Nkemehule Karl Omebere-Iyari left Nigeria at 16 and lunched himself into a different environment at a tender and perilous age when parental guidance and supervision was a necessary ingredient for shaping a child’s future.

But father and mother were confident that their child’s focus would not swing in spite of the obvious, glittering inducement and unfettered freedom available across the Atlantic.

As fate would have it, the boy never betrayed that confidence. He kept the train on its rail, giving a soothing confirmation to his father and maternal grandfather’s firm belief that “my own will not be lost”, a literary meaning of his first name, Nkemehule which they both gave him at birth despite the fact that both were hundreds of miles away from each other and no prior consultation. Nkem’s success is a fruit of determination, luck and belief in God. He was able to know so early in life that the higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation. And so, between September 1999 and June 2000, Nkem left the comfort and charm of his father’s home in Lekki Pennisular, an eye-brow area of Lagos for a one-room apartment of one of his relations at Shogunle, a choking suburb of the city. This was to enable him get to school fast and also to keep him away from unavoidable distractions from his siblings so as to prepare hard for his A-level exams. That singular decision marked the beginning of his journey to success. He got As in all three subjects he sat for in June 2000. By September of that year, he was on his way to the University of Nottingham to study chemical engineering. Before then, he had had his JAMB results cancelled alongside many others, prompting his parents to decide fast on whether to send him abroad or not.

Three years later, Nkem came out in flying colours with a first class. With this outstanding performance, the University wasted no time giving him a scholarship to pursue his Ph.D. By the time he finished the programme after three years, the university had expended 51,000 pounds (about N12million) on the Nigerian-born Nkem of no British heritage. And this without any conditions attached. That explains why he could walk away from the school to take up a plump job at a subsidiary of Halliburton company over there in the UK. Though he has elected to carry out researches over the next three or so years with the university as a way of giving back something.

Despite the hardwork and determination, Nkem is fully cognizant of the hand of God in his success story.

“To be honest, I am marveled at how much God has blessed me, so soon. He put me in an amazing family and all I did was work hard and keep my focus”.

Indeed, Nkem has been focused. At 22, he is just beginning to explore the possibility of a relationship with the opposite sex. While the girl is his first, he is also her first. And from all indications, both of them are green in bed act. When asked who will teach who when the need arises, Nkem says: “Nature will take its course at the right time”.

Employing the opportunity of modern-day technology, Glitterati engaged Nkem in an electronic interactive discourse from his London base.

Below is a minimally edited chat with MOSES JOLAYEMI on how the wiz kid of Owanta in Ika local government area of Delta State, embarked on a journey that may soon put his name on the world map.

Hi Nkem Hello Moses how are you Are you there? I’m very well, thanks, after a busy day

I’m sure the same goes for you

Cant you see me

Ok I think you can

I can see you now

Ok, so lets get going

Ok, I'm ready

I presume you’d introduce the format first of all? This is to be published on Saturday?

There is no format as such its a question and answer thing

Ok

I'm not very fast at typing so bear with me

I understand

You just bagged a Ph.D at a tender age of 22. This is seen as a feat, do you see it as such?

When will this be published?

The interview has started Nkem

Firstly, I'm grateful to God for everything he has helped me achieve

Ok

Being able to complete a Ph.D at any age is special, I really don’t dwell on my age that much as all honour must be attributed to God

Were there others of your age or younger who graduated with Ph.D from that University?

Not to my knowledge. All my peers and colleagues were much older than I was. Some were even married with kids in some cases. But the interesting thing is only my friends and close colleagues were aware of my age

How come? Don’t you look your age?

I’m sure I look close enough to it. In most cases, however, I was judged by the quality of my work and the maturity I displayed.

What sort of comments were you getting from your colleagues? How did they relate to you?

My supervisor didn’t even realise until he needed my details for an invitation letter to Norway. He was really surprised, I get teased once in a while but my friendships were very mutual

In view of the quality of your work and the maturity you said you displayed, how did your classmates take it considering the fact that the person making such waves is one black man from Africa?

It made them very interested in my background, country and cultural orientation, I used this as an opportunity to educate my non-African friends on the real values of Africa.

Nigeria, for instance, gets negative and wrong publicity outside its shores

Thats true

I now have a Greek friend looking forward to visiting Nigeria with me soon.

Are you saying in all honesty that neither your colleagues nor supervisor felt any odd that a black boy was performing such feat and none of them showed any reaction negatively towards you?

If what you mean is racism, then no. I believe racism is usually the product of ignorance and illiteracy. My good performances in my work raised interest in my person but this was only positive.

Like in every human activity, there are challenges. I believe you must have faced some in the course of climbing this ladder, can you recount them?

Oh yes! There have been several. Leaving home at such a young age, without my parents and brothers near to me was difficult

Was that all?

I know it sounds ironic, when you are abroad but it really helps to be close to one's family. There are more

Ok

The winter I spent in Norway was a real challenge. Temperatures reached -30C, and the hours of daylight were diminished. You can understand the enormity of this if you consider that I had to perform outdoor experiments.

What were you doing in Norway, your School was in London isnt it?

I do but what were you doing in Norway?

I was in Norway as part of my research in Nottingham(UK)

Ok. I see

Also, the 10 month period for my A-levels needed tenacity and discipline.

At what age did you leave Nigeria?

16 years old

Ok. I presume you only did ur O levels here b4 leaving for the UK. Is that correct?

Yes it is, I completed my secondary education at King's College, Lagos I also went on to do my A/Levels at Oxbridge college, Ikeja.

So why did you spend another 10 months for your A levels there?

British Universities require A/levels for entry to full degree programmes

So you did two A levels?

I think this 10 month period was the most important in my life so far. I did three A/level subjects: Mathematics, physics and chemistry

Did you obtain it here or in the UK?

I sat for the exams in Lagos (administered by the British Council)

What were your school days like in Nigeria and what actually prompted you to go and study in the UK instead of Nigeria?

I attribute this to the foresight of my parents.

What made you leave Nigeria to study in the UK?

My parents were impressed with my hardwork and focus. Also because of the quality of British education.

UK universities are well respected and their standards are high

I intend to use my skills and experience to enrich Nigeria and Nigerians in future .

Before we go into that there was this story of your JAMB result being cancelled and all that. You don’t seem to remember all that? Was this not one of the things that made you go to the UK?

No, not really, I’d explain

Ok go on

I sat for university entrance exams for Nigeria, the UK and the US not withstanding the cancellation. My parents obviously considered Nigerian Universities but they kept an open mind. You might say ironically the cancellation made the decision a bit easier to make but it wasn't a main reason

Immediately u finish answering a question let me know please. So we can move faster

(I think the internet connection is slow).

Ok! Having Schooled in both Nigeria and the UK, how would you describe the two countries in terms of academic quality, work environment and commitment of lecturers to ensure the success of their students?

Nigerian lecturers are very talented but lack the requisite resources and facilities to fulfill the potentials present in many Nigerian students. The conducive learning environment in the UK makes it easy for students to succeed and therefore continue the development of their society.

When you say conducive environment what and what are you talking about?

This encompasses several factors.

You left Nigeria at a time you were like a child, you were obviously a minor. How were you able to stay focused at such age despite obvious temptations, glittering, rocking environment, peer pressures and all?

Academic staff are well remunerated Resources (books, computers, lab equipment) aid effective learning. You don’t get strikes that cripple the system over here. The system is based on meritocracy.

You left Nigeria at a time you were like a child, you were obviously a minor. How were you able to stay focused at such an age despite obvious temptations, glittering, rocking environment, peer pressure and all?

My upbringing was very important I come from a Christian home and all through my life I learnt invaluable biblical principles.

What was in it that was significantly different from others?

My mum always said to me "Please don't do anything that will bring your family to shame” I always kept her saying in focus (please elaborate on your last question).

Oh let me explain. What I meant was that having left the country so young without being under your parents’ guidance, the tendency was there for you to give in to influences from friends and the nice environment too. And you were so free to do whatever you wanted without anyone breathing down your neck and there are clubs, recreation centres of all sorts over there. All these could dissuade a young lad like you and you could have gone astray.

(Ok I understand, here goes my answer). Yes they could but they didn't. It was very difficult not to take what always seemed the easier option but I was determined to make the most of my opportunity, I have always been incredibly focused and I wanted to reward my parents for their unbelievable trust. I cannot say this enough, but the Christian principles I grew up with particularly at Ikoyi Baptist Church have stayed with me.

Having performed so well and considering the age long adage that success has many fathers, I reckon that a lot of people will want to associate with you, is that correct?

Yes that's true. I find myself mentoring, inspiring and encouraging loads of people on the benefits of hardwork and focus. (Replace benefits with importance)

Loads of people? Did this include the opposite sex as well?

Oh yes! I have male and female friends in equal measure.

So how well are you doing in the female department?

I’m not sure how you measure success in this area, but I'm still a bachelor, if that's what you mean.

How free are you with the opposite sex that's what I meant

I’m equally friendly to both sexes.

Are you in a relationship right now?

(Hold on for a minute please) (this lasted for several minutes)

Laughs, Wouldn’t you want to wait till a certain ‘big’ day? (answered)

Not answered o!

The ultimate relationship that matters in God's eyes is marriage, so on that basis, no.Answered)

I can wait for the certain big day but since words come before blows and relationships come before the so called certain big day?, I'll like to know if you are in a relationship right now so we know that the big day is certain and will not be too long in coming.

We need to round off in about 5 minutes so please act fast. My house is very far from the office.

(Ok, I understand), I’m certainly not engaged to marry yet, so any big day is still some way off! Answered (next question) (I think my answer is appropriate).

Not exactly in this one. But then let me ask you this, have you ever been in a relationship with any girl either here in Nigeria or over there in the UK?

I certainly appreciate the interest but I'd have to say that will have to remain private (answered).

The paper I edit and in which this will be published is a human interest paper. We publish soft issues that are a little departure from the hard, hard stories. But the presentation is in fine, elevated language. Not the run-of-the-mill kind of gossip paper.

Ok)

It celebrates achievements and honours excellence. Talking about such soft issues will not cause any harm to anyone. It will only add to the beauty of the celebrant which is you in this case.

So I don't see why you have to parry that important question. It's absolutely harmless.

Ok. Yes, I do have someone dear to me, living in the UK.

A Nigerian? I won't ask for her name, ok? Except you so wish to disclose it.

Ok

A Nigerian you said?

She is Nigerian. She is of Igala origin.

How long have you been dating and is she your first?

(No answer)

How long have you guys been dating and is she your first girl?

We’ve been dating for over two years now and yes she is my first true love. W’ve been friends for much longer though.

Oh first true love, that means one or two had been on the sides, ok fine. But then are you her first too?

Oh yes!

Interesting that means both of you are actually operating on the same pedestal, who is going to be the "student" and who will be the teacher when the time comes?

Nature will take its course at the right time.

So how old is this dear damsel of yours?

(No response)

Tell us a little more about her. How old is she? What is she doing? How academically sound is she?

(I do not wish to discuss any more personal details about her)

She is educated to a very good level too. She’s close to completing a master's degree.

Ok. Fine, but what was it that attracted you to her, her beauty, her intellectual prowess, her parental background, what exactly?

I am attracted to her Christian values, beauty, humility and kindness.

Ok! What are those things that motivate you in life?

I believe that there is a purpose for every human life on earth. I'm motivated to ensure that my life will provide inspiration for others when I'm long gone.

Who are your heroes?

My ultimate hero is Jesus Christ. For someone that we can all relate to, I am inspired by Nelson Mandela. He fought and suffered for the mother of all oppressions and presided over arguably the biggest transformation of any society in the 20th century.

In one word, what was that thing that has guided you so far in the pursuit of your ambition ? And talking about ambition, is what you are today what you actually planned to be?

Integrity.

To be honest, I am marveled at how much God has blessed me, so soon. He put me in an amazing family and all I did was work hard and keep my focus.

One would have expected you to simply walk into the University to lecture but you have decided to take all you have to a private company. What is the drive here-money?

Money is not and has never being my motivation. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to be financially secure and by God's grace that will happen but my choice of a career is driven by other factors. I have chosen a job that will give me invaluable experience in the international oil and gas industry. At the right time, I hope to apply these skills to the success of Nigeria. In my spare time, I write scientific papers for International Journals and Conferences based on my PhD. This keeps me in touch with academia and research. I also have plans with some friends to establish an Educational Foundation in Lagos in the long term as a way of giving something back.

Again, one would have expected such a talented person like you to be in a hurry home to come and impact that knowledge in your fellow compatriots or use it to develop the relevant industry here. What is keeping you away from here? What are those things that will lure you into coming back here to help in the project of nation-building?

I am as patriotic as they come and I look forward to contributing towards a rejuvenated Nigeria. A good example is the former Finance Minister, who reached the pinnacle of a global body and came back to serve her Fatherland to great effect. I'm not saying what I must have is a ministerial position, but I'm still learning about life and developing myself and when an opportunity where I can have the most impact comes up, I want to make sure I will be ready to serve.

You only spoke about your mother and what she had been telling you that eventually helped in shaping your life, how close are you to your dad? Are there aspects of his life that you copied that also helped in building you?

My dad has had an incredible influence on my life. Together with my mum, they make huge sacrifices to give us (their children) a standard of education that belies their status. I've learnt from my dad that it is better to empower people to achieve long-term independence than bestow ephemeral financial gifts. His humility and down-to-earth nature are qualities I've tried to emulate.

Your dad got married quite early or he had you quite early, at a time some of his peers were not yet confident enough to ask a girl out (especially those from the village like me). Are you likely to tow your father's line in this aspect?

I’m not in a race to get married but at the right time and as God wills, It shall come to pass. I'd definitely like to get married much before I'm 30 as I want to be a 'cool' dad and be in touch with my children's interests.

To every coin, there is another side, what are your regrets in life generally? Does Nigeria and the world represent your dream?

I regret that Nigeria could not offer me the standard of education that the UK has. I regret that a country richly blessed in natural and human resources has not achieved its undoubted potential.

You may well know that the age at which you have reached the pinnacle of your academic career is same age many are still battling to pass their JAMB or just going into higher institutions. What words of encouragements do have for them?

Work hard, keep your focus and don't you ever give up.

Imagine yourself a lecturer (which I thought you were) standing in front of a large audience of young people within your age bracket what experiences will you like to share with them, what are those inspirational words?

Sometimes in life to achieve great things you need to make certain sacrifices. One experience springs to mind. When I was to begin my A/levels in Ikeja in September 2000, I had two choices: the stressful daily commute from a relatively comfortable family bungalow or living with an Uncle in a face-me-I-face-you room at Shogunle, which was 15mins walk from School. I chose the latter despite a huge reduction in my living standards but that decision is probably the most important one in my life so far.

Finally what is your overriding philosophy?

What is worth doing is worth doing well.

---------------------
heres the URL:
http://odili.net/news/source/2007/jan/7/200.html

@kimba
Thanks for posting this thread. It is quite thought provoking. I pray that one of this day, the educational system in Nigeria will resurrect. 'cos I wonder what would have happened to that gentleman if he has been subjected to the artificial limitation placed by Nigeria Education System on potential genius.
God help Nigeria - Amen

Bravo. Let's hope he actually does something to help society with his PHD. Let's hope his research bears fruit.

What relation does his sex life bear to his achievements? Why was it necessary for the reporter to inquire about that department?