04/11/2025
THE DAY I WAS GIVEN LEADERSHIP ROLE IN MY SCHOOL 😩
It all started one sunny afternoon in my Year 3, second semester a day that forever changed how I see “leadership.”
There was this particular practical course we always took in my department. Everyone knew the rule if you don’t belong to a group, you automatically fail. So that day, the class was packed like a concert. People who hadn’t been to school in weeks suddenly appeared, dressed as if they came for an award show.
Now, me being me, I came late. I was outside chatting with other latecomers when the lecturer called us in. She said, “Form your groups quickly!” So we rushed inside and scrambled to find people. Finally, we managed to form a group.
Then she dropped the question that turned my day upside down.
“Who will be the group leader?”
At that moment, I don’t know what entered my head. but I raised my hand! Immediately, my group members started pointing at me like, “Yes, that’s our leader!” Before I could even protest, the lecturer said, “Good. You’re the leader.”
That’s when I knew I had entered one chance.
When I started writing down my group members’ names, my heart broke small-small. The serious students the front seaters, the scholars, even the “slay queens” were already in other groups. My own group? Ha! I was surrounded by the Pablos the fine boys with cars who only came to school once a semester, always with shades on, and vibes like “school is for the weak.” I wanted to cry.
Still, I tried to be a good leader. I created a WhatsApp group chat and dropped a message.
“Hi guys, let’s plan our practical. Please drop your suggestions.”
Silence.
One hour — silence.
One day — silence.
It turned into a graveyard. I even renamed it in my head Silent Night International Ministry. 😂
Since no one was answering, I did the work myself. Then, a day before submission, I decided to check in again. I dropped a message:
“Hey guys, are we ready for tomorrow’s presentation?”
One replied, “What’s happening tomorrow?” 😭
Another said, “I’m not in Uyo oh, I’m in Lagos. Just represent us.”
Represent who?? I was shaking with anger and laughter at the same time. I left the group immediately before I lost my mind.
Presentation day came. Only two of the guys showed up. I had already arranged everything. Just when we were about to go in, one of the “Pablos” drove in, looking like he came for a movie premiere. He walked up to me and said,
“Efe abeg give me something to say.”
I looked at him, tired and exhausted and said:
“If you don’t have anything to say, go and talk about your life history.” 🙄
We went in, and I did almost everything myself. The lecturer was impressed, but deep down, I was tired Those guys nearly gave me high blood pressure.
From that day, I made a promise to myself any time I hear the word leader, I disappear. I love peace, abeg Leadership is not for the faint-hearted. 😭😂.
Have you ever been a leader against your will ??
