Dr. Monday Ubani: 33 Years After My Master’s Degree. Tomorrow, I will be hooded 

Thirty-three years ago, I completed my Master’s degree and stepped away from the university environment to face the realities of life, career, family and service.

Years rolled into decades. Yet, somewhere along the journey, a dream remained.

After more than three decades, I compelled myself to return to the classroom and pursue the highest academic degree, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law.

Going back to school after so many years required discipline, sacrifice, humility, perseverance and, above all, the grace of God. There were demanding days and long nights of research, reading and writing. There were moments when the enormity of the task stared me in the face. But God remained faithful. Tomorrow is the D-Day.

Tomorrow, by the special grace of God, I will be hooded and formally celebrate the completion of a journey that began with a decision to return to the classroom after 33 long years.

The week preceding tomorrow’s convocation has itself been an unforgettable experience. It has been a week filled with activities, laughter, friendship, excitement and beautiful moments that transported me back in time.

At different moments, I remembered the young boy I once was in primary school. I remembered my post-primary school days. I remembered my undergraduate years at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

I remembered my postgraduate days at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). And now, decades later, here I am again experiencing the excitement of student life and preparing to wear the academic hood of a Doctor of Philosophy.

Life is indeed a journey. These pictures capture some of the beautiful moments and activities of this remarkable week, memories that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

I enjoyed every day. I enjoyed every minute. I enjoyed every second. Tomorrow, the journey reaches a glorious milestone. Tomorrow, the hood goes on. Tomorrow, we celebrate. My heart is full.

God has gone ahead of me, and I look forward to tomorrow with joy, gratitude and godly expectation.

And please, if you happen to see our Almighty God before I do, help me thank Him. Tell Him that Monday Ubani is profoundly grateful!

For the strength. For the grace. For the journey. For bringing a dream of many years to fulfilment.

33 years later, I made it. To God alone be all the glory

Dr M.O. Ubani SAN

Beneficiary of Grace.