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Question-3: Did you find any difficulty while learning these skills, at that time?

Response from Godfrey: Yes, I had several challenges. First was financial support and the enabling environment. It was quite a difficult time for my parents at that time to fund my education or any form of training, and I was dependent on them. There was no computer school in the community where I was. The only one at that time was miles away. And even that closest computer school was not standard or accredited.

There was no competent computer instructor as very few people had computer skills. Besides, the infrastructures were not available to pursue such a career path. People, the government inclusive were more interested in mineral resources such as crude oil. Information and communication technology only had little attention at that time. There were challenges and equally an opportunity I thought I must embrace.

To add, getting a personal computer was just a wish, a dream that might not be actualized. Computers were too expensive. No one would even think of connecting the Internet to their private residence except large companies, business centers, and private individuals who are extravagantly rich.

Question-4: How did you find your way out of these difficulties, that didn’t stop you from developing the computer skills you had?

Response from Godfrey: I think I was wired to follow this path. My desire, passion, and interest to learn were beyond my control. I had a strong drive to develop computer-related skills and really cannot say for certain what ignited that spark. The challenges were not strong enough to quench that spark. As they always say where there is a will, there will be a way. Hence my will was stronger than the obstacles.

Question-5: Can you share some of the steps you took that helped you surmount the challenges?

Response from Godfrey: First, I took advantage of the presence of a Cyber Cafe, a business center where I had access to public computers. The computers were connected to the Internet with very poor signal strength. The place was always overcrowded. There was always a queue to buy tickets and another, to use the computers. Sometimes, when it gets to your turn to use any of the computers, power goes off or the Internet signal goes down indefinitely. It was that bad.

My best friend at that time introduced me to this place. Besides, he taught me how to use the Internet; I mean to surf the Internet using Internet Explorer, which was the only browser available. Since my first experience, I continued to visit the center so I could use their computers.

Later, I registered for a diploma in computer basics. My interest went wild from this point. It became the birthplace of my journey in learning more computer-related skills. I could remember handling the computers and performing unexpected tasks as if I had had real professional experience with computers before. Even my instructor was amazed and designated me to teach others who were taking the course. As a result, I realized I could become a computer instructor too. So I continued to take more computer lessons. My primary aim was to start earning as an Instructor. The saying goes, the best way to learn is to teach.

Finally, I needed to get my personal computer. It was my first year at the university, meeting my graduating friends who wanted to sell off their computers. I could only afford their box-like monitor with the hope of getting a system unit later on.

Then I met a new friend who was in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. He had a motherboard that he had dismantled from one of his old computers. He freely gave it to me and encouraged me to get other components piece by piece. It was the best gift I ever received at that moment. It was an opportunity for me to learn the technical aspects of computers. I became a computer technician as a result. First, learning from my friend and then registered for hardware technician courses to become certified. I became obsessed with my computer hardware. I started earning the skills, fixing other students’ broken computers.

Circumstances that came with opportunities helped me in surmounting the challenges I had. This experience made me believe that life happens to us in a way that’s influenced by our intentions or needs. It taught me a lesson I will never forget; that our innermost wishes would materialize themselves if we continue to dare the paths of opportunities.

Now at this age, getting a personal computer is no longer a big deal. We can easily access the Internet anywhere with our smartphones.