CHAPTER 6: REALITY SETS IN

The first week passed quickly.

I took my studies seriously. Every fresher's dream was to graduate with first class and I was no exception.

Between lectures, assignments, trying to understand the university environment. 

I was so focused that I barely had time for anything else.

Every morning I woke up with determination and excitement.

I was finally a student of English and literary studies. I must make Àdùní proud.

And this dream must come to reality 

But what I discovered soon was bill.

One afternoon, after the lecture I sat scrolling on my phone.

Students were discussing recommended textbooks, handouts, and departmental dues.

Some had already completed payment, while others were planning to pay.

I listened to them.

My situation was different.

The little money I came to school with was reducing.

Transportation, Food, photocopies, charging of phone and other expenses were draining my pocket.

I began to worry for the first time.

The excitement of gaining admission began to wane and gave way to worriness.

The reality set in.

That evening, I phoned my father.

“Hello.”

“Good evening, sir.”

“How are you?”

“I am fine sir.”

There was brief silence.

I swallowed.

“Pls I need money for expenses in school, sir,” I said “There are recommended novels I need to buy, sir.”

My dad did not utter a word. I stared at the screen of my phone because I thought he had ended the call.

“Hello, sir.”

“Hmmm,” he finally responded.

“I don't have any money right now”

My heart ached.

“Okay,sir.”

“We will talk later,” he said before ending the call.

I stared at the phone screen.

The conversation didn't last a minute, yet it felt heavy.

It was then cleared to me that I was alone. 

My father's approval wasn't genuine.

It was a trap wrapped in approval 

I couldn't take it out of my mind for days but I tried not to think about it.

I attended lectures.

I copied my notes and did my assignments.

I laughed with friends but beneath all this was worriness.

Everytime Lecturer discussed handouts, I became uncomfortable.

Everytime my fellow students talk about payment, I feel so uneasy.

For years I had waited for the moment.

Now that I was finally here, another battle began.

Battle of survival.

That night as I lay on John’s bed, sleep refused to visit me.

I stared at the ceiling. The thought of calling Àdùní crawled into my mind, but I recalled that things weren't easy at home as well. I recalled the sacrifices she had made from when I was a three years old boy till the time I left.

I thought about the promise that had brought me to kashere.

This was just the beginning of the journey and things were difficult as this.

So, I was ready for the days ahead and how it would test me the way I never imagined.

During this,I finally found my apartment and I moved out of John’s house.

Although the four of us were in a room, I felt a sense of belonging.

Bro obinna was in the 300 level. Apostle Yoma, Gift and I were all freshers, trying to find our feets in kashere.

Living wasn't convenient but we became more than roommates. 

We became Brothers.

Gift and I were the youngest and we naturally grew close.

Our closeness transcended university walls.

During holiday, I often visited his family.

His mother, who is now my mum in Gombe, welcomed me with love that reminded me of Àdùní

She was there in the difficult moments

Looking back today, I can say this without hesitation.

My story in Kashere would be incomplete without Gift's mother.

Sometimes, God answers our prayers, not by removing our struggles, but by placing the right people in our path.

Despite people like her around me, the journey ahead was about to teach me that having a place in the university was one thing; surviving there was another.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

@ÀDÙNÍ