I was living in Minna, Niger State, volunteering to teach in a missionary secondary school. Before making the decision to go to Lagos after trying different alternatives that didn’t work, I had been teaching Civic Education and Government in five different classes in a secondary school in Kogi State, from JSS1 to SS2, earning a mere N15,000 monthly. The meager income barely allowed me to buy food, and I was deeply unhappy with my situation. I knew I needed to make a change, but the path ahead was uncertain.
Despite my struggles, I had acquired some skills in designing websites with WordPress and running Facebook ads. However, I faced significant challenges—no consistent power supply, no laptop, and repeated failures in trying to secure one. It was a frustrating cycle, and I knew I couldn’t continue living like this. At that point, I was looking for something that would take me out of Kogi State. I was looking for leverage. That’s when a friend posted on their WhatsApp status about a mission school looking for volunteer teachers. The first thing I asked was, "Is there light?" Everything else became secondary.
I enjoyed every bit of Minna—the constant light, the food, and their market. I even tried learning different languages from my students, like Kamuku, Dukawa, and Gbagyi, though I wasn’t very successful.
The Journey to Lagos
On October 1st, Nigeria's Independence Day, I made the bold decision to move to Lagos. With just N10,000 in my pocket, I boarded a bus, uncertain of what lay ahead. The journey was long, and fear gripped me as I arrived in Lagos at Ibeju Lekki after 10 p.m. I didn’t know what to expect, but I clung to hope and my faith in God.
I was fortunate to have a friend, Rezpect, a secondary school classmate, who offered me a place to stay. I will always be grateful for his generosity. But my N10,000 didn’t last long—it was gone the next day. I quickly realized that I couldn’t continue to rely on my friend. I needed to find a way to survive and make something of myself in this vast and intimidating city.
You may ask what my biggest fear is? My biggest fear was failing. I couldn’t bear the thought of returning to my mother in Kogi State, where she repeatedly called, concerned about my well-being and advising me to return home if things didn’t work out. She had even secured a teaching job for me back in Kogi, but I knew I had to give Lagos a chance.
A Glimmer of Hope
I got a glimpse of hope when I attended DevFest Lagos 2021. It was a turning point for me because I heard stories of success, and I said to myself, "If I can hang around these guys, I can’t fail." It was my first tech event, and I was inspired by someone’s story of struggle and triumph in Lagos. He had started by selling buns and other small items in Lagos traffic before getting the opportunity to learn programming. His story gave me hope. I realized that if he could make it, so could I. I began searching for opportunities to learn programming, which led me to a tech school in Lekki. Unfortunately, I lost the opportunity because I couldn’t find a guarantor to support my application. But I didn’t give up.
But wait! You see 2021 DevFest Lagos? There is no tech event that can match it. I know what I’m saying. The T-shirt is still new. The food I experienced is still fresh. You can now continue reading.
Then, I found Semicolon Africa, a tech school that welcomed me with open arms. This marked the beginning of my journey into software engineering. Over the course of a year, I immersed myself in learning Java and Python, honing my skills in critical thinking, design thinking, and interpersonal relationships.
The early days in Lagos were tough. I could go hungry for days. At one point, I was stranded on my way from church because I missed the road, but guess what? I made it home.
I had no access to a laptop, reliable electricity, or data—three essentials for anyone trying to break into the tech industry. But Semicolon Africa provided me with the tools and support I needed to overcome these challenges. It wasn’t just about learning to code; it was about transforming myself and preparing for the future I had only dreamed of.
Where I Am Today
I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m certainly not where I used to be. I’ve grown in my skills, taught programming to many students, contributed to software that thousands of people use, and significantly increased my earning capacity. My journey in Lagos has shaped me into someone who is smart, accountable, and resilient. The city has instilled in me a spirit of never giving up, and I’ve learned to enjoy the moment, no matter how tough things get.
If you’re going through a tough time, don’t ever think of giving up. If I survived being stranded in Lagos, with no money for transportation, and made it home, so can you. Commit yourself to something meaningful, be disciplined, manage your money wisely, and don’t get distracted. Be friendly, be truthful, and above all, stay true to who you are. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Keep hope alive, and trust that things will get better.
See you soon.
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