Rising above challenges to succeed requires a positive attitude!

In August 2022, Daniel, who had just received admission into the 3rd cohort of scholars at the Nigeria University of Technology and Management (NUTM), reached out to me on LinkedIn. He had been awarded a 90% scholarship but struggled to pay the remaining 10%, given his modest earnings in Port Harcourt and his family’s limited financial abilities. He was disheartened and confused, but his passion for joining the program was evident.

At NUTM, we had previously been able to offer full scholarships to all our pioneering cohorts—57 scholars in the first year and 60 in the second—thanks to the generous support of partners like the Mastercard Foundation. This enabled the early scholars to learn from world-class faculty from Ivy League institutions such as Stanford, UPenn, MIT, and Oxford, as well as industry leaders like Atedo Peterside, Arunma Oteh, Ibukun Awosika and Asue Ighodalo. The scholars were housed in fully air-conditioned, self-contained rooms at Landmark in Oniru, with 24-hour electricity, three meals a day, high-speed internet, and even access to the beach.

However, by the time of the third cohort, the initial grant had run out, and we could only provide 70 - 100% scholarships for the next set of scholars based on their test scores and need. This level of scholarship was what could be afforded from the personal donations from the Board of Trustees and other generous individuals both locally and internationally.

I encouraged Daniel to reach out to his network in Port Harcourt and around the world to raise the remaining funds and, if need be, to consider a loan. If something is of value, then one must pursue and go after it with all it takes. To encourage him during the period of despair, I offered to contribute to his fundraising, which further spurred him on. Although we had never met, I could sense his strong desire and wanted to support him financially and foster a mindset of positivity, go-getter, and perseverance.

Daniel rose to the challenge. He approached his uncles, friends, and even his village community chiefs, sharing his story and conviction that attending NUTM would be transformative. His father even had to borrow from a Neighbour. Although it was a tough and difficult journey, with moments of doubt, he persisted. He even tried online GoFundMe crowdfunding, LinkedIn, and Twitter appeals, which yielded little, but he did not let this deter him. It yielded little but further strengthened his resolve. 

After over a month of relentless effort and perseverance, Daniel finally raised the required funds. He learned that doggedness on a purpose is crucial for success rather than negativity or complaining that the 10% balance fee was high and beyond him. He paid the full fees and joined 28 other scholars in September 2022. He resigned from his job in Port Harcourt to attend the program, with a bit of a worry about what the future holds.

Among those other 28 scholars was Mary, a quiet yet determined lady who had survived the horrific Chibok Girls kidnapping of 2014. Despite the unimaginable trauma and the years she lost, Mary never allowed her past to define her future. After being rescued and reintegrated into society, she set her sights back on education, believing it was the key to reclaiming her life. Against all odds, she passed her interview and earned a place (100% scholarship) at NUTM, where she and Daniel became part of the same cohort. Learning from world class faculty, shadowing towering industry leaders, participating in entrepreneurial capstone projects and interacting with other scholars, she developed to a higher level.

Mary’s story is one of remarkable resilience. While others might have let the darkness of their past consume them and blame the government and society, Mary chose to rise above it. She was determined not just to survive but to thrive and succeed. At NUTM, she pursued her dreams with unwavering focus, earning her certificate and building a future full of promise. Today Mary is not only an Analyst at a commodity exchange, she also has set up 2 start-up ventures, one on e-commerce and another to teach women in the north, about technology and entrepreneurship.

Together, Daniel and Mary exemplified the power of perseverance and determination. The power of positivity over negativity. At NUTM, they received top-tier education in technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and soft skills (critical thinking, problem-solving, public speaking, etc.). Nearly half of our graduates have continued with business ventures initiated during their time at NUTM, collectively raising over $3 million and creating more than 600 jobs. One of these businesses now boasts a monthly turnover exceeding $10 million. Others have gone on to work in corporations, earning 6-times the salaries they earned before attending NUTM.

Recently, Daniel contacted me from Friesland in the Netherlands, where he secured a full scholarship to study a postgraduate program —an opportunity directly stemming from his exposure at NUTM. Mary, too, has moved forward, turning her trauma into triumph as she now advocates for education and empowerment for women in conflict zones. When we meet potential partners, we often have Mary with us to tell our story and hers, and it is always fulfilling watching how far she has come.

These experiences reaffirm a powerful truth: those who take action and face challenges head-on make a lasting impact, while those who dwell in negativity and complaints do not go far. Mary and Daniel’s stories teach us that determination, resilience, and positivity (not negativity and complaints) are key to overcoming challenges and provide a stepping stone to a brighter future.

As the Latin saying goes, Cogito, ergo sum—as the mind thinks, so it is. Also, the Latin saying "per aspera ad astra" means through adversity to the stars. Whenever obstacles block one's path, it has an essential function, and with a positive approach, one reaches the stars! Attitude is Altitude.