A Nigerian lady identified as Mary Otunba has shared her quite inspiring story as she rose above all the challenges she faced in her life to achieve greatness in the academic sphere.

In a post on her LinkedIn page, Mary who graduated with a 5.0 CGPA from Caleb university, revealed that she initially attended a polytechnic and after finishing the program there, she was confused on what next to do with her life, however, luck later smiled on her as she got an internship with a big organisation.

Mary shared that she lost her dad at about the same time. But as she was preparing for her Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) exams, she got to know of a distance learning program at Caleb University.

Due to her father’s passing there was no one sponsor her through school, so the resilient lady bore her the financial responsibility of her studies all by herself.

Here’s her post in full,

It’s Official

Walking into the four walls of Yaba college of Technology in January 2013 to pay my tuition fee even thou I didn’t like the idea of a polytechnic. Thank you Daddy for the push at the time, I’m forever grateful to you. Rest on papa.

It was wrap in 2015. Come see the clueless me thinking life was about to show me pepper, I guess it did a little. After 6 months at home started off my internship with one of the Big four. *could this be me*

In 2016, everyone in the unit was writing ATS. So, I joined too. Cleared all four papers and got inducted that same year. In 2017, I started my ICAN journey proper with the stipend I earned at the time. It meant a lot then #chuckles… Daddy died in 2017 and left me to take certain life decisions on my own. #quite Painful.

I heard about a distance learning program at #Calebuniversity. Tuition fee was way beyond my pay. Friends would say; Mary, you know you have no sponsor why not leave ICAN for BsC or still take BsC for ICAN. I had nothing to prove to anyone but thought whether or not I discontinue this programs. Money would be spent.

I delayed certain gratifications and loads of pleasures just to pay my bills. (Close your ears, I used a torch light phone for 2years or more).

I slept in uncompleted buildings for months just to stay closer to work. Thanks to the friends that kept clothing and feeding me.
Don’t worry, I won’t mention your names. Just be rest assured I owe you. I’m super grateful for the help you rendered when I didn’t even ask for it.

I became a Chartered Accountant by certification in 2019. Undergraduate program stretched than normal. #Lockdown also added its own bit.

Yolla! The day I’ve been waiting for came. Final semester result left a smile on my face as I had all A’s with 5.0 GP. Head of Department Moses Ekperiware called to inform me that the small me is the *Best Graduating student, Economics Department, Caleb Business School.

To the world is the latest AUDIT-ACCOUNTANT-ECONOMIST!

My experience over the years had thought me that life is in phases. All I need is to enjoy every bit of it cos they are not meant to last forever.

Now, I step into the world knowing fully well that my victory is sure. I step out beyond boundaries knowing that my past is way behind me. Not looking back and forging ahead of the plenty nights of tears and worry.

I stay open for opportunities home and abroad!