THE GENESIS
It was mid-2021, still struggling with my MSc dissertation after the whole covid lockdown and financial challenges were raging, when my supervisor sent me the application link for the Pan African Planetary and Space Science Network (PAPSSN) mobility scholarship call. This is a program that is funded by the Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme with the European Commission of the European Union as sponsors. At first, I was reluctant to apply because of my previous experience with other scholarships. I applied and they never called or emailed me to date, so I felt this was another intra-mobility scheme and it wouldn’t go anywhere. To make matters worse, my MSc results were not ready but something kept telling me to apply. I summoned the courage to start the application process, little did I know that I would be awarded the scholarship. It was tough as my application was reverted initially due to incomplete documents. As God would have it the application deadline was extended two weeks. Thanks to the project management, they were very friendly so I was encouraged to push through and my MSc results were ready just on time, lucky me!
It was September 12th 2021 when I received the good news while at home preparing my lessons for the new academic session which was to begin on 20th September 2021. My phone suddenly beeped and this was an email notification that had just came in from PAPSSN. I was terrified initially having received so many rejections over the years, but this time, it was gratifying to see “congratulations”. When I saw the nomination letter, I felt like my spirit left my body because this was the first Ph.D. application I have submitted, and have not even been convocated yet. At first, I couldn’t come to terms with this reality till I communicated with the committee and it was real. I really felt fulfilled. Thanks to PAPSSN for this opportunity.
THE GOOD NEWS
It was September 12th 2021 when I received the good news while at home preparing my lessons for the new academic session which was to begin on 20th September 2021. My phone suddenly beeped and this was an email notification that had just came in from PAPSSN. I was terrified initially having received so many rejections over the years, but this time, it was gratifying to see “congratulations”. When I saw the nomination letter, I felt like my spirit left my body because this was the first Ph.D. application I have submitted, and have not even been convocated yet. At first, I couldn’t come to terms with this reality till I communicated with the committee and it was real. I really felt fulfilled. Thanks to PAPSSN for this opportunity.
PREPARATION FOR MY STUDY TRIP
The Covid-19 heat was still rising and tension are everywhere. My travel documents were out of place and time was running so fast. PCR test was mandatory to travel so the heat was just too much. But with all these challenges, I managed to pull through. Honestly, the coordinators were so friendly and prompt. All information needed for the trip was provided by them in a calm and lovely manner. This made me relax even after we had rescheduled my flight twice. At last, the D-Day came and I was leaving the borders of Nigeria. Tension set in as this was my first time flying out of Nigeria. I started to have hallucinations and wondered what the other world would look like. Eventually, after a series of waiting, checking in, we took off. It was a long flight as we had to make two stops at Kigali airport and Johannesburg airport. Finally, we arrive at the new Ndola International Airport in Zambia. A great sense of relief came over me when I behold the green vegetations of Zambia. Then I realized the journey had just begun.
MY EXPERIENCE IN ZAMBIA SO FAR.
My first encounter with a Zambian was at Ndola International Airport where I realized one of my bags was missing. I made a complaint to the Airport baggage control official on duty and he was so kind to take my complaint and assured me the bag will be recovered. He also told me to call some numbers which he wrote on the complaint form for follow-up. I felt so at home and relax the way he related to me. This gave me a sense of peace that Zambians were hospitable.
By the time I was out of the airport, the University through my host had sent a special transport to pick me up. I felt really good as I finally started to relax after such a long trip. The car took me straight to an apartment already arranged for me at the Copperbelt University School of Graduate studies Complex. The environment was calm and serene, located in the best township in Kitwe. Just there and then I met my host Dr. Prospery Simpemba who I have been communicating with all along. He welcomed me warmly and took me to my room.
The Next day, I was introduced to the offices and directors within the graduate school. My host also showed their computer lab which was equipped with 24/7 power and internet. He later took me to the bank to get my settling in allowance.
Later within the week, I was assigned my workspace with a PC to work with temporality while the arrangement is ongoing for my Research tools. As a Ph.D. student here at CBU, Offices are assigned specially with workspace for different Ph.D. students. This fosters growth and intellectual conversation with fellow Ph.D. students.
A week after my settlement, my co-supervisor Dr. Joseph Simfukwe, a very friendly, sincere, and God-fearing man and also the current Head of the Physics Department here at CBU invited me for a very warm and welcoming Sunday service. It was a refreshing experience.
MY RESEARCH WORK SO FAR…
After I settled and all challenges had been tackled, I was assigned some tasks almost immediately. My co-supervisor, Prof Golden, created a Google Class where all our work progress can be monitored and shared so the team can follow accordingly. So far so good it has been a wonderful experience. I am currently doing an extensive literature review as well as preparing for my first proposal presentation to the department for approval.
CLOSING REMARKS
Firstly, I want to thank the Pan African Planetary and Space Science Network (PAPSSN) for the Ph.D. degree-seeking program and for according me this wonderful opportunity. This is a program that is funded by the Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme with the European Commission of the European Union as sponsors. Your scheme has given many talented and brilliant Africans hope. Well-done!
Most importantly, my deep and sincere gratitude goes to the project coordinator Prof. Fulvio Franchi, the project Manager Mrs. Chakandinakira Gadibotsile and the entire selection committee for their fair and honest selection which has made me a beneficiary of the PAPSSN project. Furthermore, my sincere gratitude goes to my supervisor Prof Golden Nyambuya, Co-Supervisor Dr. Joseph Simfukwe, and my host Dr. Prospery Simpemba. It has been a pleasure working with you so far and I am optimistic that as our work proceeds, we will have much better days to come. Your love, care, and swift response to my demands are unprecedented.
Lastly but not least, I thank the Management of the Copperbelt University: the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, the Deputy Registrar Academics, the Dean of the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, the University finance unit and my family, friends and loved once for their support and prompt responses to my demands. I am deeply grateful to you all. God bless you abundantly.