A Flashback

1.  Abdul Mutallib Muktar

Part one

Any memory of the past either makes man mild or miserable. My mind flashbacks the past, almost six years now— anytime I remember—I silently smile. When one sees my face, he/she may sense what I reminisce. Indeed, it was nostalgic smile like that of Ben Carson when he recalls his childhood period at Elementary School, Detroit. Of course, it is quite easy for one to flashback but really difficult to foreshadow. I vividly remember my days that were taken over by the rotation of the earth on its axis and revolution on the orbit. Not actually denying the adage which goes: what has passed, had, of course, passed and should be ignored, the future is what matters. However, I believe that the past is a compendium of lessons to the wise.

In junior secondary school, I had struggled and tried my best to compose very short stories, write essays, articles and above all, letters. I did always send them to my teachers, when they perused them, they would finally return them to me, saying they could not understand my handwriting because it was not clear, full of mistakes at every line and lacked organization. I used to asked why all this.

I became most challenged whenever I received a letter written in English language by a childhood vibrant girlfriend whom usually insisted for replies; the replies were nightmares for me. I would waste pages of my exercise books, all in effort to reply. I believe she couldn't get the actual contents of it, because multiple mistakes were the main features of the replies. I smile for these memories, the lady still recalls these memories whenever we meet in the present days, and we would all laugh, laugh and laugh. Lot of comic-flaws in those days.

Despite all this, I still remained fervent in an attempt to overcome my weaknesses. I took a Hausa-written novel "Naja'atu", a very emotional story of about 150 pages and forced myself to translate it into English language. Wow! I did that. But when I rummaged the script some months ago and read, I then believed my teachers. Every line becomes and ocean of errors and mistakes. It was unreadable. I nearly fainted.

With all these, I began to see changes, when we got promoted to JSS 2, second term, I was appointed the Social Prefect whose responsibility was to conduct an assembly and mostly deliver a speech after or before the Senior Prefect does. Hmm.. I faced a monstrous task. Every assembly day, I used to visit lot of schools' magazines and steal or rather imitate speeches from them, especially sermons and wise-sayings, master them as they were, with the slightest changes and deliver them on the assembly ground, the students would all give me an applause thinking I was an orator, not knowing that I cleverly crammed.

Everyday, my effort was intensifying to be able to read, write and speak clearly and proficiently. One always sees me with books, always trying to write and speak good English. I stuck to where I could get an iota of benefit regarding my academic pursuit. In fact, since then, I began to lick the juicy fruit. The life in Al-Burhan Academy was so nice. That was my junior secondary school filled up with vibrant teachers. Teachers are indeed the most influential personalities.

Part Two

The earth rotates on its axis and revolves on the orbit, making one's life shorter and shorter. Every second spends is deducted from one's total number of seconds. Many people, particularly those fecund minds I met on social media, have been reminding me with full avidity to update the second part of this write up. Such days I wrote about the first one were already into the chronological chronicles of history. Keeping these sorts of thoughts injects a spirit of caution and foresight in me.

The very time I began my senior secondary school in Al-burhan Academy, the irresistible wind of life blew me somewhere in Ajayi Street, Premier High School. That was where I wanted to continue my secondary school. However, I was knocked down by financial obstacle, for I had been the one sponsoring my studies right from JSS 2. Of course, the school was financially superior to the one I left. I spent only five days in that school not because I intentionally desired to leave - no! - it was lack of financial wherewithal. With copacetic struggle to read, I bought lots of books, magazines, cassettes etc., all to learn English language. I was severely thirsty of it, so I had to get things that would quench my thirst. Though, I was called all sort of names— mad, irresponsible, so-called civilised boy and a person who gives more respect to Western Education than his own Religion—I believe success is associated with that. So, I minded and cared not. Through the guidance and counselling of morally and academically vibrant personalities whom I owe unpayable respect, I was able to remain composed, resilient and never get depressed by their farrago of folly.

That was when I spent more than a month without going into any other school. I was painfully worried and  unrestfully pitying myself. Gleefully, I got myself into a citadel of academic excellence, Al- Ummah Academy with an affordable financial condition. Indeed, I got exposed to many things there. I got involved into academic exercises and competitions coupled with my efforts to be a bright bulb. So many extra-curricular activities in the school had assisted me so much, and for that reason, I recommend it for every secondary school. My entire days in the school had been indelible to me.

Through the tireless effort of the unmatched teachers and my remarkable participation in debate competitions that cuts across inter-school, inter-class and inter-house dimension, I inculcated the habit of attempting to shape my language wherever, whenever and however. As a result, reading became the order of the day. I successfully finished Al-Ummah Academy with a naturally blessed and colourful results of WAEC and NECO in 2016. And, yet, I feel like going back to the school for life to continue there. It is just that we always look forward while walking whether we want or not.

Amazingly, in my mindblowing Jamb exams, I scored iridescently. In that particular year which I finished my O'level, I secured admission at the prestigious Faculty of Law, Ahmdu Bello University, Zaria, to study Civil Law.  Glory be to God. I believe in hardwork, optimism and prayer.