Nwada Amarachi Ogbonna revealed that people repeatedly mocked her for studying the Igbo language at university, but that didn’t stop her from graduating with distinction, a first-class degree.
Ogbonna recalled the discouragement and criticism she received from people who thought her course was worthless and provided few career opportunities in a Facebook post.
One of the most memorable moments for her, she says, was meeting her former secondary school English teacher. He questioned her decision after learning about her course of study and that she was studying Igbo. 
“Why Igbo Language? Why didn’t you choose a better course?” he asked.
Ogbonna said she received similar comments from friends and acquaintances throughout her time at university.
“People often asked me where the course would take me, what career I could build from it, and why I didn’t choose something they considered more meaningful,” she wrote.
Ogbonna explained that many people were disappointed when she mentioned her course. Some even looked down on students in her department, as if they were studying something less important.
The criticism had an emotional impact on her. She admitted that some of the comments were deeply hurtful and occasionally brought her to tears. She remained determined to finish her studies and prayed for the strength to succeed.
Despite the difficulties, Ogbonna earned a first-class degree and refused to let other people’s opinions shape her future.
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She thanked God, her parents, and the few friends who believed in her and encouraged her journey.
Ogbonna now teaches Igbo language online and offline to students in Nigeria and around the world, including those in Germany, the United States, Ireland, and other countries.
Reflecting on her journey, she says she often wonders what would have happened if she had given in to the negative voices around her and abandoned her passion in order to gain society’s approval.
According to her, staying true to her dream has enabled her to preserve and promote the Igbo language through teaching and content creation.
She encouraged people not to dismiss their chosen paths based on public opinion, emphasising that purpose is not determined by societal expectations.
“Never allow society to make you despise what God has chosen to use to announce you,” she wrote.
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