18/07/2025
I was in class that fateful Wednesday afternoon teaching my students when she raised her hand to ask a question.
I permitted her and she asked a rather too simple question that I supposed she should know the answer.
I had already covered that topic the previous week. "Will you sit down there! With your buhaha face! Olodo!" was the only answer I gave her.
The whole class bursted into laughter and she looked embarrassed.
I went on with my lesson but felt somewhat guilty over what I had said. I finished my class and left. By evening, I went to Church. The preacher was talking about the tongue and its power.
He spoke about how you could bring others down by what you say.
I remembered what happened in the afternoon and became guilty to the point of not receiving Communion. I swore I was going to apologize to her on Thursday when I go back to the class.
On Thursday afternoon, I went to the class but I didn't see her. I asked after her from her coursemates but they didn't seem to know who I was talking about.
I then said I was looking for the person I insulted on yesterday. "Oh, that's Joy Sir!. She is not in class today" they answered.
Who is her friend? I asked.
"Aisha" they chorused. But Aisha was not in the class either.
Suddenly, a girl with Hijab walked in. "That's Aisha Sir" my students informed me.
Where is your friend? I asked her. "Which one?" She replied without looking at my face. Joy! I said.
The reply shocked me! She is in the mortuary Sir. Mortuary????? Doing what there?? I asked "She died yesterday Sir" Aisha replied.
How come?????? I later found out that after yesterday's class, Joy was hit by a fast moving vehicle.
She was crossing the road absentmindedly probably because of what I said.
"Her burial is on Saturday and you are invited Sir", Aisha continued.
As I stood trying to overcome the shock, Aisha said within tears, "you killed my friend Sir".
She was right! I should be the murderer!
Some girls in the class were already crying! I didn't know what to say, whether to apologize to Joy's friend or Joy's ghost.
I submitted my resignation letter the next day.
Dear Lecturers and Teachers, please stop insulting your student.
They are in school to learn from you.
If they already know, they won't be in school!
Please, mind what you say to other people. Are your words bringing life or death to the hearers?
NB: THIS STORY DOES NOT ONLY APPLY TO LECTURERS AND TEACHERS, BUT TO ALL OF US WHO COME INTO CONTACT WITH HUMAN BEINGS: CUSTOMERS, STUDENTS, PARENTS, MATES, FRIENDS AND SO ON.
Let's be very mindful of how we address one another
You are either giving life or taking it with your tongue!
