26/05/2026
Some years ago at my former place of work, while I was teaching Further Mathematics in class, one of the staff came to call me that the Principal needed my attention.
At first, I became worried because I was deeply in the middle of a lesson and was wondering if there was any issue.
I was told one of the parents wanted to see me urgently. So I suspended the class and headed straight to the principalās office.
When I got there, I met a calm and well-respected man who had come personally to discuss about his son's academic performance.
Later, I was told that the man was so, so and so here in Abuja.
What surprised me most was not his position, but his humility and simplicity.
Mehnnn, some of these big men ehnnnn, they humble pass some people wey just get ordinary 2k for account.
This was a man who could have easily asked that I be sent to his office, but instead, he came down himself just to meet a Mathematics teacher.
He spoke with so much respect and simplicity.
He said he had been hearing good things about me from my principal and some persons who knew how I teach Mathematics, Physics, and Further Mathematics.
Then he opened up about his son.
According to him, the boy attends one of the expensive private schools in town and is presently in SS1, but from his own observations, he noticed that the boy was not solid enough in Mathematics and Physics. Which is the foundational class I whispered.
He said something that touched me deeply.
He said:
āSometimes, expensive schools do not always guarantee proper understanding. As parents, we must pay attention ourselves.ā
Honestly, that statement stayed with me.
The man explained how he personally checks his sonās notebooks, assignments, test scripts, and even asks him questions after school.
From those observations, he discovered there were gaps in understanding, especially in calculations and problem-solving.
That was why he decided to seek extra help early before things became worse.
We discussed everything ā the subjects involved, the lesson structure, time arrangements, and expectations.
Before leaving, he said something very encouraging to me.
He said:
āA good teacher is a treasure. When people see results in what you do, your name will naturally enter places you never expected.ā
That statement humbled me greatly.
Honestly, that experience taught me two major lessons.
First, parents must be intentional about the education of their children.
Do not just pay school fees and assume everything is fine.
Monitor your children.
Check their books.
Ask questions.
Know their strengths and weaknesses.
Some parents only wake up when WAEC, NECO, or JAMB results start bringing disappointment.
Education requires parental involvement.
A child may attend the best school and still lack understanding if parents are not paying attention.
Secondly, teachers should never joke with excellence.
People are watching.
Your seriousness, dedication, passion, and consistency are speaking for you even when you do not know.
Sometimes, the opportunities that come your way are not because of who you know personally, but because somebody somewhere recommended you based on the value you consistently give.
As teachers, let us continue improving ourselves.
Let us continue giving our best in the classroom.
One recommendation can open a door that years of struggle may never open.
I remain yours truly,
Sampson Ndudi Oji
