A Nigerian man has sparked widespread discussion online after sharing his remarkable journey from working at a sachet water factory to securing admission into the University of Ibadan (UI). The student, Josiah Ayodeji, took to his TikTok page to reflect on the struggles he faced since completing secondary school in 2016.
From Water Factory to University
Ayodeji explained that while his former classmates proceeded to higher institutions and pre-degree programmes, financial constraints forced him to seek employment. He worked with a sachet water distribution truck in the Opa-funfun area of Bodija, Ibadan. The labour was physically demanding, and his short stature made the task even more challenging. However, he chose to take responsibility rather than blame his parents.
In his video, Ayodeji stated: "When my mates were going to universities, doing pre-degree, you know all those type of things, I was following pure water motor. Ah! It used to be so difficult because I was... I was short, very short like this. But, I know the type of family I'm coming from. I used to tell myself: even though I came from a family that is like that, I am the solution to the family. I was not blaming my parents. I took responsibility."
He added: "Ten years after now, I'm in University of Ibadan. I will look up to the hill from whence my help come from, my help come from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth. Ah! Now in university after ten years. Struggling, trying to survive, you know, as a young man just trying to touch the world. But I know, the Lord that has started the good work in my life will never leave me stranded. I can never be stranded."
Nigerians React to UI Student's Victory
Legit.ng compiled some reactions to the man's post:
- TOOGEN2 said: "Life after school they difficult in Nigeria, I pray God's blessings locate us all."
- Ola-Ahmed said: "May u go and succeed bro ?."
- Ola said: "Bros, in 1995 I was working as a labourer in IITA but today, I am a international lawyer based in Germany. Don't give up."
Watch his TikTok video here:
UI Student Celebrates, Bags Degree in Sociology
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that a University of Ibadan student celebrated on social media after graduating from the Department of Sociology.
