Surviving and Thriving: My AKSU Story

My Journey Through Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden . A Story of Faith, Leadership, Love & Survival

Every student has a story, but mine is one filled with purpose, pain, passion, and resilience. From the very first day I stepped into the gates of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), I knew my journey would be different I just didn’t know how deep it would go.

This is part of the story of my life experience in Aksu. the dreams I carried in Year One to the battles I fought in silence, and my love one's I found along the way.

Year One Hope, Politics & Harsh Realities

Like many others, I came into AKSU with big dreams. I wanted to serve, speak up, and make a difference .but I didn't want to joined school politics.I was full of fire and hope, thinking I could be the change I wanted to see. But soon, I saw the dark corners most people don’t talk about. Politics in school wasn’t just about elections it came with fear, cult clashes, and underground pressures.
As someone who valued peace over popularity, I made a bold decision I left politics at the end of Year One.
It wasn’t weakness. It was wisdom and to be sincere it later came back to me in my final year.

Finding My Place in Church Purpose Through Worship

After politics, I turned my full attention to God and it was the best decision I ever made. because I have been away from God presence throughout my years one and after I did introduction in the church that I am a member. but later I became devoted in church, eventually serving as the Choir President. It was more than just singing; it was ministry. Through music, I found healing. I found strength. I found purpose.
The choir became my family. Worship became my weapon. And God became my guide.

Rising as a True Leader Department & Faculty

Even though I left politics, leadership still found me this time, through service, not power.I was elected:Department President and Head of Presidents in my Faculty.These roles tested and grew me. I learned how to manage people, speak with wisdom, serve with humility, and lead by example.although this will have cut short my life, some group of guys planned to kill me.

Year Three Love, Friendship & Finding My People

Year Three was special.

This was the season I found love not just romance, but deep connections with people who became my family.
I found true friends who stood by me when I was weak.I found a partner who understood my dreams and helped me breathe even on my darkest days.I found laughter in dorm rooms, support during deadlines, and memories I’ll carry forever.

My Silent Battles Asthma, Ulcer & Strength in Pain

Behind the smiles and leadership, I fought silent battles that many never saw.
As an asthmatic and ulcer patient, there were days I struggled to breathe. Days I couldn't eat. Nights I curled up in pain while still trying to show up strong for others.
But through it all:God sustained me
Friends supported me And I learned that weakness doesn’t disqualify purpose.
These health challenges didn’t stop me they shaped me. They taught me empathy, resilience, and how to be gentle with myself even as I carried the weight of responsibility.

The Final Stretch Signing Out with Gratitude

Now, standing at the end of this journey, all I feel is gratitude.
Gratitude for:
Every late night and early morning.
Every win and every wound.
Every song I led in choir.
Every person who believed in me.
Every breath I fought to take.

AKSU didn’t just give me a degree it gave me a story of survival, purpose, leadership, and love.

Final Words

To everyone reading this: Your journey may be hard, but it's yours. Own it.

Let people see your victories, but don’t hide your scars they are proof that you didn’t give up. but nevertheless, after this years of pain , and worries and sleepless nights.work should have been awaiting us.

To AKSU: Thank you for the platform, the pain, the purpose, and the people.

I am not just graduating ,I am rising.