I was born and raised in the southern part of Nigeria; Lagos to be precised. I had my first degree in eastern Nigeria. The National Youth Service Corp program offered me my first ever opportunity to visit the North.

I served in Taraba State. A very beautiful state that I will love to visit again someday. Infact, my pleasant experience in Taraba was a principal factor in my decision to pursue my Master's degree in a Northern University. I finally settled for the Prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

To help cushion the cost of a second degree, I undertook the job of a teacher in one of the many "secular" secondary schools (Name withheld) in Zaira. I was assigned to teach "Social Studies" to the Junior classes from Jss1-3. Then "English" and on not-too-frequent occasions "Government", to the Senior classes from Ss1-3.

I had my very first lesson with the Jss 3 on Monday; considering that I was taking over from a teacher who had started with them from Week One. The topic i treated was "Harmful Cultural Practices". We have "Female Genital Mutilation" as a subtopic; which was actually what I taught.
I took time to explain to the students what "Female Genital Mutilation" also known as "Female Circumcision" was all about. I explained the underlying reasons why the natives had to introduce it, what they had hoped to achieve and the resulting problems they created. In other to be better understood, I drew a mock diagram of a female anatomy on the blackboard. This was geared towards a proper understanding of the differences between Partial Circumcision (Scarification) and Complete Mutilation.

In the course of the lesson, the students exhibited some form of childish repulsions, which I attributed to the very nature of the subject-matter. On my part, I tried as much as possible to stick to the topic without cracking jokes or even laugh at jokes from them. Many even asked inquisitive and probing questions. I only answered those that I considered relevant to the issue of discuss. I left the class with some of the students still showing signs of repulsion.
My next lesson was with the Jss 1. The topic was "Marriage". I tested the class previous knowledge by asking them what they understand by the word "Marriage". A female student stood up to defined marriage as a "union between a man and a woman". I asked the entire class to clap for her, given her very bold attempt. But to their bewilderment, I told the class that she was wrong after they were done clapping. Some of them even protested; inquiring why I adjuged her to be wrong.

I told the class that her definition was wrong because it did not sufficiently capture the very essence of the concept as it applies to our contemporary times. I told them that marriage is rather "a legal union between two consenting adults", "....it could either be between two people of the same gender or two opposing genders".
At this point, I had their undivided attention. They were all hushed and concentrated. I told them about the LGBTQ community and their persistent struggle for acceptance.

I made them understand that is a global community with a global agenda. To drive home my point, I made them understand that the last dispensation of Goodluck Jonathan, had infact blamed this global phenomenon to be principally responsible for his failure at the polls as result of his refusal to give consent. I equally put in the same energy to explain the more common types of marriage (Christian, Islamic, Traditional, and Court). I left my class feeling every earned sense of fulfillment; having done my job to the best of my ability.

THE NEXT DAY.

I was in my office, when I got a message that the Director wants to see me. It was not my first time of receiving such a call from the Director. Staff meetings were almost becoming as frequent as one going to make use of the Convenience. Well... I took it like "Nwa it's nothing" ( in Phyno's voice). I stood up from my chair, adjusted my belt and then, swaggered away towards the Director's Office.

Before the office of the Director is the office of his secretary. The population of parents I saw there was quite more than what we normally receive on a daily bases. But considering that for the past week, we have been emphatic on the need for school fees debtors to come effect their payment, I didn't give their presence much thought. I was infact glad that at least, Madam will no longer hold us responsible for the poor response of parents to this obligation.

My indifference soon started giving way to some form of anxiety; more like fear, when I began to notice the "sea of eyes" looking my way with every step I took towards the Director's Office. As I got closer to the door, I discovered that the population in the Director's Office was even more that the spillover outside. I could feel the suppressed tension in the air. The faces were not bright or even welcoming to say the least. They did not appear to me like those who came to pay school fees.

I was able to excuse my way into the Secretary's Office. The Director motioned for me to come into his office at once, as soon as he saw me making my way in. He wasn't sitting on his chair. Standing with him as I was latter told is the School PTA chairman. A very respectable man judging by his outward disposition. He was an elderly man; infact the oldest among the lot.
As soon as the Director motioned me in, the crowd standing between me and the Director's Office just parted in two like the Red Sea to make way for me. I felt my heart sink into my stomach. My legs instantly felt heavy. But I had myself under strict comportment. My face were without emotions. Afterall, I was guilty of nothing (or so I thought).

As I walked into the office, the elder man (PTA chairman) was looking almost piercingly at me. As if sizing me up. My presence caught him in the middle of his address to the gathering.
My Director asked me to take a seat; which I did. I infact, sat at the edge of my seat, still wondering why I was the only teacher that was called to such a gathering of not-so-happy-looking parents. My Director (also an elderly Muslim man) sensing my apprehension, asked me to relax with what I considered to be a mischievous grim on his face. Well...I knew better than to do as instructed. I was on guard.
The first question I was asked was "How long have you been in the North?".

"About 15 months Sir" I replied as loud enough as my dried throat will permit me. "The first 12 months was at Jalingo and just 3 months in Zaria." i quickly added emphatically.

"Where were you born?"
"Lagos but I did my first degree in the East. My family is still based in Lagos"
"Are you Igbo?"
"Yes Sir"
There was a little thoughtful pause after that answer. Then he continued..
"What brought you to Zaira?"
"I'm a student of ABU and I'm here for my Master's degree program Sir"
"That's good" he said thoughtfully as he continued to gaze at me as if studying my disposition.
The others just continue to look as us without saying a word. A few of them (matured men) were occupying the few seats in the office. The rest (mostly the hijab wearing women and young fathers) were standing.
"Our Children came home to complain that you are teaching them bad things. That you are saying negative things that they don't like in class. What is it that you are teaching them?"
At this moment, I almost felt like bursting out in laughter. I had to pinch myself to remain composed.

Well...to cut the story short, I took time to explain to the parents what it was that I taught. The Director even sent for my textbooks without allowing me to go get them myself. I don't know if they were nursing the impression that I might escape. Funny them! Escape for what? Mtcheeeu!

When my textbooks came, it was confirmed that I had actually taught in accordance to the dictates of the textbook for the case of the Jss3. As for the Jss1, the topic was actually confirmed to be on marriage too, but the textbook (which was an old textbook of course) was silent on the issue of same sex marriage.

I was given a very strict warning to stick only to the content of the textbook. In the course of all of the admonishment, the PTA Chairman was smiling, but I knew better than to take the smiles for their face value. This people were dead serious!

I have since swore to myself, that I shall never try to "do pass myself". if I teach and you understand....fine! if you don't.... that's your cup of tea! I can't come and kill myself.
This was my experience! I felt compelled to write it down in order to help save someone somewhere from falling into my kind of situation. That is wasn't attacked by the parents is infact a miracle that I thank God and the respectable PTA chairman for. My intentions were pure. But here in the North, intentions can easily be misinterpreted especially when coming from a non-muslim and worst still, from a Nyamiri.
I personally think there is still a need for mass sensitisation of the Northerner on the usefulness of Western Education. The illiteracy rate is high. Those that even manage to go to school are just doing it with the impression that it is merely to fulfill all righteousness. Little wonder why we keep discovering "torture houses" on a daily bases. If the University community of Zaria could be this timid, how much more the Northern interiors.

Thank you.

You are very lucky my friend. Indeed very lucky!

I pray you leave there alive.


I have traveled round the 6 geopolitical zones and I can tell you for sure that you have been declared a Kafir.

The north never forgets.

I can see you're the type that's not really perceptive of their environment. Enlighten them,but not at the risk of your life. When you get overseas or to more liberal settings,go discuss LGBT issues with them. This is Nigeria, that is the north,most haven't even caught up with the 20th century yet much less the 21st. Many have died for less. By the way,from experience, expect your face & description to be passed about. You don buy market.

I'm glad you got out unscathed. It was good the PTA chairman had pacified the agitating parents because were it not so, you probably would have been given some serious beaten (God forbid ). With that said, as a teacher in a culturally and religiously different place from where you came from, it is wise and imperative that you thread carefully with regards to teaching sensitive topics like LGBTQ, religion...Stay safe.

Your article was great. An awesome read.
Please paragraph to help our eyes.

I feel whenever you're in Rome, you should act like a Roman.
The north is a volatile place; introducing LGBTQ was kinda a stretch, because of their overly religious practices.

Thank God you didn't spark a riot tho.

Well I believe in your teaching prowess, I applaud the fact that you want to teach and pass information. There is what will call 'forbidden knowledge' it is a knowledge but the knowledge' is not relevant and not needed at any point in the scope of one. You see the north has core values and you should learn it very well, reason you should learn it is one for safety and two for you to be wise in dealings with the northern pple. Zaria is never like taraba don't compare them at all, but please if you want to keep your head on it's neck stay away from adding extra contents that is harmful to the values of this northeners. A word is enough for the wise.

Good. Keep improving on your fiction writing.

You were lucky not to be lynched. When you go to a place, study the environment and culture. Don't go and do oversabi because of your exposure, they will slaughter you. I have been in Zaria for 3 year now, if you want to live peacefully, do not try to change the status quo, culture, religion, they will deal with you. Teach what is in the textbooks and nothing else.

This is what happens when you thrust school leavers without basic teaching skills into a live environment.

OP you were right to teach them what was in the book but when teaching you need to be aware of your environment, the age of the kids you are taking and a lot of other factors.

Sex education is still something frowned upon in our society even in the so called developed world. We have lots of conservative cultures and movements going against such.

So when teaching such classes on those subject matter try as much as possible to be brief and relate things to their local environment. I wouldn't go to the North and start teaching kids about blizzards because it's alien to the environment although i can make a passing comment about it. Best wishes and please try as much as possible to stay out of politically charged atmosphere. They always warn you guys in camp.

You were just been naive, if i would say that, be very careful from hence forth, SameSex marriage is illegal in Nigeria, if u would even mention it, u must add its a crime, more so in a place like zaria, u should be happy u were not lynched. U have been tagged a kafir already, please tread with caution.

mu2sa2:
Good. Keep improving on your fiction writing.

Thats no fiction Musa, my ppriend.
Thats the reality of the system of education here in the North. Learn to tell yourself the truth for once although your eyes have been covered by the things you deem unquestionable

Nwanne round up your masters program and flee from that place. FYI, you have been declared a kafir. I pray what I'm thinking will not happen.

It seems you have a deathwish.
Continue, last last you go dey alright

adekunle0000:
I was born and raised in the southern part of Nigeria; Lagos to be precised. I had my first degree in eastern Nigeria. The National Youth Service Corp program offered me my first ever opportunity to visit the North.
I served in Taraba State. A very beautiful state that I will love to visit again someday. Infact, my pleasant experience in Taraba was a principal factor in my decision to pursue my Master's degree in a Northern University. I finally settled for the Prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
To help cushion the cost of a second degree, I undertook the job of a teacher in one of the many "secular" secondary schools (Name withheld) in Zaira. I was assigned to teach "Social Studies" to the Junior classes from Jss1-3. Then "English" and on not-too-frequent occasions "Government", to the Senior classes from Ss1-3.
I had my very first lesson with the Jss 3 on Monday; considering that I was taking over from a teacher who had started with them from Week One. The topic i treated was "Harmful Cultural Practices". We have "Female Genital Mutilation" as a subtopic; which was actually what I taught.
I took time to explain to the students what "Female Genital Mutilation" also known as "Female Circumcision" was all about. I explained the underlying reasons why the natives had to introduce it, what they had hoped to achieve and the resulting problems they created. In other to be better understood, I drew a mock diagram of a female anatomy on the blackboard. This was geared towards a proper understanding of the differences between Partial Circumcision (Scarification) and Complete Mutilation.
In the course of the lesson, the students exhibited some form of childish repulsions, which I attributed to the very nature of the subject-matter. On my part, I tried as much as possible to stick to the topic without cracking jokes or even laugh at jokes from them. Many even asked inquisitive and probing questions. I only answered those that I considered relevant to the issue of discuss. I left the class with some of the students still showing signs of repulsion.
My next lesson was with the Jss 1. The topic was "Marriage". I tested the class previous knowledge by asking them what they understand by the word "Marriage". A female student stood up to defined marriage as a "union between a man and a woman". I asked the entire class to clap for her, given her very bold attempt. But to their bewilderment, I told the class that she was wrong after they were done clapping. Some of them even protested; inquiring why I adjuged her to be wrong.
I told the class that her definition was wrong because it did not sufficiently capture the very essence of the concept as it applies to our contemporary times. I told them that marriage is rather "a legal union between two consenting adults", "....it could either be between two people of the same gender or two opposing genders".
At this point, I had their undivided attention. They were all hushed and concentrated. I told them about the LGBTQ community and their persistent struggle for acceptance. I made them understand that is a global community with a global agenda. To drive home my point, I made them understand that the last dispensation of Goodluck Jonathan, had infact blamed this global phenomenon to be principally responsible for his failure at the polls as result of his refusal to give consent. I equally put in the same energy to explain the more common types of marriage (Christian, Islamic, Traditional, and Court). I left my class feeling every earned sense of fulfillment; having done my job to the best of my ability.

THE NEXT DAY.

I was in my office, when I got a message that the Director wants to see me. It was not my first time of receiving such a call from the Director. Staff meetings were almost becoming as frequent as one going to make use of the Convenience. Well... I took it like "Nwa it's nothing" ( in Phyno's voice). I stood up from my chair, adjusted my belt and then, swaggered away towards the Director's Office.
Before the office of the Director is the office of his secretary. The population of parents I saw there was quite more than what we normally receive on a daily bases. But considering that for the past week, we have been emphatic on the need for school fees debtors to come effect their payment, I didn't give their presence much thought. I was infact glad that at least, Madam will no longer hold us responsible for the poor response of parents to this obligation.
My indifference soon started giving way to some form of anxiety; more like fear, when I began to notice the "sea of eyes" looking my way with every step I took towards the Director's Office. As I got closer to the door, I discovered that the population in the Director's Office was even more that the spillover outside. I could feel the suppressed tension in the air. The faces were not bright or even welcoming to say the least. They did not appear to me like those who came to pay school fees.
I was able to excuse my way into the Secretary's Office. The Director motioned for me to come into his office at once, as soon as he saw me making my way in. He wasn't sitting on his chair. Standing with him as I was latter told is the School PTA chairman. A very respectable man judging by his outward disposition. He was an elderly man; infact the oldest among the lot.
As soon as the Director motioned me in, the crowd standing between me and the Director's Office just parted in two like the Red Sea to make way for me. I felt my heart sink into my stomach. My legs instantly felt heavy. But I had myself under strict comportment. My face were without emotions. Afterall, I was guilty of nothing (or so I thought).
As I walked into the office, the elder man (PTA chairman) was looking almost piercingly at me. As if sizing me up. My presence caught him in the middle of his address to the gathering.
My Director asked me to take a seat; which I did. I infact, sat at the edge of my seat, still wondering why I was the only teacher that was called to such a gathering of not-so-happy-looking parents. My Director (also an elderly Muslim man) sensing my apprehension, asked me to relax with what I considered to be a mischievous grim on his face. Well...I knew better than to do as instructed. I was on guard.
The first question I was asked was "How long have you been in the North?".
"About 15 months Sir" I replied as loud enough as my dried throat will permit me. "The first 12 months was at Jalingo and just 3 months in Zaria." i quickly added emphatically.
"Where were you born?"
"Lagos but I did my first degree in the East. My family is still based in Lagos"
"Are you Igbo?"
"Yes Sir"
There was a little thoughtful pause after that answer. Then he continued..
"What brought you to Zaira?"
"I'm a student of ABU and I'm here for my Master's degree program Sir"
"That's good" he said thoughtfully as he continued to gaze at me as if studying my disposition.
The others just continue to look as us without saying a word. A few of them (matured men) were occupying the few seats in the office. The rest (mostly the hijab wearing women and young fathers) were standing.
"Our Children came home to complain that you are teaching them bad things. That you are saying negative things that they don't like in class. What is it that you are teaching them?"
At this moment, I almost felt like bursting out in laughter. I had to pinch myself to remain composed.
Well...to cut the story short, I took time to explain to the parents what it was that I taught. The Director even sent for my textbooks without allowing me to go get them myself. I don't know if they were nursing the impression that I might escape. Funny them! Escape for what? Mtcheeeu!
When my textbooks came, it was confirmed that I had actually taught in accordance to the dictates of the textbook for the case of the Jss3. As for the Jss1, the topic was actually confirmed to be on marriage too, but the textbook (which was an old textbook of course) was silent on the issue of same sex marriage.
I was given a very strict warning to stick only to the content of the textbook. In the course of all of the admonishment, the PTA Chairman was smiling, but I knew better than to take the smiles for their face value. This people were dead serious!
I have since swore to myself, that I shall never try to "do pass myself". if I teach and you understand....fine! if you don't.... that's your cup of tea! I can't come and kill myself.
This was my experience! I felt compelled to write it down in order to help save someone somewhere from falling into my kind of situation. That is wasn't attacked by the parents is infact a miracle that I thank God and the respectable PTA chairman for. My intentions were pure. But here in the North, intentions can easily be misinterpreted especially when coming from a non-muslim and worst still, from a Nyamiri.
I personally think there is still a need for mass sensitisation of the Northerner on the usefulness of Western Education. The illiteracy rate is high. Those that even manage to go to school are just doing it with the impression that it is merely to fulfill all righteousness. Little wonder why we keep discovering "torture houses" on a daily bases. If the University community of Zaria could be this timid, how much more the Northern interiors.
Thank you.

It's good to know your intention to go extra miles in imparting knowledge didn't take your head from your neck. Nevertheless, be cautious of the north because like someone already said, most of them are still on the brinks of leaving the 20th century let alone the 21st.


Meanwhile, I hail o
You said you're an igbo (nyamiri) with adekunle as your moniker na people like you no dey know whether to choose between egusi or ogbolo for restaurants. Una go come dey shout mixing.

I think you should be in jail for teaching homosexuality to children. Homosexuality still attracts 14 years jail time according to Nigerian law

Come you all, to Jesus

Jesus is the King of Kings

On all grounds and from every perception...you were wrong!
1)You went overboard in teaching outside the syllabus (although slightly) on a topic that is both socio-culturally and constitutionally illegal in Nigeria.

2) You raped the minds of those kid by exposing them to dark knowledge that they should never have been exposed to at this stage of their lifes. kids always want to try and experiment on new things, they are easily swayed by new concepts and ideologies (its like teaching them about abortion and its benefits or teaching a primary 6 pupil the uses of a condom and how to get one) they are too young and will most likely abuse such information.

3) it's not about religion or region, any responsible parent will be concerned that their young kids are being exposed to such sensitive topics as same sex marriage at a tender and fragile age, it's only important(if necessary) for them to know these things at the senior secondary levels or within the concrete walls of a higher institution.

Lastly, Am Igbo and a Christian, born and breed in Zaria...i will not tolerate such from any teacher myself because this is what has plunged the western world into identity crisis! You find a man telling you he thinks he ought to have been a woman or how his sex organs do not define his sexuality. It all starts from an early intimacy with these dark and absurd ideologies...and in no distant time their minds become impregnated with strange foreign vices! It's awkward and against all our religious and cultural norms and values.

Well, Am running a masters degree in ABU too, zaria is not as extremist as you are painting it. Hit me up, maybe I will show you around, and wash away your zunubi' with a few holy bottles

PURE FICTION

1. You just had your second class, by the 3rd day you were invited to the "Director's" office; and you already knew the population of Parents on a daily basis?

2. You are a Graduate, and yet you went ahead to teach Same Sex Marraige knowing fully well it's a crime in Nigeria.

3. You kept using the word " Director" instead of the regular title " Principal" which is a common name of Individuals Heading a secondary school

4. Who actually employed you in the School? You are have been there, just under a week and the "Director" had to ask about information from you which he would have known before your employment

5. You used the word "My Office" very rare for a new teaching recuit to have an Office to himself/herself, usually you are placed in the Staff room with other teachers.

6. No single reference to any other teacher colleagues from the beginning till when you went to get the textbook or even after the session with the parents. Are you the only teacher in the School?

7. You were explaining Marraige to JSS1 student referencing LGBTQ and GEJ 2015 Elections, Seriously??

just look at this court jester telling us tall tales

and people are actually hailing him for teaching the "right thing"

political correctness will kill you

what country are you in?

what are the laws of your country about the subject of homosexuality?

what is a "same sex marriage"?

people are saying it's because it's the north

oh so you think you can teach that silliness to young people in any part of this country and go Scot free

keep fooling yourself

QuiverBox:
PURE FICTION

??

Stay quiet! It's really not important whether it's fiction or not, I think he's been able to pass a very solid and vital message. I know it'd be helpful to many people here

Marriage remains a union between a man and a woman for a jss1 class. Don't be overzealous child, else you won't be alive to tell the story

if this story is true, the OP lacks serious wisdom no matter how intelligent he sounds. Your oversabi intelligence will put you in serious trouble some day.
Either the OP is gay or just lacks wisdom

At this point, I had their undivided attention. They were all hushed and concentrated. I told them about the LGBTQ community and their persistent struggle for acceptance.

But OP why discuss LGBT with JSS1 student? haba, sometimes we just have to be more professional with our job not over sabi!

Why should you as a woke person discuss a controversial topic in the nothern part of Nigeria? Even down here in the south, it is frowned on, you know you could lose your life right?

Lol , Stay quiet!! Lol

Halezis:


Stay quiet! It's really not important whether it's fiction or not, I think he's been able to pass a very solid and vital message. I know it'd be helpful to many people here

I pity you that is what you get when you want to be more western than the westerners. You were given a syllabus but because you want to be preach same sex marriage nonsense you went overboard.

Same sex marriage or union is an offence in Nigeria punishable by imprisonment. In some culture and climes, it is punishable by death.

You did not even limit your foolishness to Lagos where you can get away with it because people will think you will get over your dementia easily but you took it to Zaria.

A word of advise for you; Read between the lines and your interactions with those folks, Quit that job; take cover and change environment.

Learn from history so you can go far in life.

Stop preaching and teaching young minds same sex nonsense; you are indeed very lucky that none of the parents assaulted you.

Mind you there no difference between what you did and a child molester. Both get maximum sentence in this clime.

There are holes in your story that require more clarification but as it is this will get you into trouble.

Same sex nonsense and LGBTQ stuff will give you maximum problem that will last you a life time.

Is same sex marriage not illegal in Nigeria.

This is not even a northern issue, if you teach my children that even here in the south I would take it up.

Radarada.

Fabricated lies. Can someone run nysc and masters concurrently? NO

They need to lock you up .. who send you message

NoToPile:
Is same sex marriage not illegal in Nigeria.

This is not even a northern issue, if you teach my children that even here in the south I would take it up.

Radarada.

imagine the guy even get mind to post am here

G

MEJOISLAND:

Thats no fiction Musa, my ppriend.
Thats the reality of the system of education here in the North. Learn to tell yourself the truth even for once although your eyes have been covered by the things you deem unquestionable

Mr truth, continue with your lies!

tayebest:



But OP why discuss LGBT with JSS1 student? haba, sometimes we just have to be more professional with our job not over sabi!

This post is an example of the sorry state of the Nigerian education, I assume you are either a graduate or a student that has written WAEC.

He is teaching in a school and not a mosque or quranic house.

Iam editing the post as it seems the Op updated the post from when I first read it earlier, OP did actually teach the students about same sex marriage. But the insinuation that he could have been assaulted shows how babaric the north is.