Life’s journey is often paved with unforeseen challenges, moments of despair, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Yet, within each of us lies an unyielding spirit – a flame of hope that refuses to be extinguished. My story is a testament to that resilience, a narrative woven through years of hardship, sacrifice, unwavering faith, and the relentless pursuit of fulfilling adventure. It is a story not just of academic achievement but of deep perseverance, divine guidance, and the unbreakable human spirit that refuses to give up, no matter the storms.
*My Early Life and Education*
As a young boy in my elementary schooling years, I was far from being considered the ‘brightest of children’ – at least, not in the way I would come to be as I grew older. At St. Vincent Nursery and Primary School in Ilorin, I often jostled to be among the top 10 performers, eager to win my disciplinarian uncle’s prize—a simple but meaningful gift: a computer wristwatch. I usually ranked between the 7th and the 10th, but every attempt was driven by a deep desire to prove myself and earn a little moment of pride.
My late father (may Allah forgive his shortcomings) was often away on journeys because of the demands of his work, to ensure the safety and soundness of his family for then and now (the future). His constant absence left us, the children, many times, under the care and guidance of my mother. Despite her limited formal education; Senior Secondary and tradecertificatess in arts and publicity, her passion for education burned brightly in her heart. We helped her with stencils and nylon cutting and from a very tender age, I learned the art of marketing, I helped her deliver nylons to bakeries and local shops, doing what I could to support her. It was in these humble acts that I first learned the value of hard work, resilience, and resourcefulness, albeit unintentionally on my part.
After my Primary School examination in 1999, I secured admission to the prestigious Government Secondary School, Ilorin, through a rigorous selection process. My mum, inspired by her own journey of education and sacrifice, summoned the courage to return to school herself. She enrolled at Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, same time I was in secondary school (GSS Ilorin) and later graduated with a Second Class Upper B.Sc from University of Ado Ekiti (UNAD, now EKSU). Her courage and perseverance became a shining example for me. Indeed, her sacrifices and resilience shaped my entire academic journey.
It was the analog era of handwritten assignments and my mum would have to mark pages on textbooks where answer to her assignments are, for me to help her write on foolscap sheets, while she struggles to balance domestic chores, her business and her studies. From her, I learned early how to understand complex questions and approach examinations.
Another pivotal influence was Alhaji Maroof Agunbiade, my late father’s best friend, whose reading habit and love for newspapers also sharpened my interest in public issues and writing. While I was still struggling to make my O levels, he would buy at least two or three national dailies daily and, noticing my love for reading, would always bring me yesterday’s newspapers. From these, I developed a deep fondness for political stories and societal issues, igniting a passion that still fuels my life today.
*Challenges in Secondary School*
At some point, even though it lasted for a short while, life threw serious challenges my way. When I entered SSS 1 at GSS Ilorin, my brother and I were at that time chased out of school for inability to pay terminal fee of just N330, as a result of certain economic constraints that affected my parents. That moment was devastating – my academic performance, along with that of my brother, Afeez, plummeted, and we failed our first WAEC attempts in 2005. Yet, despite the pain and setbacks, we refused to give up. We kept trying after things normalized for our parents economically, attempting WAEC and NECO repeatedly between 2005 and 2007. It was only after persistent effort that I finally made five credits from an examination I wrote at GSS, Ogele, but a ‘D’ in English Language; my best subject, which was a major obstacle, because it was a requirement I had to meet for admission. It was after my Diploma in 2010 that I rewrote another WAEC at our Oke Adini Secondary School to make up for the English language.
*Tertiary Education*
While I was trying to procure Polytechnic JAMB form around 2008, my mum who had then secured a job with Kwara SUBEB after completion of her NCE insisted I must do another WAEC and pass English before I could obtain a JAMB form. With limited resources from my hustle, I scraped together money from my ‘motor boy’ job at AlheriLahi Motors in 2007 to register for the Polytechnic JAMB. I passed and was offered admission to study Public Administration in 2008/2009 academic session.
However, I couldn’t scale through the admission screening because of my O-level deficiency in English. Instead, I was offered a Diploma in Cooperative Studies, an option I reluctantly accepted, but deep down, I knew I was destined for more. So, I decided to give my all and AlhamduliLlah, it was worth it.
*Leadership and Unionism*
Not long after classes started, I made a pivotal decision – I resigned from my job as a Sales Representative at Victoris Filling Station, which I had started after my Polytechnic JAMB (after I left motor boy job), while waiting for admission. I wanted to fully focus on my studies. That decision marked the beginning of my leadership journey. I was elected class representative, in a friendly contest with a classmate who late became my close friend and roommate, Olabode Shadare from Ipaja, Lagos. This marked the beginning of my leadership journey.
My leadership skills took a new turn when I learned about the Students Union Government (SUG) elections. Bode and I discussed, and he believed I should run for the Vice Presidential position, which is the topmost among the positions zoned to our then Institute of Administration (IOA). Many mocked us, saying that because our department offered diploma courses, we couldn’t hold a position at the SUG. But I was determined. After constitutional debates, it was confirmed that such myths of inferiority were baseless.
Against all odds, I contested and won. My opponents were two older, senior, and more experienced students – Comr. Ishola Olateju and Comr. Babakobi. I won at just 19 years old! That victory shattered a long-standing jinx and made me the first, and so far, the only SUG executive produced by the department of Social Development and Cooperative Studies in Kwara Polytechnic. Sadly, the program was scrapped in 2010, after our graduation, and was only reintroduced. recently. My political mentor, Comr. Akanbi Kayode Abdulganiyu (popularly called Ewe Waranjah), played a crucial role in shaping my political consciousness, and I owe him an acknowledgment in every account of my leadership development.
Despite my active involvement in student unionism, I also excelled academically, emerging as the best overall student in the Department of Social Development and Cooperative Studies of Kwara state Polytechnic in 2010.
I also acknowledge Prof. Ali Ahmad’s encouragement sometimes in 2010. After meeting him during his House of Representatives campaign, the professor’s words of encouragement inspired me to pursue a University degree instead of initial HND plans. Additionally, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmad, Prof. Ahmad’s younger brother, provided guidance that helped me secure admission to KWASU in 2011, even though I forfeited the admission to reapply in 2012, because I didn’t get my choice course.
*University Education*
At KWASU, my fear of calculation courses initially pushed me to choose B.Sc. Business Administration. But, during the admission screening, the officer examined my diploma and said, “Your diploma in Cooperative Studies aligns more with Banking and Finance,” and issued a B.Sc. clearance in banking and finance. I experienced a mix of doubt and self-questioning. Yet, with unwavering determination, I faced my fears and proved myself. With Allah’s help, a strong will, and resilience, I triumphed.
In 2015, I graduated as the 5th best student in the Department of Accounting and Finance. Among the top five were my four friends; all of us had entered through Direct Entry from Kwara State Polytechnic, with backgrounds in Banking and Finance.
And I broke another jinx by becoming the first KWASU student to contest and win a position at the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS/JCC) as its Secretary General for the 2013/2014 academic session.
*Research, Consulting, and Entrepreneurship*
During my pre-NYSC and service years, my friend Ibrahim Majeed (Bentnal) and I started a research consulting business, helping clients with data analysis using majorly SPSS, a skill I learned during my final year. We earned money, gained confidence, and built credibility. My passion grew when people paid for my trips from Owerri to Ilorin to assist with research projects, still generously compensating us. I also engaged in extra-mural classes for JAMB and SSCE candidates, and thanks to my background in the Enterprise Creation and Skill Acquisition (ECSA) course from KWASU, I was one the two (2) winners from the whole of Imo State NYSC camp, Batch B 2015, whose business plan secured the Bank of Industry Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund. That experience led me to another round of camping at Abia NYSC camp for BoI GEF training; a testament that we are not just local champions but capable of national recognition.
*Master’s Degree and the PhD. Journey*
I decided to pursue my Master’s immediately, diligently saving toward that goal. But life threw a humorous challenge my way; my friend, who had ‘cashed out’ from the popular Ponzi scheme – “MMM,” introduced me to it. I initially invested N20,000, being cautious, and was thrilled to get 100% returns within days. Foolishly, I then invested about half of my savings 😀, believing I was wise. But before I could withdraw, the scheme collapsed. It was a hard lesson, but I was fortunate that Mall. Lukman Mustapha, came to my rescue, helping to recover some part of my first year of masters tuition fees. My then-girlfriend, Abdulazeez Ruqayat, was a pillar of strength and support through it all. I am indebted to them.
Perhaps, due to my politics enthusiasm, informed by my passion for development, I chose to specialize in development. At that level, I researched the effect of Microfinance banks activitities on financial inclusion in Nigeria, as well as the effect of cybercrime on consumers confidence in Nigeria Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), some of which were published in reputable outlets. ,
https://majaf.com.ng/index.php/majaf/article/view/115?articlesBySameAuthorPage=6
After earning my MSc in 2018, I was fully committed to starting my PhD, but political engagements delayed me, because I was deeply involved in the preparation for the 2019 elections and planned to commence the PhD once we concluded the election. However, when, after the conclusion, my boss, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, after emergence as the Speaker of the 9th Kwara State House of Assembly, asked me to serve as his Special Assistant on Media, plans changed but the determination was unwavering.
Though hesitant at first because of my plans, I accepted, motivated by the desire to grow politically and learn. Working closely with SYD as I fondly call him, I gained invaluable leadership experience and lifelong friendship. His approach, especially following the resolution of politically orchestrated crisis, enhanced the strength of my belief in the genuineness of his friendship, vision, service, and leadership.
In 2021, after resigning from my role as Special Assistant Media to the Hon. Speaker, I recommitted myself to my PhD., which I had paused its admission process, specializing in Development Finance.
I’m forever indebted to my boss, friend and confidant, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu for his pivotal support and full sponsorship of my PhD. degree. Despite discovering my PhD. admission after it was secured, he generously decided to sponsor my tuition fees in full, demonstrating remarkable kindness and foresight, regardless of political differences at the time. This act of philanthropy speaks volumes about his character and vision, showcasing his belief in my potential and instilling an unrelenting drive to excel. He was not only interested in me while I was ‘useful’ to him. He demonstrated interest in my usefulness to the larger society.
His contribution goes beyond financial assistance; it’s a profound investment in human capital, highlighting his convictions about education’s transformative power. SYD’s gesture inspires hope and reinforces mentorship’s significance in shaping future leaders. His legacy will ripple through lives and foster a culture of generosity, empowerment, and boundless possibility.
Despite political distractions and other business engagements, I dedicated myself fully. Finally, on May 27, 2025 – exactly a month to my 35th birthday (June 27th), I did my external examination, and with Allah’s grace, I completed my PhD; a journey marked by resilience, faith, and unwavering hope.
As a development finance scholar, I took interest in the effect of mortgage finance on housing development, factoring in the interactive effects of macroeconomic and institutional factors. This is due to the privilege I had working with the former Executive Director of Loan and Mortgage Service of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, where I discovered that not withstanding the dearth of mortgage financing, there are hundreds, if not thousands of public housing units spread across Nigeria not acquired or occupied.
The research empirically demonstrates the efficacy of mortgage finance on housing development, but affordability challenge persist, as a result of low income level, insufficient mortgage equity and erosion of purchasing power by macroeconomic factors such as inflation and interest rates.
Institutional factors, including government effectiveness, political stability, corruption, regulatory framework and rule of law, among others were also discovered to be factors nullifying the effects of mortgage finance on housing development in Nigeria and a number of research papers; some published, would be actionable end product for actionable strategies for housing development. https://jearecons.com/index.php/jearecons/article/view/526
In the course of my PhD research, I was privileged to work under the guidance of a very versatile scholar – Dr. Lukman Adebayo-Oke Abdulrauf my supervisor, as well as enjoyed support of my erudite colleague, Yusuf O. Quadr with whom we conducted an award winning research. The paper, which was presented at the 2nd International Conference on Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Equity, and Digital Strategies (SEEDS 2024) at Middlesex University Dubai Campus, took home the best paper award in its track session. https://doi.org 10.2991/978-94-6463-714-4_12
I specially thank my supervisor – Dr. Lukman Adebayo-Oke Abdulrauf for standing by all through, my wife -Nana-Awawu; children – Fa’iz and Far’han for their moral supports and the occasional denials they may have experienced as I journeyed through the process. My friends and mentors who habitually inspires and cheer me to success, I don’t take any of your supports for granted. Jazakallahu khairan!
*Conclusion and Reflection*
For me, completing this PhD. is more than a scholarly achievement; it is a testament to a long, arduous journey of self-development, resilience, struggles, and divine guidance. Every step was fuelled by faith, hope, and the support of family, friends, mentors, and countless well-wishers whose encouragement kept me going through the darkest and brightest moments.
As I stand at the summit of this academic journey, having earned my PhD. after years of toil, setbacks, and divine intervention, I am moved by a profound sense of gratitude. This achievement is not solely mine; it belongs to everyone who believed in me when I doubted myself, to those who offered a helping hand when I stumbled, and to the Almighty who guided every step I took. My story is a beacon of hope for every struggling soul out there, a reminder that where there is genuine determination and faith, no obstacle is too great. No matter how dark the night may seem, dawn always follows. To all who are still fighting their battles, I urge you: stay strong, keep pushing, and trust that your success is near. Where there is a will, there is indeed a way.
