Success Secrets of Anne Chinasa Mpamah

The Inspiring Story of Nigerian Who Acquired Ph. D. in Law Without a Secondary Education

Briefly tell us about yourself.

 My name is Anne Chinasa Mpamah (Nee Njoku-Eke), though, I was fondly called Ajaranwagu (Lioness) by my maternal grandmother. My parents had 10 children though only six are alive today. I am the second daughter of my parents. I can say that I am strong willed and very pragmatic. I was born in the month of March 1961 at St. Mary’s Hospital Samreboi, a close range from Kumasi, Ashanti region of Western Ghana. My parents had to relocate back to Nigeria shortly before the war broke out between Nigeria and Biafra.

Tell us about your education, from primary to the university

I began my primary education at St. Anne’s Primary School Umuezie Nguru, Aboh Mbaise local council in the present Imo state. I started school in 1971 at exactly 10 years. This was so because of the Nigerian civil war that ravaged my village. However, shortly after the war, my parents moved down to the North, precisely Plateau State and settled in Jos. In, Jos, I continued my primary education at Army Children’s School in 1976. While in primary school, I was always applauded by my teachers both at home and Army children school as being a brilliant girl.  

Summarily I was 10 years old when I started primary education in 1971 at St. Anne’s Community School, Umuezie, where I completed primary 1 – 3. From there, I moved down to Plateau State and continued with the Army Children’s School, Jos where I completed primary 6. For my secondary education, St. Luis College was a choice school for me then, but calamity struck our family when I lost my elder brother in 1977 and we all had to return home. That was the end of St. Luis dream for me.

Back to the village to mourn my late elder brother, I was asked to return to primary school again to retake the common entrance. I did and scored the highest point in the whole of Aboh Mbaise; I was so excited when I was posted to Ogbor Girls Grammar School Nguru (formerly known as Regina Caeli Girls Ogbor Nguru).

In my bewilderment, when I went to register in the school, the Principal refused me from registering, as she said: “go home, we cannot register you because you have passed school age”. I sobbed profusely and helplessly too; wondering what type of policy could limit a child from accessing education when desirous.

I went home to report to my family. However, my mother could not accept such report, she sent me back with an uncle who was a soldier the following day. Uncle Goddy took me with him to see the principal who stood her ground and said it was a government policy she could not violate.

That was exactly how I found myself in (the then) Kings Commercial School Afor-Ajala; and School of Accounts and Secretarial Studies, Enyiogugu. Although, I could not complete class 2 as I became a little rascal. I got pregnant and dropped out of school. My hope of having quality education was dashed, my future looked so bleak and I could not fathom the outcome of my predicament. Somehow, I ran away.

What was your growing up like during your time?

Growing up like every other typical Nigerian girl was not without challenges. I came from a Catholic background. I had very loving parents and siblings. My mother would gather us every morning to pray and say the rosary as many times as she felt. My father was very strict and had zero tolerance for any misbehavior. We bonded with my siblings, though, there were bullies among them.

I had very few friends and enjoyed outings: mostly church activities with them. My life revolved around my mother as she loved me; and I was very dedicated to helping with chores at home and marketing her products as she was a trader, and my father loved me so much for my intelligence (as he used to say). Growing up, I had beautiful dreams of a brighter future, a loving husband and plenty children. Although, I made some nasty mistakes I wouldn’t have dared now.

Let us have your views on the claim that moral decadence in contemporary society is attributable to a breakdown in family values?

Of a truth, the family is the bedrock where parents try to inculcate moral values to children. It is axiomatic that where strong moral values are taught and practiced, there is the chance of a 65 to 75 per cent reduction in moral decline. Although, some families do instill tenaciously moral values to their children, yet, along the line, they are overwhelmed by peer and societal pressure.

What major obstacles did you overcome as a growing child?

Growing up I encountered a lot of speed bumps that slowed me down; some as a result of my bad choices, lack of family support and societal influence, and the memory that I was not accepted in school weighed me down.

However, I summoned courage and became a follower of Jesus Christ. The mysteries of my life began to unfold gradually, I suddenly overcame the fears and sense of despair that beclouded my vision.

You recently obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in law. How do you feel accomplishing such a rare feat?

Hmmm! It was a dream I never knew would be accomplished.

The story of my university education will not be complete without the mention of University of Jos. I secured a job as a typist in the University of Jos in 1982 when I ran away from home from fear of being incarcerated by my father. That was my first victory; working in an enabling environment and having the desire to study further was the first opportunity I never lost. As I said earlier, I dropped out of class Two, meaning that it was only class One that I could account for. Given the background I came from, I persevered to make up for my West African Examination Council (WAEC) papers; and I enrolled for an extra-moral classes. That way, I was able to sit and pass my Ordinary Level papers.

Why Law of all courses, what was the attraction?

(Laughs heartily) Law is a befitting prestigious profession that enables an advocate’s voice to be heard. I studied law so I could advocate for the right of women and other persons in the society. I am poised to advocate and fight gender-based violence against women and children in our society. Because I was a victim of domestic violence, I will rise to collaborate with other advocates and campaign against violence in our society. Also, I am lending my voice campaigning on the issue of gender inequality in Nigeria.

What key challenges did you confront before you acquired the degree?

The first challenge I confronted with was finance as a single mother I had only one stream of income to cater for my six children and myself.

Looking back, did you envisage that you will get this far in life, in view of the challenges that littered your way?

Looking back to the time I never knew Christ; I only saw a bleak future. But as a firm believer in God and His son Jesus Christ and having obtained my Patriarchal Blessings that had revealed my blessings, I now know better that with God, we can achieve anything we set our heart and mind to do.

What was your major source of inspiration as you made steady progress in life?

Inspiration has been the major catalyst that prodded me farther. Life has challenged me in many ways, the shenanigans of workplace challenged me, and marriage life was not favorable to me. Given these realities, I was inspired to move on to a higher ground. Secondly, I found inspiration in the scriptures. I am also inspired by people that keep rolling no matter the circumstances, and mention must be made of Professors Jamila Mohammed Nasir, and Dominic Asada. I am also inspired by my friends, Josephine Otubu, and chiefly among them Chinedu Agu and her husband.

Did you at any time question your ability to overcome?

Yes! Often times feelings of uncertainty and despair loomed over me during the earlier stage.  Initially, I was lost in despair. I looked at the future as being bleak. But I remained a very pragmatic and self-willed person. That was the spirit that helped me to overcome those spirits of fear and despair In addition, having my Patriarchal Blessing and read it often, all hope was restored. It helped me to look into the future with hope.

What do you mean by Patriarchal Blessings?

It is an ordinance peculiar to latter Day saints. The Patriarch will lay hands on you and pronounce some blessing on the person. The blessing can include long life but it is generally based on inspiration. It may be a short or a long prayer. The blessing has been very helpful to me in my journey through life.

How were you able to juggle your career, motherhood   and marriage and attain a balance that made you who you are today?

In life, it a general thing especially single parents knowing fully well that you are alone. As a mother, I knew that I was alone, and it was very tedious task for me. So, you plan ahead although, I cannot say that I was able to achieve a perfect balance. But I was able to perform my duties as a single mother, paying school fees, meeting their physical and spiritual needs and still be able to ensure that my work never suffered. In addition, I always created a to do list in order to help me to remind me of what I need to do at every particular time. I had a list for everyday, week and month. It helped me to accomplish every set goal. So, at home, I give my time to my children and we have a recreational activity every Monday as designed by the Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints. The activity is called Family Home Evening. I try to read three hours every night and that was what helped to achieve my study goals.

What can you describe as you most memorable experience in life?

Well, I have many memorable experiences I have had in my journey through life. But the one that will stand out was the day I successfully defended my Ph.D. Looking back, it was like a dream because probably 30 year ago, it would sound unattainable that you will conquer the academic would talk less of acquiring a Doctor of Philosophy in Law. So, it will remain a watershed in my life.

Looking back, are there things you would have done differently?

Actually, looking back, I feel that I followed my dream. Simultaneously, I was able to accomplish the dreams I set for myself including acquiring a Ph.D. What happened to me is like a mystery and looking back, all worked to the glory of God.

No doubt, you are a successful person from all indications, give us ten secrets of your success?

There are so many secrets that helped to achieve success. But among all the secrets, top on the list is my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I have always relied on God for all my supplies and needs. Secondly, I have never waivered in studying Gods words including the book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ) which I hold very dear. Third on my secret is prayer. I have always relied on the power of prayer. The John 14:13-14 says if I should ask anything in God’s name, it would be done. I have always followed the counsel of my church leaders. My fifth secret is that I love everybody just the way I love my self. Not bragging about it, I let go easily even when other people offend me. My sixth secret is that I love giving. I can give my last just to make another person happy. I strongly believe that blessed is the hand that giveth that the one that taketh. I also try to live by example, practicing the concept of Do what I do and not what I say.  That way, without sounding immodest, my children were all well brought up.  My other secret is that I can be fearless and love to say things the way there are. I do not mind whose Ox is gored. And finally, I do not keep malice. I let go easily and it has helped me to move on in live. Saying sorry is not a difficult thing for me even to people who do not deserve it.

What are your parting words to the women of younger generation?

My advice is that they should have beautiful dreams and pursue them. They should not let obstacles to debar them from achieving their goals. I strongly advice young girls not to die with their dreams. Once you realize that you need to do something, rise up and do it. They should not procrastinate. It is never late to start.

SUCCESS TIPS

Faith in Jesus Christ

I have always relied on God for all my supplies and needs.

Studying God’s Word

I have never waivered in studying Gods words including the book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ) which I hold very dear.

Prayer.

I have always relied on the power of prayer. John 14:13-14 says if I should ask anything in God’s name, it would be done. I have always followed the counsel of my church leaders.

Universal Love

I love everybody just the way I love my self. Not bragging about it, I let go easily even when other people offend me.

Giving (Charity)

I love giving. I can give my last just to make another person happy. I strongly believe that blessed is the hand that giveth that the one that taketh.

Living by Example

I also try to live by example, practicing the concept of Do what I do and not what I say.  That way, without sounding immodest, my children were all well brought up. 

Personal Courage

I can be fearless and love to say things the way there are. I do not mind whose Ox is gored.

Life without malice

I do not keep malice. I let go easily and it has helped me to move on in life. Saying sorry is not a difficult thing for me even to people who do not deserve it.