Man who wrote WAEC 17 times bags two doctorate in US

A Nigerian named Emmanuel Ahmadu, who failed the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination 17 times, has encouraged youths to remain resilient and hopeful despite challenges.

Ahmadu, who recently received two honorary doctorate degrees in the US, shared his advice during a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.

Known as ‘Mr. Voiceover,’ Ahmadu stressed that dedication and self-belief are crucial for overcoming adversity.

“Seek out opportunities for growth, leverage available resources, and connect with mentors and supportive networks. Remember, every setback is a setup for a greater comeback. Keep pushing forward, and your efforts will eventually yield success,” he advised.

Ahmadu highlighted his journey from significant personal and educational setbacks to becoming a global advocate for mental health as a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

“My story serves as a beacon of hope for youths facing similar challenges, inspiring them to rise above their circumstances and make meaningful impacts in their communities and beyond,” he said.

His extraordinary journey included attending 16 primary schools and 14 secondary schools due to family instability, and taking the O’level examination 17 times over five years before finally passing. In 2018, he gained international attention by winning the International Award for Student Brand of the Year in West Africa while studying at the University of Benin.

Upon graduating in Mass Communication from UNIBEN in 2018, Ahmadu received recognition from the vice-chancellor as an extraordinary student. His achievements were archived in the university’s main library to inspire others. He was also honored as the ‘Most Innovative Student in Nigeria’ and ‘Media Personality of the Year,’ among other awards.

In the US, Ahmadu has continued to make significant strides, earning numerous awards including “Distinguished Student Leader with a Big Heart” from his college and “Outstanding Mental Health Advocate of the Year” by Active Minds.

On June 8, Ahmadu received an honorary doctorate degree in International Affairs from Global Seminary University, New York, in collaboration with GEPEA University, Portugal, in recognition of his contributions to promoting peace, sustainable mental wellness, and hope globally.

He was also honored as a Professional Doctoral Fellow by The Across Global Institute of Foreign Languages for his leadership and achievements in mental health advocacy.