Mazi Obi Okonkwo sat at the podium watching the new matriculants as they processed to the matriculation ground dressed in their colourful academic gown smiling happily to the flash of the camera.
The feeling was ecstatic, memorable and awesome for him. As the students from the school of Engineering processed, he watched keenly to see if he will sight his son on the queue. It has been his desire to send Chukwudi his first son to a University of Technology to study Engineering. And today, after many years of writing JAMB, Chukwudi finally got admitted to study Civil Engineering.
Being a petty trader who trades on secondhand clothing (known as Okirika), Mazi Obi Okonkwo sold his plots of land in the village to be able pay his son's tuition fees and other necessary fees. He happened to have four children (three boys and a girl). Chukwudi being the eldest was far older than his siblings.
Mazi Obi was of the school of thought that he just have to make sure his first son acquires a university education, after which Chukwudi will serve the country, get a job in an oil company and then take over from where he (Mazi Obi) stopped. That was what he believed.
He saw how Chidi, one of his brother's son excelled during his time. Chidi bagged a first class degree in Mechanical Engineering, served in Lagos, and later secured a job with Chevron Nigerian Limited. Chidi was a like prophet sent to eradicate poverty in their extended family. Mazi Obi believed that his son will do greater works than Chidi.
As he watched, he reminisced his youthful age. He recalled how he was unable to acquire university education due to hardship despite being a brilliant student then.
The early death of his father made life miserable, harsh and poor for him, his two brothers and his widowed mum. Out of frustration, he left school and joined his elder brother in trading men's footwear at main market, Onitsha.
After many years of unsuccessful business venture, he finally left and started trading on 'Okirika' clothing. He had vowed that one of his sons must acquire a university education at all cost.
As he watched, he saw how the senior lecturers professors, principal officers of the institution and the vice chancellor marched gallantly to the matriculation arena all dressed in their beautiful academic gown. He admired the vice chancellor and his entourage. Mazi Obi has never attended a matriculation ceremony before. This was his first time and curiosity was written all over his face. His joy knew no bound.
When the vice chancellor addressed the mammoth crowd, Mazi Obi and his wife were amazed with the vice chancellor's diction, his mastery of big words and excellent command of the English language. He wished he was like him.
When the whole event was over, the arena became rowdy as students went in searching for their parents and loved ones who have come to celebrate with them.
Mazi Obi brought out his small Nokia phone and dialled his son's phone number.
"Hello, Chukwudi, kedu ebe ino?"
"Gbagote n'elu podium ebe afu ndi parents no. Mu na mma gi no ebe afu eche gi. Biko, mee osiso makana oge adirozi." (Which means, "Hello Chukwudi, where are you? Come over to the podium where parents are seated. I and your mum are patiently waiting for you. Remember, there is no time.")
"Gbagote n'elu podium ebe afu ndi parents no. Mu na mma gi no ebe afu eche gi. Biko, mee osiso makana oge adirozi." (Which means, "Hello Chukwudi, where are you? Come over to the podium where parents are seated. I and your mum are patiently waiting for you. Remember, there is no time.")
Mazi Obi shouted over the phone in a thick onitsha-Igbo accent.
The reply he got from his son was satisfactory.
He watched as other parents were happy seeing their children dressed in matriculation gown. He engaged a fellow parent in a conversation while he waited patiently for his son.
"Lekwa Chukwudi nwam ka o na-abia. (Look at Chukwudi as he is coming)" Nneka his wife screamed with joy.
"Chukwudi! Chukwudi!"
Mazi Obi shouted his name in a thick baritone as he signalled him to come over to where they sat.
His mum was happy seeing his son in a beautiful black matriculation gown. She hugged him affectionately. Mazi Obi simply shook his hand firmly and replied, "CONGRATULATIONS."
They exchanged pleasantries in their native dialect.
Not long, they came down from the podium, secured a quiet place within the arena and dished out food to themselves and Chukwudi's friends who he had invited.
(Clears throats).
Mazi Obi began his litany of advise.
"Ehn, my son, let me start by congratulating on your admission. I am happy that my first son will finally study Engineering in a well-known citadel of learning. I have always dreamt of this day and it has finally come. Once more, Congratulations."
"I didn't see the four walls of a higher institution because of hardship during my time. That notwithstanding, I will do my best to train you as an Engineer. Remember, I just sold my 3plots of land in the village so as to be able to pay your tuition fees and sustain the family."
(Phone rings)
Mazi Obi paused for a while to answer his call.
Nneka looked at his son and began asking him if the NASU strike has been called off. And how he has been coping in this new environment.
Nneka was a seamstress who knows how best to handle the sewing machine. She has an NCE degree from a College of Education. She grew up and studied in the western part of the country. And so, she knows what is obtainable in the higher institution more than her husband. As they conversed further, Mazi Obi ended his call with a client and returned to where he stopped.
"As I was saying, you must be very careful in this school. Do not associate yourself with bad friends. Do not join any secret society, run away from any cult related activities."
"Face your academics squarely, attend your lectures, make sure you sit in the front row. Do your assignments and submit them as at when due. Also visit the library as often as you can for your private studies. Learn to read your books. Do not forget where you came from. Do not forget that you have younger siblings who are hoping on you. Remember that Chidi also passed through this same institution and he is doing marvelous well today. You can make it if you work hard. Look at me, look at my grey hairs, I have advanced in age. You are the next after me."
He removed his red cap, bent his head low to show his grey hairs to his son.
"Please and please, mind how you relate with girls on campus. You can befriend the good ones among them especially the intelligent ones. Do not waste your time chasing shadows all in the name of love/relationship. There is time for everything in life. I will like you to be the best among your mates."
Chukwudi listened with keen interest as his father spoke words of wisdom. He wondered were his father got these revelations from.
"Lastly, do not forget your God. Make sure you join the Catholic students association. I do not know what it is called here. Always participate in their programmes. God will surely see you through in this five year journey."
"I wish you well!"
He finally ended his long sermon of advise.
His wife brought out anointing oil, holy water, bible, crucifix, the rosary, scapular and a prayer book and handed them to his son. Trust Nigerian mothers and spirituality.
"My son, always wear your scapular. Pray your rosary. Read your Bible everyday. Keep the crucifix close to your pillow. Anoint your corner in the hostel with the anointing oil and equally sprinkle Holy water there before you sleep at night. Make sure you attend morning mass as often as you can and do not miss Sunday masses."
"You heard what your father said. He has said it all. Do not be carried away by the euphoria of campus life. Be focus and plan yourself."
"Manage this little money in this envelope, before the month runs out, I will send you more money. Please, make us proud."
There was mixed feelings.
"Papa, Mama, I have heard all that you said. I promise to make you happy. Greet my siblings for me. Tell them that I miss them so much."
He stood up, hugged his mum once more and shook his fathers hand firmly.
"Bia, Mama Chukwudi, bia k'anyi laba. Oge agago. (Mummy Chukwudi, please come, let's start going. There is no time again)."
They stood up, bade Chukwudi goodbye, entered their vehicle and drove off.
PS: this essay is dedicated to the 2017/2018 matriculating students of FUTO.
Congratulations on your matriculation.
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