A Mass Communication graduate of Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Umar Haruna, has shared his inspiring journey of self-reliance, revealing how he farmed and worked as a security guard to fund his education from kindergarten to graduation.

Haruna said his determination to acquire education saw him take up multiple menial jobs, including construction labour, especially during his Higher National Diploma (HND) programme.

In a chat with LEADRSHIP, Haruna said, "I grew crops and worked as a security guard to pay my school fees right from my early years up to graduation."

Umar, who came to Bauchi from Brono State for schooling, said his father could contribute only about N10,000 to support his Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), leaving him to shoulder most of the financial burden of his education.

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He said that his parents initially did not support his pursuit of formal education due to their impoverished condition, a challenge that nearly forced him to drop out at some point.

Despite the odds, Haruna pressed on and later emerged as the Students' Union Government (SUG) president during his HND programme, a role he said further shaped his leadership and resilience.

He credited a former head of Department, Malam Shamsu Abdu Dauda, for stepping in at a critical moment when he was on the verge of abandoning his studies.

"I almost dropped out due to lack of support, but Malam Shamsu Abdu Dauda came through for me. His intervention changed my story," he said.

Reflecting on life after graduation, Haruna described his journey as fulfilling, noting that his struggles have strengthened his resolve to give back to society.

He expressed readiness to support others, particularly underprivileged students, in accessing education and achieving their dreams.

"My experience has taught me that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. I want to help others who are in situations like mine," he added.