Life has thrown more challenges at me than I ever thought possible. I was on the cusp of a new chapter, having been selected to sit for exams that would allow me to study in Japan – a dream I had worked tirelessly for. The exams were scheduled to take place in Abuja, and I was all set to leave Maiduguri, full of hope and anticipation. But fate had other plans. On the very day I was supposed to embark on my journey, Boko Haram launched a brutal attack on Maiduguri, plunging the city into chaos and triggering a total lockdown. My dreams of studying in Japan seemed to vanish in an instant.
The attack was more than just a setback; it was a harsh reminder of the difficult reality many of us face in the Northeast. Schools were destroyed, futures were put on hold, and fear became a constant companion. Still, I refused to let the circumstances define me. I redirected my focus to my education here in Nigeria and enrolled at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).
Studying at UNIMAID hasn’t been easy. The insurgency has left deep scars on our education system, and the university has not been spared from the violence. I still remember the night a bomb blast shook our campus. We had to flee in the dead of night, not knowing what the next moment would bring. It was during our exam period, and the disruption made it nearly impossible for many of us to concentrate or even find a safe space to study. The frustration and fear from that time are feelings I would not wish on anyone.
Despite the challenges, UNIMAID has become a beacon of hope for me and many others. The university community has come together to provide support and encouragement. Our lecturers go above and beyond to ensure we receive the best education possible, despite the odds. The bonds we’ve formed with fellow students are strong – unbreakable even – because they’ve been forged through shared hardship and resilience.
Boko Haram may have taken away my chance to study in Japan, but it has not taken away my determination to pursue my dreams. I’m proud to be a student at UNIMAID, and I’m committed to making the most of the opportunities I have. My story is not unique. Many people in the Northeast have faced similar struggles.
As a result of the Boko Haram attack on our campus, I also lost my dear friend Abba. He was killed when a suicide bomber targeted the mosque in UNIMAID. That attack claimed the lives of about three people and left many others injured. Even though we are trying to cope and continue our studies, the fear of Boko Haram still lingers in our minds.
As narrated by: Usman Adam (Maiduguri, Nigeria).
This snippet is published as part of a series, The Day Boko Haram Attacked.
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