It is said that in every disappointment there are countless blessings in disguise. While some lament and wallow in complete regret and depression, others convert the unfortunate circumstance to their advantage. The way and manner such unfavourable situation is handled will determine the outcome, either positive or negative, which can further reshape our minds and propel us to be more productive and achieve greater exploits.

But regrettably, this mind-changing concept or dynamism of reconstructing the conventional way of thinking is being undermined and overlooked by many, therefore the desired results are not achieved due to wrong mindset. In other words, it is delusional to continue to do the same thing and expect a different result, hence the need to think outside the box and seize every opportunity to create something positive even out of every negative situation.

Throughout the eight months nationwide strike by the University-based Unions in public tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi had emphasized the need for students not to be idle. He consistently encouraged his teeming students to be creative and acquire requisite skills or knowledge as well as engage in productive ventures during the period. 

One of such inspiring and exceptional steps taken in line with the Vice-Chancellor's admonition that captured our attention was from Gift Ahmed - a 400-level student of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in the Department of Computer Science, who heeded the advice and recently announced some exciting achievements he recorded during the long period of the impasse between the Federal Government and Labour Unions. 

In a post released on his social media handle, the final-year student disclosed that, despite the setback, the eight-month period of the suspended nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was rather a "blessing" to him as it created an opportunity for him to achieve a lot in his professional career.

The statement which he shared to encourage other students reads in part:

"The 8 months of ASUU strike was an opportunity for me and also a blessing. I can't believe how much I have achieved within this period. 

"I was able to speak and tutor in Data Scientists Network (DSN) Artificial Intelligence (AI) in every city, took 21 courses online with project and certification exams, received two gifts from Microsoft, and created my own Power BI tutorial videos.

"Also, I worked (volunteer and paid) for over 15+ clients and organisations, had the opportunity to speak at two international events, and made very good connection. 

"I have impacted my community, school and organisation with my technical knowledge and experience. Created 10+ Microsoft Power Platform Apps, flows, and chat bot which are currently in use, and won prize at the Nigeria Association of Computer Science. Honestly, the list goes on. So many internship offers. 

"Finally, I am back for my final semester, final year. I am happy to be back and I thank the Almighty God for the gift of life and protection. So in conclusion, ASUU strike was a blessing too.

"I am still available for remote work support (students have bills too) and also full time position by January 2023 looking forward to seeing job offers," the young data scientist exclaimed with great joy. 

Recall that earlier in July, Gift was praised for his brilliance and unique innovation exhibited at the "2022 Techies Week" organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Kogi State Chapter which took place at the Adankolo Campus of the University where he received cash prize. In his exhibition tagged "Digital Automations," Gift showcased his new invention that automates routine tasks and common processes in our everyday life.

In the words of Albert Einstein: "Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought."  

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