How I Met A Young Talented Tech Enthusiast
My first experience with Onyebuchi Valentine Ahiwe was a very emotional one, but it was an unforgettable experience that has created a friendship I truly value. Firstly, let me introduce him to you; in the picture below👇🏽, he is the one in the front, wonderfully seated in a wheelchair.
HOW WE MET 🎤🗣
On that fateful day, I was training a group of students in Linux Administration and Oracle Database 12c at NIIT Port Harcourt Center. I had just finished the first two modules and was about to begin the third when the center manager excused me from my class. I followed him to his office, and while I sat there, he looked at me with a smile and mentioned that a student wanted to join the ongoing session. He was aware that we had already completed two modules, but he inquired if I could accommodate one more student. I initially declined because of the time it would take to arrange a makeup session. Additionally, from my experience, I knew it was often easier for new students to wait for a new batch.
He then suggested that I speak with the student myself and explain the situation, hoping he would understand. He mentioned that he had already offered the student alternative course options, but the student still seemed unsatisfied and insisted on taking the Oracle Database course.
I agreed to have a conversation with the student. As soon as I approached the front office, I saw a woman seated beside a boy in a wheelchair. I soon learned that the woman beside him was his mother. I greeted them and introduced myself. I intended to explain why he couldn’t join the current batch, but before I could say anything, he looked at me with a remorseful expression and said, ‘Ma, please give me a chance.’ He explained that he was a fast learner and assured me that I wouldn’t have to stress myself. He also shared how he had always wanted to take the program. He asked for a two-week trial, and if he couldn’t catch up, I could remove him from the class.
Overwhelmed with emotion, I excused myself from their presence as tears welled up in my eyes. I had never spoken with someone so determined and enthusiastic about learning. I couldn’t bring myself to return to them to give my decision because I didn’t want them to see that I had cried. Instead, I sent a message to the front desk assistant, informing him that the student could start the class the next day. I expressed my anticipation of having him in my class.
The next day, a beautiful young girl helped wheel him to school. As I later discovered, the girl in question was his younger sibling. I reserved a spot for him in the front row. He grasped the codes quickly, asked well-structured questions, and just two weeks into the class, he was already assisting his classmates in understanding the course material. To my amazement, within a few months, students at the institution had affectionately nicknamed him ‘Professor’ because he became the go-to person for nearly any technical problem, from fixing laptops to troubleshooting code. His popularity extended beyond his own class to other courses.
I felt immense joy that I had spoken with him that day. I also had the opportunity to get to know his mother, brother, and sister. His batch was the last one I taught before leaving the institution for my current position. I couldn’t be more grateful to God for allowing me to meet Onyebuchi.
It’s incredible how an encounter with one person can change one’s perspective on life, different from what we often see on television or read in books.
Today, his tech career continues to flourish, and our collaboration continues. Onyebuchi is currently assisting GNOME in managing technical aspects within the African community.
Thank you, Onyebuchi, for showing the world the true meaning of passion and that there are no limits to success. I love you and will continue to support you. Here’s to even better years ahead! 🚀
Check out his profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/vahiwe.
