A Nigerian academician, Professor Amos Mabayomije Ishola Awodiya, has opened up about his return to Nigeria after spending 48 years in Canada. In his emotional account, he revealed that despite his long stay abroad, he has no wife, no child, and no personal wealth to his name, a stark contrast to what many might expect after such a long time away from home.
Professor Amos, who will turn 81 in June, shared his life story during an interview with cleric Agbala Gabriel. The conversation, which lasted over 40 minutes, was later posted on Facebook, giving a glimpse into his journey and the struggles he has faced. In the video, Professor Amos openly discussed the challenges that led to his current situation, painting a vivid picture of the highs and lows of his life.
The post shared on Facebook was captioned: “He spent 48 years in Canada without NOTHING. HE IS BACK HOME WITH NOTHING. NO WIFE. NO CHILD. NO HOUSE. He needs our HELP.” This message struck a chord with many who were moved by the professor’s vulnerability and the harsh realities he faced despite his academic accomplishments.
During the interview, Professor Amos, who claims to be the first person in the world to specialize in heuristic education, reflected on his past and the significant events in his life. He recalled his return to Nigeria in 1995 when he was appointed as a minister and served as a senior special adviser to Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon on secret intelligence information. This position marked a high point in his career, but it was not enough to prevent the hardships he would face later on.
The professor, who is also an author and lecturer, shared a painful experience from his past involving his work on the Nigerian Encyclopedia. He revealed that he had written the entire 2000-page manuscript by hand, intending to publish it. Unfortunately, he was defrauded of N81 million naira, a loss that marked the beginning of his financial struggles and challenges. This betrayal led to a long period of difficulty that would affect his life and career in the years that followed.
Despite the setbacks, Professor Amos shared that he had been married at one point in his life. Sadly, his wife passed away without bearing any children, adding to the emotional weight of his story. He expressed a deep sense of loss, reflecting on how life had unfolded differently than he had imagined when he first left Nigeria all those years ago.
The interview was conducted mostly in Yoruba, which added an emotional layer to the conversation and underscored the professor’s strong connection to his Nigerian roots despite spending so many years abroad. This use of Yoruba resonated deeply with many who saw it as a testament to his unwavering pride in his heritage and culture.
Professor Amos’ story has generated a wide range of reactions online, with many expressing sympathy for his struggles and offering help. His account of returning to Nigeria with nothing, after spending almost five decades away, has highlighted the challenges faced by some individuals who, despite their achievements, find themselves in difficult circumstances. Many have been moved by his honesty and the humility with which he has shared his life’s journey.
Watch the video below …