A writer once said, “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.” In the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Lagos, a young man once dreamed of standing tall in an academic gown, holding a PhD, and inspiring others to reshape their futures. However, the road to that dream was anything but smooth. It was filled with academic struggles, harsh rejections, and moments of profound despair. That young man today is Dr. Chigozie Chukwu, PhD.

Dr. Chukwu’s story is more than just a tale of success; it’s a powerful testament to resilience and perseverance against overwhelming odds. He wrote the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams 9 times and 7 times, respectively. Each attempt brought with it a mix of hope and disappointment. Many called him a failure, friends and family lost faith in him, but he never lost faith in himself. “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” In the face of these challenges, he found himself taking on menial jobs in the bustling city of Lagos just to make ends meet. While these jobs weren’t glamorous, they kept his dream alive. He eventually realized that “in life, there is no such thing as menial jobs but menial minds.” He always believed that a purpose delayed is not a purpose denied.

Eventually, he gained admission to the University of Abuja in 2008. There, he worked tirelessly, not just as a student but also as a tutor, helping others while supporting himself. His journey was marked by sleepless nights, intense studying, and an unwavering determination to prove that his story would not end in failure. Dr. Chukwu ultimately graduated with a second-class upper honour (2.1) and was among the top 15 in a class of over 200 students.

Driven by the academic challenges faced by his course mates during their university years, he took the initiative to write and publish his first textbook in 2013, titled “Econometrics Simplified.” This book serves as a practical guide aimed at making the learning process easier and more accessible for undergraduate economics students. Furthermore, in 2017, he published and launched 2 books, titled “Econometrics Amplified” and “The Polished Vessel: Tears, Travails, and Triumphs” which captured the essence of his tumultuous yet inspiring journey.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Chukwu’s aspirations took a significant turn when he was admitted to the prestigious University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom to pursue a PhD in Economics. It was a bold leap, moving away from his comfort zone into the rigorous

world of global academia. Embarking on PhD studies is no easy feat. It’s mentally challenging, emotionally draining, and demands unwavering discipline.

Yet, amidst the challenges, new opportunities began to unfold. In 2021, he was appointed as an Associate Lecturer at the Lincoln International Business School (LIBS). Juggling teaching responsibilities with his doctoral research was no small feat, but Dr. Chukwu rose to the challenge. His academic path has taken him beyond the UK, allowing him to present research papers at international conferences, including the CSAE Conference at the University of Oxford, as well as in Europe. A wise man once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Today, Dr. Chukwu proudly holds a PhD degree in Development Economics. In 2023, he served as a visiting lecturer at Chongqing Technology and Business University (CTBU), China. He has taught over 1,000 students across diverse countries and still counting. As of 2025, he is a module leader and lecturer at a global university in the United Kingdom. His story is one of sheer determination, tenacity, passion, and a touch of divine grace. From a young man who once struggled to pass the WAEC and JAMB exams to a global scholar and mentor. His life is proof that failure is never final, and delays do not equate to denial. Finally, let this article serve as a message to every struggling young person, every dreamer facing rejection, and every quiet warrior: Your story is not finished yet. Keep writing it.

Chigozie Chukwu, PhD [email protected]