TIMOTHY YAYI

Born and raised in a small village in the Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State in Nigeria, Timothy was committed to learn. Although his parents only had elementary education, they were determined to educate all their children. From this spirit, Timothy found a deep interest in human rights and gender equality. Today, he holds a bachelor’s degree in history and Education and a M.Ed. in Social Studies and is currently furthering his interest in social studies through his enrollment in a Ph.D. programme.

“The World Must Devote Research to Health and Science and Not Physical Might”

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I am Nigerian and life in Nigeria is great. The country is a heterogenous community with three major languages and over 250 minor languages. At present, the country is battling with terrorism, kidnapping and religious crises. The country has a presidential system where we will change leaders again in 2023. A lot of partisan politics is ongoing because we have a multi-party system. There is a lot to say about Nigeria but because of constraints of time and words, it becomes evitable.

My life story has been with God all the way. Born to a family of three, I occupied the first position in the order. Growing up has not been easy as my education was mainly on scholarships. My parents only had elementary education but were determined to educate all their children. I grew up in a very remote area but traveled a lot and love to be in the company of older and experienced people. With all the storm and stide, God has been faithful.

Q: How did you experience the global pandemic crisis, did it change your life or/and your views about the world? How?

The global pandemic crisis was an unexpected phenomenon which has changed my orientation. The movement was restricted in Nigeria and a lot of curfews were imposed. The pandemic opened my eyes to a lot of other opportunities via the Information Communication world. Lectures were taught and received online. During this period, I got married and it was a solemn celebration, unlike the one we usually experienced in Nigeria involving noise. The pandemic has taught me many lessons, but mainly that change is constant, and we must be ready to adapt to any situation. Our long-term plans must always be on ground ready to be hatched anytime and any day. The world must devote research to health and science and not physical might. Pandemics must be understood as having a great impact in annihilation faster than military power, biological weapon, or nuclear power.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently? 

Some of the key challenges in my society especially in Nigeria are insurgency, and religious bigotry like the experience of Deborah in Sokoto, murdered by some Islamic extremists. Another challenge is drug abuse and kidnapping.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them?

I had quite a handful of hurdles. Just like the saying: "nothing good comes easy". One of the hurdles I could remember was selling my phone to buy a textbook during my undergraduate days. I have had to trek a long distance to school most times. This was surmountable with so much resilience.

Q: If you were to ask one thing from our current leaders, what would it be?

Connection/collaboration

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

The role of a mentor is important to me to get to my destination with ease. I need the guidance of someone who has walked a road to walk it too but with ease. Mentors have so many experiences which can guide me.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?  

Life has taught me a lot of lessons that I cannot forget. I would like to share one. Life taught me to be humble and never lose focus. During my undergraduate time, I was mentored by a professor who living and staying with, was laced with experiences. It was not easy. I could remember leaving classes sometimes to run errands for my mentor, help with some work on the laptop, etc. In the long run, I tow her path by following her academic line, and to the glory of God, I got a job at her university before her retirement in 2019. So many other experiences abound.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

Bishop Adelakun Foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo is assisting the less privileged especially in the area of education.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

One of the challenges women face in Nigeria is related to culture. Our culture believes women are second and need to be relegated. A woman does not have a say in the commity of things. Efforts to bring about gender equality in Nigeria are done through the constitution and electoral amendments. Women are now given pride of place in governance and education. Women now hold important positions like Vice-chancellors at Universities etc. One of our pride in the women folk is Mrs. Okonjo Iweala who is making waves in world banking and economy sphere.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that means something to you.

Always aspire to acquire what you desire, even when people conspire against you because when you retire, it will be required of you.

Q: Share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about.

I intend to embark on a project on service learning. Education should not end in the classroom but extends to the community. As a way of being civic compliant, services are required. I look forward to making it happen using in-school students.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add? 

Life is all about being useful in the society and taking risks. The risk is very useful in achieving a goal.