A TRUE LIFE STORY: - FROM A CLEANER TO A GRADUATE: THE INSPIRING STORY OF OGONI’S PRIDE, JOY KPOOBARI
A TRUE LIFE STORY: - FROM A CLEANER TO A GRADUATE: THE INSPIRING STORY OF OGONI’S PRIDE, JOY KPOOBARI
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
November 7, 2025
A Dream Deferred but Never Denied
Joy’s dream was simple — to become a graduate. But life, as it often does, set a mountain before her.
When her name appeared on UNIPORT’s first admission list to study Hospitality and Tourism Management, she felt the pulse of destiny. Excitement met fear. She was scared to even visit her department, but courage whispered louder than doubt.
With trembling steps, she walked into her new world, met the departmental president, and joined her class group. Soon after, she was unexpectedly appointed Course Representative — a role she never imagined she could hold so early in her academic life.
Cleaning Her Way Through University
Long before the admission letter came, Joy was already working as a cleaner — a job that would become her lifeline through the four demanding years ahead.
Every morning at 4:30 a.m., she would rise in the dark, prepare quietly, and leave by 5:00 a.m., trekking part of the way to work. Still haunted by the memory of a past robbery, she often timed her movement with that of a neighbor who left for work at the same hour — safety in company.
She had to finish cleaning before 8 a.m. because lectures began early, and most lecturers were strict with lateness. Her life became a delicate race between sweeping floors and chasing knowledge.
One morning, when she arrived late, her lecturer discovered her secret. Instead of scolding her, he simply said,
“Next time, tell me when you’ll be late.”That moment of kindness stayed with her forever.
When Hunger Met Hope
By November, her salary stopped coming. She worked tirelessly without pay — hungry, weak, and weary. Her weight dropped. December came, and still, no salary.
January 2022 was brutal. The harmattan wind bit hard as she cleaned classrooms with tears streaming down her face. Her clearance was pending, lectures had started, and her spirit was close to breaking.
A Miracle in Human Form
The man paused, looked at her, and said quietly,
“Give me your account number.”
Moments later, he transferred the entire ₦125,500 — her full school fees. The sum was so large that the first transfer bounced back; her account had never seen such money before.
Joy fell to her knees, weeping in gratitude. That same benefactor later placed her on a monthly transport allowance till she graduated.
When God Turns Tears to Triumph
From that day forward, Joy’s story changed. Each time she logged into her student portal, she cried tears of disbelief.
When she got her matriculation number, she broke down again — this time, in joy. By 200 level, tears had become her language of worship.
Through the journey, she found destiny helpers:
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Chief Dr. Henry Wordu, who faithfully sponsored her fees and transport.
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Ichechi Nsirim, her sister in spirit, who paid for books and supported her upkeep.
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Vincent Bura-Bari Nwilo, who connected her to Gift Douglas and the Douglas Family, who embraced her with open arms.
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Her cousin, Lefaka Godsway, and friends Osihro Stella, Augustina Winbari Ereba, and Nweke Winifred, who stood by her through thick and thin.
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Aunt Kindness Ebenezer and Letura Nekabari Letura, who first helped her get the cleaning job that sustained her.
A Cleaner No More
“My certificate is the proof of my sweat, resilience, determination, courage, and triumph,” she says.
To her mother, Mrs. Burabari Gladys Taiwo, a widow who raised her with nothing but love, she dedicates her success:
“Mummy, the toddler you picked up responsibility for is now a graduate.”
To her critics, Joy offers no bitterness, only triumph:
“To those who mocked me because I refused shortcuts, I don graduate.To those who said no light will come from my father’s house, I don graduate.”
An Epitome of Grace and Grit
From mopping classroom floors to standing proudly with a university degree, Joy’s story is not just her own — it is the story of every young person who refuses to let circumstance define destiny.
In her words:
“To God be the glory.”
And indeed, to God belongs the glory — for taking a humble cleaner and turning her into an inspiration for a generation.
✍️ Written by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For Global Egberi Media International
📌 Tags: #JoyKpoobari #OgoniPride #Inspiration #FromCleanerToGraduate #Resilience #NigeriaEducation #WomenEmpowerment #UNIPORTSuccessStory
💬 Facebook Caption:
🔥 FROM CLEANER TO GRADUATE! 🔥
Meet Joy Kpoobari, the Ogoni lady who cleaned classrooms by dawn and attended lectures by day — now a proud B.Sc. holder in Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Her story proves that no job is too small, and no dream is too big for God to fulfill. 💪✨
Read full story on Global Egberi Media International 🌍
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