Former okada rider recounts journey as he bags PhD

A former okada rider who’s the first in his family to get a formal education recounts the struggle of sponsoring himself from polythecnic to the university till he became a PhD holder.

The okada rider from Amagu village in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, Friday Alobu realized that being a motorcyclist wasn’t his ultimate goal in 2001. However, the job was to stay occupied and meet his basic needs at the time while he strived to elevate his social status with education.

Born into a poor background, Friday began seeking opportunities to transcend the limitations of his upbringing, which led him to aspire to attain the highest academic qualification possible.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t pursue education beyond secondary school due to the steep costs associated with higher institutions.

Consequently, he embarked on a quest for a more stable job outside motorcycle riding. An opportunity to join the Nigerian police force arose in 2001, and Friday eagerly seized it.

In an interview with LEGIT.NG, the Dr. shed light on his struggles.

“I am from Ohatekwe Amagu in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi state. I actually came from a poor background where I was the only person to have attended university to the level of PhD.

“My father and mother didn’t attend even primary school, let alone secondary school. I was born with siblings of seven, but none of them attended university, and some dropped out from secondary school. After my secondary school, there was nobody to train me; hence I had no option but to join okada riding in my village.

“Later, in the month of June 2001, I joined the Nigeria Police Force with the rank of constable. After receiving six months of training at police college Orji River, Enugu state, I was posted to Rivers state command, where I took it as a challenge and got enrolled into university considering my family background,” he stated.