The Making of a Doctor

By Julius Sodipo

Short story of Segun and his early development with part of his consultations as a GP covering the period specified in the volume.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press UK
• Release date: Jul 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9781982283827

Book preview

THE MAKING

OF A DOCTOR

JULIUS SODIPO

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Copyright © 2021 Julius Sodipo.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by

any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author

except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any

technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the

advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer

information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-

being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your

constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9822-8381-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-8383-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-8382-7 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date: 07/09/2021

CONTENTS

Dedication

Appreciation

Aim

Introduction

Segun’s Education, Training and as A Young Doctor

The Diary

The Certificates

Databases

April 1997 to April 2015 Consultations and August 1997

Consultations

Databases

August 1998 to August 2004 Consultations

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my four sons:

Julius Adedeji, John Adesola, Isaac Adetokunbo and Johnson Adeyinka;

their mother Gloria Adanma;

to the memory of my:

father’s father Papa (Chief) Isaac Omolaja Sodipo;

father’s mother Madam Bilewunmi-omo Sodipo;

mother’s mother Nee Alice Aina Ero-Phillips (alias Iya Alakara);

mother Madam (Chief) Harriet Olufunke Ibidunni Sodipo

father, Dr (Chief) John Adewunmi Akanbi Sodipo.

APPRECIATION

I will like to thank my wife, Gloria Adanma (Nee Okoroafor), for showing fleeting interests during the production of the whole project and to thank my son, Isaac Adetokunbo, for editing and proof-reading the book.

AIM

Any proceeds from the sale(s) or distribution of this book should be used in setting up a Fund, which should be invested in a safe investment. This fund should be called Dr Julius Adebiyi Sodipo’s Fund.

All the proceeds being generated from the sale of the book (or project) as well as all the proceeds from his estate should be deposited as Capital into the fund. The managers of the Estate Fund should not get more than 10% of the income generated by the Fund each year. The proceeds in the Fund should be invested in a relatively safe investment and what is generated should be called the Fund Income.

So, should any of the remaining of my estate, after deduction of any debts and taxes should be added to the Dr Julius Adebiyi Sodipo’s Fund. The monies in the fund should be distributed from time to time occasionally but regularly to my biological grandchildren, biological great grandchildren, biological great great grandchildren, and biological generations yet to be born with no conditions attached. For example, for those who are eligible i.e., my biological descendants, 30 percent of the yearly income should be distributed equally yearly rather than 5 percent monthly. Those who are managing the Fund and its distribution should receive 5 to 10 percent of the yearly income, as appropriate to use in maintaining the fund and as their fees.

The remaining 90% (or 95%) of the yearly income generated by the Estate Fund, reiterated here, should be equally divided between the biological posterity of Dr Julius Adebiyi Sodipo for generations to come including those yet unborn for as long as possible as far as the Estate exists.

The division of the Estate Fund’s income should be as follows:

Each member of his (my) biological posterity should get their own share from the age of 30 years old until the age of 55 years old, or they are no longer alive if this should happen earlier. As reiterated earlier their own share should be given to them yearly or more frequently if the managers feel it is in the best interest of the recipient to do so.

An independent legal firm (team) mutually agreeable to most of the stakeholders must be employed. The legal firm is to ensure the smooth running by the Fund Managers, to ensure that the managers keep to the protocol set out above or not to significantly deviate from it. The legal team should receive 5% of the yearly income of the fund as their renumeration.

INTRODUCTION

This idea and realism of writing this book came to me to write a brief overview of Segun as a teenager in his country of birth of Nigeria and to travel through his journey from then until about his retirement as a doctor. There will be inevitable gaps, for which Segun whole-heartedly apologises.

A sizeable amount is allocated to life before his university days. There is a noticeable abrupt end and allocation of the book towards his experience as a medical student. This is done on purpose in view of the way Segun felt and still feels being unfairly treated towards the end of his period as a student in the University.

Efforts to introduce his experiences as a doctor are deliberate and apologies for any perceived idea of turning the contents of the book to more of science. Segun feels this is necessary to be able to show his experiences and knowledge as a medical doctor.

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SEGUN’S EDUCATION,

TRAINING AND AS A

YOUNG DOCTOR

Although as a young boy Segun wanted to be a doctor, he found that as he was getting older, he was increasingly enjoying and liking mathematics.

To him biology was synonymous with medicine; hence Segun tried his possible best to make biology his best subject as school but all to no avail. Segun remembered when he was in class IV, their biology teacher, a young fresh graduate with a B Sc. She was slim and either Eastern or Mid-Western part of Nigeria. Segun liked her and at times she would even come and sit beside him. Also, when Segun was in the fifth form, their first set of girls were in the Upper Six form, his only friend among them, also from around the Eastern part of the country, was not doing Arts subjects or the combination pure mathematics, applied mathematics, physics. She was doing biology, chemistry, and physics.

Gradually Segun’s interest in doing Medicine waned as he realised his increasing enjoyment of playing with Mathematics. Sometime in the fifth year he seriously thought of the idea of becoming an engineer, a chemical engineer in fact. Segun was also particularly good in chemistry. As a matter of fact, he was the best chemistry student of the class when they were in the third form and he was due to get a Prize at the end of the year. The prize was never received. The new principal put an end to all college prizes; he claimed that they were not necessary. And chemical engineering, he thought was a new profession in the country.

Anyway, Segun went to his mummy, tabled the issue of his career. Segun told her that he is seriously considering being an engineer. She, however, told him that he must still embark on medicine, and throw away the idea of becoming an engineer for the following reasons namely; 1. Being a doctor by itself is such a good thing even for anybody to be referred to as a doctor, he will probably be able to sustain his family and himself, and may even do more. Being a doctor can never be a miscalculation financially for the individual concerned as people will always be sick and therefore will require the service and expertise of the doctor. 2. That he is the first son of his daddy, and that following in his daddy’s footstep, who by the way is also a medical doctor, would not only please daddy but make him a satisfied person. His dad will also be pleased to show him the ups and downs, the in and out of the profession which his dad would have acquired through experience. Thus, unlike with other professions when he will be starting from scratch, with medicine he would have the chance and opportunity of starting from an advantaged position. 3. And finally his daddy had built clinic and established private practice, which he had done over the years. What would become of it in the future? All this advice from his mum helped him in reshaping his views and ideas. And Segun gradually came to the decision that medicine he will do and doctor he shall become. And that he would either becomes a naval surgeon or a gynaecologist. However Segun made himself one promise that year, 1970, that he will do medicine provided he gets a higher grade in biology than in additional mathematics in the school certificate examination that he was taking at the end of the year.

To his utmost surprise, Segun got grade 3 in biology and grade 5 in additional mathematics. Thus, he chose to do the subjects biology, chemistry, and physics at advanced Level. After the examination, he succeeded in getting to a famous premier male college at Ibadan to do the higher school certificate. While there, he tried to work consistently hard to be able to do the matriculation examination of the University of Ibadan, later in the year, 1971. As a matter of fact, Segun had the best mark in Biology and was scheduled to get a prize at the prize giving ceremony, later in that year.

It would be pertinent to mention here that Segun sincerely wanted to do his medicine course abroad and he had tried and found out avenues to take. These led him to find out about the medical faculty of the University of Heidelberg in Western Germany and Ulm School of medicine, also in Western Germany. The former is one of the oldest universities in Europe, highly conservative. The prospect and possibility of being at such a University used to make him shudder and shiver with excitement. The latter was equally famous in the country for being a small town with a school of nothing but medicine. Segun wrote them, he was given the opportunity of being admitted provided he first used a year for studying the German language. What a wonderful opportunity, Segun thought. Then at 18 years Segun might become a doctor at 24 years of age. Segun was happy. Segun took the documents and headed for Lagos to discuss the idea and prospects with his dad for his fatherly and genuine advice, for his acceptance of supporting him financially. His daddy was noted to be naturally pleased, but he had misgivings about studying in Germany for two reasons, being that most of the existing doctors in Nigeria then were trained either in Britain or some other English speaking countries and because of the cultural conflict, settling down and practising one’s trade among people who expect certain norms from such professional, which he might be lacking, will probably be therefore difficult, if not downright impossible. And that the medium of communication would be entirely foreign and different to his. His dad said to him, look how long you have been studying and speaking English and see the various difficulties that you encounter, you can imagine what will happen with a language that you have only studied for only one year. And above all to be reading medical books which would be entirely written in German. Hence, his dad was able to persuade him against going to such places, but his dad also reassured him that he would see what could be done. Segun left, disappointed but not dejected. Segun returned to school still working hard in preparation for the afore-mentioned matriculation examination.

To his utmost surprise, Segun saw his younger half-sister with the message from their father that he needed Segun’s passport photographs which his daddy needed to collect his Passport. Segun gave them to her but holding out little hope in that direction. Segun bid his sister goodbye and continued with his usual routines.

On September 17, 1971 Segun was lying lazily on his bed in his dormitory, of which he had then been promoted as the head. Segun was summoned by the Principal and told that he was needed in his office immediately. Why the invitation? Segun pondered in astonishment. Segun left for the office immediately where he saw a gentleman, a good friend of his daddy whom he knew back in Lagos. The order was swift from him to Segun. That he was to pack his belongings, and to travel to Lagos immediately. Segun was advised to branch at Abeokuta to see his mum. Segun was advised to tell his mum that it may have to do with Segun’s travelling abroad. Segun was surprised and astonished, but all the same excited. Segun bundled his belongings to one corner of the dormitory, took very few with him, leaving an instruction that the remaining would be collected later. Segun left for Abeokuta immediately. On divulging the information to his mother, she was equally astonished, ran here and there, and eventually left for Lagos, still not sure of the sudden message. On arriving in Lagos, his daddy was contacted, and he showed his annoyance for Segun’s lateness in getting to Lagos. Segun’s daddy told Segun that Segun was travelling abroad the following morning and Segun was just arriving then, early evening. Thereafter, there was running up and down, trying to put the finishing touches to the arrangements, the little of which there was. That night, Segun’s daddy called Segun into his room and asked Segun if he had some luggage. Segun replied to his dad that he had none. His dad brought out one of his own suitcases, gave Segun one of his dressing gowns, pyjamas, towel, and waistcoat. His dad added one of his suits as well. His dad gave him the ticket, the Passport, and a few Pounds sterling. His daddy told him that he must open his eyes wide, and must look out for signs, read them, and follow the directions and instructions. That if Segun did not understand, he must not hesitate to ask. So, the following morning Segun was escorted to the airport by his daddy, his mummy, his half-brother, and his mum’s older cousin. After the checking in and other procedures, Segun parted with his mother and his other relations and walked briskly to the bus that was going to take him and the other passengers to the plane. Segun looked back again and again to catch glimpses of those dear to him. Among the hustle and bustle of the airport, Segun thought again in his mind, why did he have to leave those so dear to him and when would he see them again?

As the bus sped towards the plane, his heart leapt with joy of going overseas. How wonderful, Segun thought. At the same time, Segun was filled with fear, the fear of the unknown. How was he going to cope among white people, in a totally foreign country? And, above all, especially at the same moment he felt sad and unhappy, being separated from his relatives. Then he realised how difficult and wicked life could be, and that the only answer was to take courage and only courage would take him through his stay abroad, irrespective of the length of the period. And to believe that with God, nothing, and absolutely nothing is impossible. The latter was not new to him, although he was not a strictly practising Christian but someone who had the deep fear of God in him.

On getting to the plane, a British Caledonian aircraft, Segun was taken to his seat by an airhostess. How beautiful she looked, he thought. Segun sat in the middle seat next to a Reverend Sister, whose acquaintance he quickly gained. Many more airhostesses, all smartly dressed and very good-looking, were noticed by him. How wonderful it is to travel in a plane, all the way to London. Again, Segun became lost in thought, the only child of his mother leaving her alone out there, the child who spent the last years of primary school in a village. Segun has gradually become exposed to the complicated peculiarities and the goodies of Lagos only five years before. Segun was then going to be exposed to perhaps more complicated but nicer things abroad. The plane took off about 0900 hours that day; it went up into the sky and on its way out of Nigeria’s airspace. And again, Segun became lost in thought, and tears filled his eyes. Slowly, Segun wiped his eyes and promised himself that he would take courage.

As Segun sat there, he went over what his father had hammered into him the previous night. The plane from Lagos would arrive at Gatwick airport. On arriving, his daddy said, show your ticket to any airport official and you would be shown a taxi that would convey you to Heathrow airport. The taxi driver would take you to the appropriate terminal at Heathrow airport. Once you get there you should show your ticket to an airport staff who would escort you to the appropriate booking officer and then to the boarding lounge. Check your flight number and listen for the numbers that would be called on the loudspeakers. If at any time you were in doubt, ask. Once your flight number is called, follow the crowd, and enter the plane for Dublin. When you arrive in Dublin, ask for where you can collect your luggage. Wait there, collect it, and follow the crowd. Show your ticket, Passport and whatever is requested from you. When you get out of the airport, you would meet someone from the college which you are going to, who would be there to collect you." All these appeared impossible to Segun. How was he going to manage?

Segun was still lost in thought when he was gently nudged by the Sister beside him. Are you travelling to England for holidays? She said. No, he told her. That he was going to study in Dublin. Oh! She said. He told her that he would be taking another plane from Heathrow airport after coming down at Gatwick airport. "How would you manage? Have you been to England before? She asked him. Once again, Segun replied her by saying no, but quickly added that he was expecting to catch a waiting taxi, already arranged, that would take him to Heathrow airport. Gradually he became aware that the good lady might be helpful to him on arriving in England. Segun noticed that there were ten seats in each row with two corridors along the length of the plane. Segun did not know that the plane that looked relatively small outside could be so huge inside. And yet this was built by humans. The huge structure with its cargo of human beings was in the air flying. Segun thought how wonderful God is. Beautiful meals were served, films were shown, and earphones were made available to listen to the different types of music. Segun was happy thinking of how lucky he was.

Good morning, this is your captain speaking. We are cruising at an altitude of 33,000 and at a speed of so many hundreds of miles per hour. We are now flying over the Sahara Desert, just over Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic. We hope to travel over Sudan, Algeria, the Mediterranean Sea, Spain and then to France, when we would start descending to bring us to the Eastern coast of England. We hope to touch down in Gatwick airport at 1630 hours local time. Many thanks for travelling with British Caledonian. The plane continued with its journey until we eventually began to descend, after we have all been checked that our seat belts were securely tightened. Gradually the plane descended until they were able to make out the landscape, the roads, vehicles travelling along and finally people going on with their business. So, Segun was in Britain, he thought to himself. As the tyres of the plane touched the ground and the huge structure sped along the runway, he just sat there in amazement, completely dumbfounded. The plane gradually came to a halt, the captain informed the crowd in the plane of their arrival at Gatwick international airport that they should not smoke until they have entered the airport lounge. The pilot said that he hoped the passengers enjoyed their flight and thanked them once again for travelling with the airline and looked forward to travelling with them again. The pilot advised the passengers to please remain seated until the plane had come to a complete stop. As the plane came to a complete stop, everyone loosened their seat belts and opened the cabin luggage compartments to remove their hand luggage. They all filed towards the door at the front of the plane. At the door, each person was greeted and thanked by an airhostess, Hello, thank you sir.

As Segun was entering the airport building, he noticed the uninvitingly cold breeze. How would he cope? Segun thought for a moment. But that was not the issue at hand. By hook or crook, he had to get to Dublin, and with the help of God the Father Almighty he was going to achieve this. Within a short time, they arrived at a central lobby area. There the immigration procedures were carried out. Again, fortunately, he remembered the briefings with his dad the previous day. Just hand over the big brown envelope containing all the documents about your new school to the officials. And remember, answer, or talk only when spoken to. Once you have given your answer shut your mouth until when next you are spoken to. In that case you are unlikely to say anything incriminatory or undesirable. Truly Segun found the dictum to be worthy of praise and assistance to him, not only at the airports but almost throughout his nine years stay abroad. This was true because the only few times he got into real trouble and therefore encountered some problem was when he spoke too much. The immigration officer asked him if he was a student. Yes sir, Segun replied promptly. Segun was asked if he had been to the country before. No sir, he replied. Segun was asked when he was resuming at his school in Dublin. Segun told the immigration officer that as soon as he arrived there. Then his Passport was stamped by the officer, saying to Segun good luck and goodbye. Segun promptly replied thank you sir. After Segun has moved forward a few steps he looked closely at the wordings just stamped on his Passport. The words were as follows, You are hereby allowed to stay in the UK for a period of three months from the date inscribed above and that you should not take part in any paid employment while resident in the country. He then closed the Passport and placed it along with his other travel documents in the envelope. He placed the envelope containing his travel documents in his jacket pocket. He also placed the brown envelope in the brief case which was given to him the previous night. He wondered and though how beautiful the brief case was, small and elegant. There and then he promised himself that the briefcase, barring any unforeseen or unavoidable incident or accident, must return to Nigeria with him one day. When that day would be was entirely in the hands of providence. He snapped out of his daydreaming and started looking around with searching eyes. Anybody looking at him then would know that he was a Johnny just comes, JJC for short. This was a colloquial term that Segun knew soon knew very well when it was used to refer to him and used it for others who came abroad after him. Then Segun saw the Reverend Sister standing by a round object with conveyor belt, he moved closer to her and greeted her. She asked Segun that he had finished with immigration and Segun replied yes. The Sister advised Segun to get a trolley, pointing to where they were. Segun thanked the Sister and walked in the same direction to get one of the trolleys. As he was going to get the trolley, he noticed that he was doing things with haste. The reasons, he later knew was due to the excessive cold. He realised that with the weather being so cold it is difficult for one to drag his feet or takes things easily.

By the time Segun returned to the conveyor area, the baggage had started arriving. Segun collected his luggage and filed towards the exit point following the crowd. As Segun approached the customs area, he blindly followed the crowd towards the GREEN (nothing to declare) section. Nevertheless, Segun was stopped and asked to open his luggage, one old but strong suitcase his daddy gave to him the previous day. At first, he was about to frown and complain. He quickly reminded himself that he was a JJC and in another man’s land. He also reminded himself that there was no other person who can get him out of any predicament that he might find himself. So, with a swift change of attitude and with a fixed smile on his face he opened his suitcase with joy. Many questions were asked about the numerous bottles of Zorro and mentholated balm. He explained to the officer that they were for rubbing himself when he catches cold. He was to learn later that all the mentholated balms etc. was not useful as far as the cold was concerned. Slowly Segun’s luggage was searched by the officer. Since nothing offensive was found, the contents were replaced, and he was asked to lock his suitcase which Segun did. Segun proceeded towards the exit and entered a rather crowded but peaceful lobby. Everybody was going about their business. All the white people looked alike to Segun as he was unable to differentiate them facially.

As Segun was standing in a strange land, with people uninterested in one another, he truly knew that he was alone. He summoned up his courage, took his suitcase and approached a lady official at a desk, introduced himself, stated his mission and destination. The lady, who was a British Caledonian official, asked for his travelling documents which Segun produced and handed over to the lady. After looking at it carefully, she told him that they were expecting him. She told Segun that there was a taxi waiting for him to take him to Heathrow airport. She invited Segun to follow her. Segun was so happy, thinking how lucky he was and how wonderful God was to him. He followed the lady who by then had helped him with his briefcase. Within a minute, they were beside what looked to Segun like a private car. Segun thought that car was too good to be used as a taxi. Few words were exchanged between the lady and the taxi driver. The lady turned to Segun and told him that the driver would take him to the appropriate terminal at Heathrow airport. She said goodbye to Segun, and he said goodbye back noticing that she was already walking away. The driver asked Segun if he could put the suitcase in the boot to which Segun agreed. The driver put his luggage in the boot for him and opened a rear door for him. Segun entered the car thanking the driver. As the car sped out of the airport, Segun thought how incredibly beautiful and well set the airport was. The car then pulled out on to the highway. Segun sat back in the seat and tried to regain his cool. Segun admired the beautiful, clean, serene, and picturesque scenery along the way. Segun wondered how he was going to manage in such a strange land, only turning eighteen years old the previous April. Segun wanted to cry but he had to control himself. Segun knew full well that it was his wish to study overseas, the idea was never forced on him. Segun should therefore be ready to accept whatever should come his way. Segun felt bitter about the fact that he was alone and there was absolutely nobody known to him that he could turn to for any advice. Segun felt at that moment, like on many more occasions throughout his stay overseas, that if he found someone to give him a return ticket back to Nigeria, he would gladly have accepted it. Nevertheless, nobody was around to give him any return ticket to Nigeria. The possibility of getting a return ticket was so remote that the idea rapidly vanished, just as it had come in the first place, out of his mind.

The taxi was warm inside, as the heater was on, so Segun felt quite comfortable and relaxed. Then Segun started to plan his next line of action on arriving at Heathrow airport. This Segun hoped would be easier; after all it was for a relatively short distance. Segun did not bother to enquire about its complexity from the taxi driver, who was quiet most of the time anyway. While still thinking about his steps for the immediate future, the taxi entered an excessively big city with array of rows of houses built together. It was exceptionally clean but rather quiet until they started to move towards the centre that he saw more people moving about, each person minding their business. People were generally quiet as Segun noticed in the airport. Why all the animosity towards one another, he thought. Segun was to learn later that he was wrong. This was the way not only of the British people but all white people in general. The city of London, as Segun learned later from the taxi driver, seemed endless. Segun had never seen any place so huge in his life. As Segun was quite anxious at the time, he was unable or not interested in appreciating how beautiful the place was. The taxi continued until it arrived at Heathrow airport. To his utter amazement, Heathrow airport was even much bigger than Gatwick airport which Segun had just left. It was like a village on its own. Segun saw sign boards for different terminals; the driver turned the car and approached the appropriate terminal. As they arrived, the driver brought out Segun’s luggage and bid Segun goodbye. Segun went into the reception area and picked out a lady official. Segun told the lady of his destination and when the plane would take off. Segun was told the counter to go to for checking in. Segun thanked the lady and headed to the appropriate check in counter. Segun noticed that there was organised hustle and bustle around him. Segun was less fascinated with this as he was concentrating on ensuring that he ended up in Dublin. And Segun thought that by the Grace of God the Father Almighty he was going to get to Dublin.

When Segun arrived at the counter, he brought out his travelling documents and explained to the officer at the desk that he was travelling to Dublin and that he left Lagos in Nigeria by 0900 hours of the same day. Segun said that it was not only his first time in the UK, but his first time of flying out of Nigeria. Other than a few smiles caused by his last statement, the attending official was nice and courteous in attending to Segun. Segun was informed that he had about an hour to take off. Segun was advised to go on to the waiting lounge so that he did not miss his flight. Segun thanked the official when he finished there and headed straight for the waiting lounge. Before Segun was allowed in, he was checked manually and by an X-Rays machine. His ticket and Passport were checked, and the Passport was stamped again for disembarkation from Britain. While waiting patiently, Segun was able to see various articles on sale in the Duty-free shops. Segun knew he could not afford any of them as he had only a few pounds sterling with him. Segun was not ready to start spending any of it yet. To his utter amazement he saw no black person waiting with them for the flight to Dublin. As he could not see any single black person, he thought that was it. There was him by himself and with God the Father Almighty; whatever Segun did then, apart from being guided by the Divine, was entirely up to him. Segun was still lost in thought when he heard beaming from a loudspeaker some noise which he could not really make out. Then Segun moved gently near a middle-aged man and politely and asked him of what was being said over the loudspeaker. Segun told Segun that all those travelling to Le Bourget airport in Paris should approach to the flight deck for embarkation. Segun thanked the man. As Dublin was in a different country, Segun wondered whether English was their main language. That was one of the disadvantages of him stopping studying geography when Segun was in the third form. Perhaps if Segun had continued with it until he took the GCE O-Level examination, he may be more conversant with the subject. It was not Segun’s fault. The guidelines were there. Towards the end of the third form in his secondary school each student had to choose either history or chemistry and physics or geography. Segun had no alternative but to do physics and so had to dispense with geography and so on. Segun was still pondering over these in his mind when the loudspeaker came alive again. That those travelling to Dublin airport should go to the boarding deck. The same message was repeated in French. French had been his nightmare subject at school. It was the only other language apart from English that Segun studied at school. Segun was so bad at it that he failed the subject in the school certificate examination he had done the year before. Segun did not know the importance of passing another language other than English was required for entrance into University abroad to do any course. Segun was not aware that only a few months later he would be trying his utmost best to ensure a success in the same language. Segun noticed that some people were standing up and going towards the boarding lounge already announced. Segun picked up his briefcase and started following the crowd, at the same time looking for the exit number announced. Segun had to be sure he was following the right crowd. Segun could not afford to miss his flight. Segun even had to ask the person in front of him to ensure that he was following the right crowd. At the end of the lounge were three officials who were smartly dressed. Segun sat down on the bench like everyone else awaiting the next development. After a period, some more people joined them. One of the officials counted the passengers. Everybody was beginning to stand up and they were forming a queue. Segun thought that the queue was nice and was so orderly. Segun knew he had to learn these simple, quiet ways of life. Segun also knew that it would take some time. His travel documents were checked, and he was given a boarding pass. Along with the other passengers he entered a narrow but short corridor. At the end of the corridor was an entrance into the plane. At the entrance of the plane it was a bit chilly reminding him of the cold outside. How was he going to survive the daily cold? Segun thought.

On entering the plane, he was showed his seat by more smartly dressed officials in immaculate green. The plane was smaller but incredibly beautiful. Segun thought to himself that he was lucky to be travelling in the plane at age of only eighteen by himself. Segun knew that he had to become a medical doctor with the help of God the Father Almighty. Segun could not afford to let down his daddy. Segun thought that it would be the last thing he wanted to do; especially after his dad had gone through all these steps to ensure that he arrived safely abroad. Segun was lost in thought when the voice in the loudspeakers became alive again advising the passengers to carefully take note of what the air hostesses were about to do. The procedures of getting out of the plane in case of emergency were repeated. The captain introduced himself and his co-pilot and commented that the flight to Dublin would take approximately one hour. The pilot wished the passengers a safe journey. Tea, cakes, and sweets were served. The journey was much shorter, but he was quite tired as the plane was approaching Dublin airport. This was the first time Segun was able to relax since leaving Lagos. The plane touched down and taxied towards the terminal building. Dublin airport was much smaller than Heathrow airport. Segun was beginning to feel confident of the procedures by then. Segun followed his fellow passengers into the terminal building, approached the immigration officers and showed his documents. His Passport was stamped; and he proceeded to the baggage collection area. After collecting his luggage, he entered the GREEN, nothing to declare, area. This time Segun was not stopped by the immigration officers. On entering the arrival lounge, he noticed a young black man, only a couple of years older than him. The young man approached Segun, introduced himself and told Segun that he was sent by the college to collect him. Segun was happy as he felt there is somebody to whom he can relate and would understand how he would be feeling in the college. Segun arrived at St. Columba’s college by 1830 hours and was taken to Glenn House. His house master was waiting for him. Segun was welcomed and taken to his dormitory. Segun was told that someone would call for him about twenty minutes later when it would be teatime. Segun thanked his house master and followed a student to his dormitory, showed him his bed, locker and told him to make himself feel at home. In the meantime, he was to unpack his belongings into the locker. Segun thanked the student who left immediately. The room was small with eight beds. The space for each locker separated two beds. Segun could not unpack his belongings as he felt tired. Segun was sorry for himself for bringing such loneliness on himself. Why could he not behave like others of his own age group and tried to study Medicine in Nigeria? Segun thought to himself. Segun felt sorry for himself and only hoped that it was all a dream. Why could he not behave like others of his own age group and tried to study Medicine in Nigeria? He thought to himself. That he should wake up and find himself in Nigeria. That was not to be, the reality was for him to remain there for so many years. How many years? Segun wondered.

The thought of whatever the length of time could have almost made him sick. It was the arrival of another student that prevented it. The student told him to follow him for tea and turned round immediately. Segun followed the student. By the time they reached the dining room everybody was seated. Segun was shown his seat in the middle of other boys. He was too tired to eat. He did not have appetite for the food. He thought again that that was it. Either he learned how to eat all the local foods or simply starve. He was so happy when diner ended. Everybody dispersed after prayer. He took permission from his house master to go to bed as he was very tired. The permission was granted. He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately on getting to his bed. He was so happy that there were so many blankets as it was quite cold. He woke up early to hear a bird singing just outside the window. It was a clear day. He was about to get out of bed and take his toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries when the prefect told him that he could only get out of bed on hearing the bell. Segun did what he was told and entered back into the warmth of his bed. While lying down waiting for the bell, Segun reflected over the various stages of his journey the previous day, the emotional parting from his parents, the plane journeys, and the taxi ride. Segun was then in Dublin, all alone except with God the Father Almighty.

Still deep in thought the bell rang. Almost at once everybody jumped out of their beds. Segun followed them. To his utter amazement, everybody started to dress up and wearing their shirts, trousers, and ties. Segun was baffled. In the meantime, his fellow students have finished dressing up and were running out of the room. The prefect waited for him to finish and together they went to the dining room. What about cleaning the teeth and taking a shower or bath? Segun thought to himself. Back in Nigeria that was the pattern that he was used to. In any case the fact that he was eating with a dirty mouth did not deter him from eating quite a lot. Segun was very hungry.

After breakfast, the students went back to their dormitories to clean themselves, brush their teeth and shave. Segun had no beard to shave but he was still fascinated by the act. Since that time, he had always shaved. Like every boarding school student, he soon settled in the daily routine.

Thirty minutes after the end of breakfast the students were expected to report at the cloisters from where they then proceeded to the chapel for the usual morning prayers. On Sundays there was a full service that must be attended by all. After the prayers, each student had to go to his class for lessons. Lunch was served at 1300 hours. Each student went back to his class at 1400 hours. In the senior classes if the student did not do the subject, Segun either had to go to his studies or to the library for some studying.

The classes finish by 1800 hours when the students were expected to go for diner. There were games between the end of supper and 2000 hours. By 2000 hours the students were expected to go to their studies to do some studying. The studying period ended for the day at 2200 hours; then they must go to their dormitories and be in their beds shortly afterwards.

The weekend was different. The classes were only in the morning on Saturdays. There were no classes on Sundays. There were games in the afternoons and the evenings were for games and studying. The students can go home on Sundays after service or be visited by their parents.

Segun did not find regimental boarding school life new. Segun was in a boarding school in Lagos for five years at the end of which he did the West African School Certificate. Segun was away from his parents for three years in a town that was sixty miles from Lagos. This was the period before he entered the secondary school in Lagos.

Gradually Segun settled in his new school in Dublin. Like with all new places getting used to the place was difficult for him. Segun was never good at making friends; it was not a surprise to him that it took him a long time to make friends. Apart from him there were two other black boys in the school, who were senior to him. Segun found them extremely helpful.

Segun was put in Remove class. This meant that Segun could not do the GCE A-Level until two years afterwards. Segun wanted to study medicine; he had already made up his mind about this. After getting a better grade in biology than additional mathematics and having had the misguided belief that biology was essential to study medicine, he had chosen to study medicine over studying engineering.

Segun knew had to spend six years in the medical school in Dublin. Segun thought that he would have to spend at least eight years in Dublin before it could be possible to finally go back to his parents. Segun thought then that it was an awfully long time. Segun felt sick because of his thought of how his mother and himself would manage to be away from each other for such a long time. Segun picked up courage. Segun knelt by his bed later that evening and prayed to God to give him the courage, wisdom, and endurance to be successful and to last such a long period of time.

On his first Saturday in the college, his house master called him and told him that he would be taken to a departmental store in Dublin where he was to buy all what he required. Segun was informed that his daddy would be settling the bill with the college. Segun was taken to the famous Dublin departmental store by one of the students. Segun had been to some departmental stores in Lagos but this one in Dublin was different. Following the advice of the student who escorted him to the shop he was able to pick all what he needed and wanted. It was an experience which he would never forget.

Segun’s first year passed off uneventfully. Segun continued to be amazed by what he saw and learnt. In the first year he had to study biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, applied mathematics and French. Segun needed to pass a modern language at the GCE O-Level to enter a university. Segun had to study the language with a lower form. The other subjects were studied at the higher level. Segun was amazed that he had to do so many subjects at a higher level. His fears were alleviated when he realized that was what was required in Ireland.

Segun failed French in the West African School certificate examination the previous year. Segun thought that there was no way he could pass French, even if he studied it for many years. Segun had to do something urgently if he were to have any chance of passing the subject. Segun approached his French teacher and explained to him his dilemma. His French teacher promised him that he would see what could be done.

The following day his French master called Segun and told him of his plan. The French master informed him that his plan should hopefully be ready for execution during Segun’s next holidays.

At the end of the first term the