By Joshua Imalingat
Hajjat Sukuzani Hadija’s marriage proposal nearly 29 years ago brought her education to a halt. This however, did not deter her years later from pursuing her dream of completing school.
At the age of 48, with seven children, two already university graduates, others in advanced level of education and the last being in primary three, Sukuzani decided to return to school to pursue her dream having stopped only in senior three while at Soroti SS.
Sukuzani first enrolled at Kotido Parents Advanced School-KOPAS a privately owned secondary school in Kotido town in senior two.
Her stay there was however, short lived after the coronavirus pandemic struck sending all students home for years. Following the reopening of schools after the pandemic was contained, Sukuzani returned to her school only to discover that it had been closed.
Determined to continue with her dream, Sukuzani, decided to seek admission at Kotido secondary school where she was warmly welcomed by a team of school administrators.
Days later, Sukuzani was a senior two student at Kotido SS with an enrolment of about 1,800 students. In the just released UCE results Sukuzani scored 27 aggregates passing in division one. She scored 4 in English, 7 in CRE, 3 in History, 4 in Geography, 3 in Agriculture, 7 in Physics, 4 in Biology, 5 in Commerce, and 2 in Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Speaking to our reporters at her home in senior quarters Kotido municipality, the vividly overjoyed Sukuzani explained that her dream and passion of a formal education compelled her to return to school.
Dressed in her Muslim attire the veiled Sukuzani told our reporters that while at school, her age nearly double most of her classmates and some teachers did not prevent her from sitting in class. She, however, admits that her first week in class wasn’t easy especially after spending years out of school.
Sukuzani who now wants to become a lawyer praised her family for supporting her pursue her dream and passion of continuing with her education. She also advised fellow mothers who wish to return to school to do so whenever they get the chance.
Makda Ibrahim her eldest daughter says they were excited as a family when their mother announced that she was returning to school.
Ibrahim Akorioi the husband told our reporters that this was part of the promise he had made to his wife when they first met. He observed that his wife was focused throughout her studies and hopes to continue supporting her throughout her endeavors.
Paul Kibuka the director of studies at Kotido SS and Sukuzani’s mathematics teacher described her as a bright, disciplined student and a living example for the rest.
He attributed her success in UCE to her commitment, adding that he was not surprised by her performance.
Kotido SS registered its best ever performance in the just released UCE results with 26 students passing in division one, 4 being female where Sukuzani falls.
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