I was able to secure admission on my third attempt And it wasn't because Jamb was “jamming” me, but because I kept listening to too many voices. “Apply BUK,” some advised. “No, BUK is competitive. Go for university of Abuja instead,” others insisted. And I kept changing my decision every time. Following different opinions and advice. In this process, I delayed my admission. It was when I stopped listening to different voices and I decided for myself that I got admission. The day I got admission to Federal University of Kashere, Kashere, Gombe state remains one of the significant days of life. Prior to that day, I had checked my portal countless times. Each time I checked, I ended up being disappointed. “Admission not yet offered” kept staring at me. Over time, I became pessimistic and I was already preparing myself to wait for another year. Then that particular day, I was scrolling my phone when a message popped up from the school affiliated Whatsapp group. “Check your portal. Admission is dropping” At first, I ignored it but something urged me to check. My fingers trembled as they hovered on the screen. The internet connection was slower than expected. My mind was heavy and the fear of the unknown engulfed my body. Finally, the page loaded. I moved the screen close to my face. I blinked, then looked again Here you go! “You've been offered admission.” My breath stopped for a moment. After years of uncertainty, waiting, finally I got admission to study “English and literature” My lips spread into a smile. I soon spread the good news to my dad. “Welcome, sir,” I greeted “How are you?” he asked, as he moved to settle in his chair I moved to his front, with my phone well balanced on my palm. He looked straight into my face “What happened?” I paused for a moment. “Sir, I have gotten admission” His face lit up. “Wow!” he exclaimed. “Congratulations” I breathed, “Thank you sir” He sat up and started making enquiries. “So, how much is NSUK school fees?” he paused. “Hostel and everything?” My lips were pressed together and breath started gushing out in speed. For some moment, our eyes were glued. He adjusted himself on the chair. “I am talking to you.” I scratched my head nervously. “Actually sir…” I began “I gain admission to Federal University of Kashere,Gombe state not Nasarawa state University keffi.” Instantly, his expression changed. He frowned and ground his teeth in a way no one could notice but I did “Why would you choose such a far place!” he shouted. I stood still like a child that just bet wet My eyes were fixed on the floor. “Your Brother and sister chose schools far away from Home and now, you want to follow their steps. Who's going to be helping with my work?” Finally, I gained courage to speak “Sir, I had tried NSUK but I wasn't offered admission” Silence…. He leaned his back, staring at the ceiling “I am out of this,” he said “Just know how you are going to sponsor yourself.” Hot tears gathered in my eyes. Usually, when a child gets admission, the entire family celebrates. Relatives will call to congratulate. Even neighbours stop by to share in the joy. But mine was totally different All the sacrifices, prayers, and years of waiting suddenly felt useless. That evening, I sat quietly for a moment and reflected on the journey. I asked myself a question, “Will my dream ever come true?” I tried to discuss my decision with him but he refused to listen. I consulted relatives and some of his friends hoping to persuade him to at least respect my decision. He eventually gave in and I started preparing for school. Little did I know his acceptance was a set up — A trap that would teach me one of the greatest lessons of my life. TO BE CONTINUED… @ÀDÙNÍ

Four Years In The Savannah

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