It is my joy and pleasure to share that on Thursday, 23 May I graduated from Harvard Divinity School with a Master of Theological Studies.
Three years ago, I did not imagine myself crossing the Atlantic, coming to the United States, and attending Harvard University, but God, by His mercies and through Destiny helpers, made my dream of earning a master’s degree abroad to become a reality.
In a few words, I describe my time at HDS as intellectually engaging, spiritually uplifting, ideologically provoking, socially impactful, psychologically challenging (in every positive sense), historically inspiring, and life transforming.
Growing up in Taraku, Benue State, Nigeria, I attended St Patrick’s Primary School, commonly called Roman Catholic Mission (R.C.M.) but which children in private schools nicknamed in Tiv language as “St. pav wa ajav,” a caricature for our tattered school uniforms, because children who went to St. Patrick’s were mostly from less-privileged backgrounds, although it was the best primary school in the community. In certain classes, we sat on the floor to receive lessons. This was why children in private schools whose parents could afford higher cost of education caricatured us.
I graduated from St. Patrick’s in 2007. Seventeen years down the line, the once poor little Terna from “St. pav wa ajav” has graduated from Harvard University!
While at HDS, I grappled with critical issues about religion that challenged my faith; for example, that religion, my religion, has been fundamental to the evils of enslavement, colonization, and racism. On the other hand, however, I learned how it has also been instrumental to liberation, justice, peace, and education. I went to St. Patrick’s, Taraku, because it is a legacy of missionary enterprise, regardless of colonialism. For me, one can employ religion for good or evil; whichever depends on deliberate choices.
My experience at HDS inspired me to become more justice-oriented, ethically-conscious, and intentional about changemaking, societal transformation, and has also set the pace to my future aspirations; to contribute my ideas for a just, peaceful world. I appreciate my teachers, my academic advisor, Dr. Jacob Olupona, staff, colleagues, and friends, for making my studies memorable and experiential.
I sincerely express my unreserved gratitude to God for seeing me through my studies at Harvard. I thank my mentors, Emmanuel J. Zakka and Seth B. Kajang, who led me to take this path and stood by me from beginning to end. I thank my professor, Andrew A. Akume, and Fr. Paul Ubebe who recommended me. I thank my Principal at F & F Chambers, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, and my Principal at O & A Legal, Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN for their support. I thank my Lead Partner and the Team at Infusion Lawyers, who have been very supportive of my studies.
To the Love of my life, my Glorious Global Queen, thank you for being my support system and motivator, and for your prayers. You came into my life at the perfect time. I love you.
And to my mother, Mum, your son is now a Harvard graduate. You know you are the reason I have come this far and why I am still going. Thank you for your continued prayers and love.
To all of you that have encouraged me in every unique way, thank you for sharing my joy and for finding inspiration in my story.
You can also watch the live recordings of the Harvard Commencement 2024 ceremony, the Harvard Divinity School 2024 Multireligious Commencement Service and Commencement Diploma Awarding Ceremony.
