I Have No Regrets Being a Teacher

PROF. FELICIA MONYE (LECTURER)

How would you describe your growing up?

It was wonderful growing up under an industrious and enterprising father who placed priority on education especially the girl-child. My father was a business man, a contractor and a community leader. He was a very nice man who was a great lover of education. He supported me all the way. He gave all of us equal treatment and opportunity.

I am from a family of nine and all of us are educated. I am from Obolouku in Delta State but had primary education in different parts of the country. I later had my secondary education in Delta and had my higher school certificate in Ilesha Grammar School then in the old Oyo State (now Osun State). I went to University of Lagos where I read law and had my masters also in Law from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Of course, I went back to University of Lagos for my PhD. So growing up was nice for me.

How has your movement around the country influenced your approach to life?

It influenced me positively because just like any other countries people have negative mindset against some tribes. But going to different parts of the country in pursuit of education exposed me to different ethnic groups and taught me that we are all one. I left Delta State to live in Ilesha, a typical Yoruba town during my advanced levels. It was my first time outside my comfort zone but I coped. I had a good time and made good friends with them. I even tried some Yoruba food. The first time I saw ‘amala’ because of the colour I was almost discouraged. By the time I ate it with ewedu I liked it. Till today any time I visit my Yoruba friends I request for it and they make it for me.

What influenced you to study law?

Incidentally, studying law was by chance. I had an educated cousin then who really influenced us and wanted us to read education. I had no objection to that. When I went to Ilesha Grammar School my intention was to study education. I filled education in my final year at HSC but my History teacher then saw the form and objected to it, saying that she liked my argument in class. She suggested I study law. I did not give it a second thought. I just changed from education to law and today I am a teacher. So I have no regrets.

How would you compare education of old to today?

I can tell you that education of old prepared some of us to become who we are today. The teachers were dedicated and committed. They didn’t have the type of teaching aids we have today such as computer, internet and all that. They had a way of impacting knowledge. For instance, my primary school headmaster, one Mr. Charles Esegbu, taught us the right position to sit while reading. We were discouraged from lying down while reading in the dormitory. This has helped me today because I can read for hours even at this age.

At what stage did you pitch your tent with teaching?

It was at a very early stage because it was an ambition. I did my youth service with the Ministry of Justice in Enugu. At the end of the service, the then Director of Public Prosecution said they were going to consider four of us for jobs in the ministry. The other three were excited but I was not. I just told him I wanted to go into teaching. I said I had no offer yet but I would go for my masters after which I would look for a teaching job.

I started my teaching profession in 1987 with Nnamdi Azikwe University (then known as Enugu State University of Science and technology). We were the pioneer lecturers of the Faculty of Law. I taught there for one year and eight months and voluntarily changed to University of Nigeria. My family was based and still is based in Enugu. So it wasn’t easy shuttling between Enugu and Akwa.

Do you find fulfillment in your childhood ambition?

Yes I do. You know you can never be bored with teaching as you learn new things every day by reading, interacting with students and your colleagues. Again, you want to share knowledge and see your students grow. Teaching is a job that gives you joy when you see your students excelling. It is a job that holds new things every day. In law, you see new things every day and of course, you must be hard working.

Outside teaching what other passion do you have?

Consumer protection is my field of specialisation. My passion in that field has led me to consumer advocacy. We have consumer awareness organisation with the aim to enlighten consumers about product and services. We tell them their rights and obligations under the law.

What were the challenges while climbing up the ladder?

I joined Nsukka as a lecturer 2 in 1988. I became a professor in 2006 and before that time just like any other lecturer, I was working and praying. It was not that fast but hard work and assistance from my colleagues helped. Prof. Ilebule was helpful while growing up the ladder. The old professors were around and they assisted. Prof. Nwogwugwu was helpful with his books. The late Prof. Gaius Ezejiofor also helped. If you work with your senior colleagues you understudy them and it helps. One thing I have learnt is that in the academics you cannot operate in isolation. It is challenging, interesting and at the same time rewarding.

Your husband is not in academics and you are a professor. How have you been able to avoid personality clash?

My dear, it has never crossed my mind. I have never seen myself as superior to my husband. I don’t even think about it. My husband read Economics as his first degree, marketing as second degree and later studied law. He is into printing now and he enjoys it. We are not in competition. He was in an oil company, got to the peak, disengaged and set up his own private business. My husband is a self-assured man.

I am in a field that allows me to acquire more education, presents papers, writing articles and books. I have two text books on Consumer Law and Law of Consumer Protection. When my husband was in service his job required getting customers for his company. He did it so well. He later studied law and he has been of help because when I write he reads through it. I can’t send out anything without first giving it to my husband. So I have never been in competition with my husband. What lesson has life taught you? Strive to be the best you can. You must work hard and pray work. Be at peace with yourself, neighbour and everybody around you.