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| Ojonugwa Yahaya and Other Teachers at the Junior Secondary School Sheda, Kwali. Image Credit: Ojonugwa Yahaya |
When I look back at my time serving as a class teacher in Junior Secondary School Sheda, Kwali — under the N-Teach category of the N-Power scheme — I do so with deep gratitude. That chapter wasn’t just about employment; it was a season of growth, bonding, and purposeful impact.
The N-Power program, initiated during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, gave many young Nigerians like myself an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. For me, that meant stepping into the classroom — a space that soon felt like a second home.
What made the experience even more special was the leadership of the school’s principal, Mr. Ali Obande. Among the many kind-hearted people I have encountered, he stands out. From offering words of encouragement to occasionally supporting my transportation fare with small surprises, he treated me not just as a temporary staff, but as someone valuable to the school community.
He often told me, “You were born to teach,” because of the passion I poured into every lesson and the genuine connection I built with the students. And indeed, when I was in the classroom, it rarely felt like work — it felt like bonding. I didn't just teach the curriculum; I told stories, created relatable experiences, and listened to them. The students flowed with me easily, and the love they showed was nothing short of heartwarming.
There were times I stayed beyond my allotted time in class, yet the children never wanted me to leave. Only when another teacher stood at the door would I gently slip out. That joy, that connection, made every moment count.
When the program neared its end, Mr. Obande encouraged me to continue teaching, convinced it was my calling. I respected his belief — and teaching will always hold a special place in my heart — but I knew my deeper passion lies in community development. I have always felt called to serve on a broader scale — to reach people beyond the classroom walls.
Saying goodbye wasn’t easy. The teachers and the principal understood after heartfelt conversations, but the children — oh, the children — they didn’t want me to go. I had to leave quietly, bit by bit, until I was finally gone.
Yet the memories remain. We didn’t just learn; we played on the field, shared stories, and sometimes had one-on-one heart-to-heart sessions. Many of the students saw me as a friend, not just a teacher — and that trust meant everything to me.
I remember when some people teased me, saying, “You are taking this N-Power thing too seriously. Some people don’t even show up at their assigned schools — they just collect their payment codedly.” But I always replied, “I’m not everyone else. I am Ojonugwa Yahaya. If I have accepted the opportunity and I am being paid, I must show up and do the job. If I can’t, I should step aside so someone else can benefit. Besides, impacting lives is never something to take lightly.”
Even my aunt would sometimes say, “You teach like someone who was born to do this.” I would smile and say, “I am not sure I’m called to teach, but I enjoy being with the children, watching them open their arms and hearts to me, and pouring love and guidance into their lives.” She responded with something I carry with me: “Whatever you choose to do, you do it as if you were born for it.”
Looking back, I am grateful — for the experience, for the lessons, and above all, for the people: the children who trusted me, the staff who supported me, and the principal who believed in me. God has been faithful every step of the way.
Author's Note:
Ojonugwa Yahaya is a storyteller, community advocate, and a youth and children development enthusiast. Passionate about cultural heritage and social impact, Ojonugwa uses reflection, grassroots engagement, and storytelling to inspire action for a better, more empathetic world.
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| Ojonugwa Yahaya, Her Students, and Other Teachers at the Junior Secondary School Sheda, Kwali. Image Credit: Ojonugwa Yahaya |
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