I paid school fees with money made as a vulcanizer - First-class Statistics graduate

- Isah Adam Hussaini was trained by his uncle to be a vulcanizer, patching tires for car owners

 - His parents are also into the same trade so are his siblings but he wanted more as a person 

- So, Hussaini, now 30 years old, used the trade to pay his way through secondary school and university where he bagged a first-class in Statistics

A first-class graduate of Statistics from the University of Jos, Plateau state, Isah Adam Hussaini, has narrated his tough journey to becoming the best student in his department.

Hussaini explained to Daily Trust in an interview that he paid his way through secondary school and university via patching of tyres for vehicle owners as a vulcanizer.

 According to the 30-year-old man, the trade was bequeathed to him by his parents but he was largely trained in it by his uncle. 

His siblings are also into the trade. But he wanted more. Meet 26-year-old professional cobbler who became graduate through vocational job "I was able to pay my school fees from junior secondary school to the University of Jos, where I read Statistics and bagged first-class honours. I graduated last year (2019). Since I could fend for myself, I asked my parents to look after my younger ones." Hussaini said combining work and studies was his greatest challenge but he was able to sail through.

Sometimes, he said, he would have to stop working for a while to concentrate on studies but would quickly make back his losses when he resumed work. 

Hussaini in his convocation gown (left); at work as a vulcanizer. Photo credit: Daily Trust Source: UGC

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The Jos-based artisan, who is continuing with his trade despite his degree, says some humility is required for what he does. "There was a time someone brought me a job from the college where I teach. After I served him I noticed that he was looking at me keenly. When I asked why he was staring at me, he said he was surprised at my level of humility." Reno Omokri cites Psquare as example as he talks about how money and women can ruin relationships When the man asked why he would be vulcanizing in the scorching sun with a first-class degree in his kitty, Hussaini told him the trade paid his way through school.

Hussaini urged youths to acquire vocational skills to back up their educational certificates which are sometimes not enough. "Honestly, we are in a time when you cannot count on educational certificates, so I advise my fellow youths to acquire vocational skills."