Alex was no stranger to hardship. Born and raised in the densely populated streets of Lagos, life taught him lessons too early. His father died when he was barely five, leaving his mother to shoulder the weight of survival. She became a market woman, hustling morning to night just to afford garri and school fees.
While other boys worried about video games and school crushes, Alex worried about how to afford the next exam form. Every naira mattered. Every meal was uncertain.
Yet, he dared to dream.
He wanted to go to university.
But the journey was harsh.
The JAMB form was expensive. Tutorials were far. Light was scarce. Some nights, he read by candlelight; other nights, he slept hungry. Still, he pressed on—doing menial jobs, tutoring kids in his compound, helping at the market—all to save for his future.
Rejections came. Doubt crept in.
But his mother's tired smile reminded him what was at stake.
Then, one Tuesday morning, while helping her at the stall, an email popped up.
"Congratulations. You have been offered admission into Ebonyi State University."
He froze. His breath caught in his chest. The phone nearly dropped from his hands.
His mother read it and broke down in tears—not of sadness, but of joy. That night, they ate rice with fried pepper. The first time in months.
But as Alex stepped into EBSU with only a worn bag and fresh hope, he didn't know—
*The real battle had only just begun.