From John Silas
As the challenges facing Nigerian students and youths continue to grow—from economic hardship to educational setbacks—one story rises above the noise to inspire hope, perseverance, and purpose. That story is the extraordinary journey of Dr. Chigozie Chukwu, whose rise from the rough streets of Lagos to the prestigious lecture halls of the United Kingdom is a compelling call for resilience and hard work.
Once dismissed as a “serial failure” by peers and even family members, Dr. Chukwu’s academic journey began with crushing defeats. He wrote the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exam nine times and sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams seven times, each time facing disappointment. But rather than surrender to despair, he chose to fight harder.
Dr. Chukwu often says: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.”
This personal philosophy carried him through years of academic rejection, menial jobs in Lagos, and societal ridicule. Yet, he remained focused on his dream—to wear the academic gown, earn a PhD, and show others that success is possible, regardless of one’s beginning.
After finally gaining admission to the University of Abuja in 2008, he didn’t just stop at getting by. He excelled—graduating with second-class upper honours and ranking among the top 15 in a class of over 200 students. Along the way, he tutored fellow students and authored his first textbook, “Econometrics Simplified,” to help others overcome academic hurdles he once struggled with.
His intellectual pursuit didn’t end there. In 2020, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, he secured admission into the University of Lincoln in the UK to pursue a PhD in Development Economics—a move that demanded courage and grit. Just a year later, in 2021, he was appointed an Associate Lecturer at the Lincoln International Business School, where he taught while conducting rigorous research.
Today, in 2025, Dr. Chigozie Chukwu is a lecturer and module leader at a global university in the United Kingdom. He has taught over 1,000 students across Nigeria, the UK, and China, where he also served as a visiting lecturer at Chongqing Technology and Business University in 2023. His academic contributions have earned him invitations to prestigious conferences, including the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) Conference at the University of Oxford.
Dr. Chukwu’s life is a mirror for millions of Nigerian youths navigating life’s uncertainties. His message is clear: failure is not final, and delays are not denial. With determination, discipline, and belief in one’s dream, success is achievable.
In a country where access to quality education remains a challenge and societal pressure often drowns young dreams, the story of Dr. Chigozie Chukwu serves as a powerful reminder: academic excellence and personal success are still possible—even against all odds.
Stakeholders in education, from parents to policymakers, are encouraged to share such stories widely, to rekindle the drive in students who may be on the verge of giving up. Nigerian youths must be urged to embrace resilience, commit to their studies, and pursue their goals with unwavering focus.
“Let this story serve as a message to every struggling young person, every dreamer facing rejection, and every quiet warrior: Your story is not finished yet. Keep writing it.”
Indeed, the future belongs to those who, like Dr. Chukwu, believe in the beauty of their dreams and never stop working toward them.
