I am thankful for the privileged moments because, through them, I have a mental picture to paint my dream. I am also thankful for the dark times because, without them, I would never know how large my heart is.
Private and public Secondary schools were worlds apart. The transition from private to public Secondary school gave me the exposure I needed, having spent most of my years indoors, loaded with books, politics and no experience with the outer world. Holidays were about books, madrasah and home tutorials.
To be very honest, Public school was poverty. I had to trek thirty minutes daily from our house at Doctor's Quarters to Federal Housing Road...The cold. The harmattan. The Pain of carrying a big bag full of books... Something I have never done or dreamt of doing... It was hell.
My first adjustment in public secondary school was when we were told to lie down on the grass just because "we were making noise". A lady, who happened to be my classmate was telling me this is something they do often. I asked how she expected me to lie on the grass with my white shirt.
She gave me this worrisome look that made me realize I was in another world. Funny enough, a teacher dares not tell a student to lie on the bare floor of my former school. I quickly changed the topic but she still told me I would learn to adapt which I did because that was the beginning of more travails.
My problem was that in the 13 years I spent in private secondary school, there was nothing like sun drying the students just because they err. The worst is to get flogged or suspended which never happened to me.
I arrived at Muslim College not knowing what to expect. My textbook was stolen within 2 weeks and I dare not tell my Dad because I knew what he went through before getting those books. My Cardigan was stolen from my desk where I kept it to visit the buttery. I cried. Where I came from, these things can never happen to me.
Nevertheless, I kept pushing hard. Life hits differently. This is what I have been taught and I've read, perhaps the perfect time to put them into practice.
Here's what I learnt most......
I changed schools and saw poverty despite the fact that it was some of Nigeria's best economic era.
I always pay my school fees of just 3,000 naira per year. Despite the cheapness, I have some friends who couldn't afford to pay that amount and had to skip classes for two or three days for cheap labours just to pay 3000 naira.
I had enough pocket money. Even though I trek to and fro school, I can't remember begging any of my mates for food or scrambling to get a spoonful from anyone who brought food to school.
I saw a friend cry like a child because he couldn't afford 1000 naira for practical specimens. I have seen people place spiritual curses over little things like pens, rulers and erasers, stuff I can easily dash out and never feel it.
In my second year, someone was nearly killed for stealing 500 naira.
He was ridiculed and taken to every class from the junior to senior classes. I know one that was made to put on a special cloth with the inscription "I am a thief" throughout the day just because he stole an exercise book. You should never be called a thief in my school by mistake. I know of a top prefect that was relieved of his position and ridiculed because of a similar issue.
Once I brought gaari and sugar to school because we were having extra lessons. I was forced to give it out because of the number of people that swarmed my table. My eyes watered. I went out to thank Allāh for his mercies.
But I went to a secondary school where people take various kinds of meals at break sessions. Gaari was seen as a low-class food. In a School where we have children of politicians, business moguls, engineers and even respected clerics? Break time meant displaying and comparing who brought the best meal to school.
I grew to love my school because she gave me a daily experience. In my 2nd year, I became embarrassed because my deskmate wasn't coming to school because he had to go for a bricklaying job just to fend for himself and the teachers won't stop asking for him. I didn't complain. Why should I?
People paid school fees of 3000 naira late. Raising money for practicals was a problem because asking the class to donate 50 naira each( yes, you heard me well) would meet an outcry except for some who came from private to public schools just like myself.
Some mates couldn't get the recommended textbooks because they couldn't afford to buy them. Many people hid hunger inside their clothes.
I am from a very middle-class family in fact, I had to change schools because my family was facing a big trial then but this school made me look like I was the son of a big man plus the way I carried myself.
I feel sad and painful when someone comes and says people are lazy if they can't afford basic things in life. Experience after secondary nko? Sigh.
At 14, my Mom still washes my uniform for me. At the same age, I've seen folks who hawked before going to school in the morning and immediately after returning while someone like me would be ferried to and fro with my meal intact.
Life is hard and people are stretching themselves beyond the limit. Many are in debt.
Beyond fees, there is accommodation, books, dues, feeding and others. This responsibility is huge.
Like I always say, real life is not social media. People are hungry and suffering. I know I didn't attend a public just for the fun of it but to understand how life works and see life beyond the comfort I was exposed to..... Learn to appreciate the little favours.
In all situations always say Alhamdulilah, cause being who we are now is all thanks to God's grace 🤲🏾