Gabriel’s childhood was not one of warmth, encouragement, or laughter—it was a battlefield where his own home became the first place he learned fear. His father was a man of strict authority, one who believed that children should be seen and not heard. His mother, though present, had no voice against her husband’s overbearing ways. In their home, obedience was demanded, but love was rarely given.
From a young age, Gabriel’s voice was stifled before it even had the chance to grow. He learned quickly that asking questions could earn him a rebuke and that expressing an opinion meant facing ridicule. Whenever he made a mistake, he was met not with guidance but with harsh criticism. “Why are you so dull?” “Can’t you think?” “You will never be anything in life.” These words became his lullabies, the soundtrack of his childhood.
A Childhood in the Shadows
At Railway Staff School, Gabriel sat at the back of the class, shrinking into himself like a snail retreating into its shell. He knew the answers to questions his teachers asked, yet he remained silent. The fear of being mocked or ridiculed, both at home and in school, was stronger than his desire to speak. His classmates often overlooked him, and teachers dismissed him as one of those children who had nothing to offer.
At home, his father’s intimidation only worsened. Gabriel was not just emotionally bullied—he was silenced, unheard, and invisible. Whenever he attempted to share his thoughts, he was either shouted down or met with scorn. Eventually, he gave up trying. He lived in the shadows, watching life happen around him but never daring to participate.
The WAEC Crisis: A Test of Fate
When the time came for Gabriel to register for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams, his father refused to pay the fees.
“If you’re serious about school, go and find the money yourself!” his father barked.
It was a devastating moment for Gabriel. His father, who had the means to pay for the registration, chose not to. His classmates were getting ready, discussing their future ambitions, while he faced the heartbreaking reality that his journey could end before it even began.
To make matters worse, his father sought counsel from a church minister, Rev. Gabriel Ameh, hoping for advice. Instead of encouragement, the Reverend told his father, “Do not waste your money on that boy; he does not look smart.” His father agreed, sealing Gabriel’s fate with a decision that could have ended his academic dreams.
The deadline day for WAEC registration arrived, and Gabriel had lost hope. But in what seemed like a divine intervention, a distant uncle visited that morning. Seeing the distress on Gabriel’s face, he inquired about the issue and, without hesitation, paid the fees just minutes before the registration deadline.
Gabriel was overjoyed but also deeply hurt. The one person who should have supported him—his father—had let him down. This was the moment he realized that if he was going to make something of himself, he would have to fight for it alone.
Breaking Free from the Chains of Fear
After secondary school at Chindit Barracks, Gabriel struggled through the College of Education, Zaria, to obtain his NCE (National Certificate in Education). Life was tough—he had no financial backing, and the scars of intimidation still haunted him. He was still that timid, voiceless boy, carrying the weight of childhood trauma wherever he went.
However, something was changing within him.
One evening, after failing to answer yet another question in class despite knowing the answer, Gabriel had a breaking point. Why do I keep holding back? Why do I let the fear of my past define me? He made a vow to himself—he would no longer live in the shadows of fear.
Slowly, he started speaking up. First, he forced himself to answer one question in class. Then another. He started talking to classmates, joining discussions, and even challenging his own self-doubt. It wasn’t easy—years of being silenced do not disappear overnight—but step by step, Gabriel was reclaiming his voice.
From the Timid Boy to the Scholar
With newfound determination, Gabriel pushed forward. He gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, for his Bachelor’s degree in Education, despite struggling financially and emotionally. The timid boy from Railway Staff School was now standing before lecturers, confidently presenting assignments and projects.
After ABU, he set his sights even higher. He applied to the University of Lagos, Akoka, and was admitted for a Master’s degree in Education. The journey was not easy, there were days of hunger, nights of despair, and moments when the fear of failure still whispered in his ears. But Gabriel refused to let his past win.
With his Master’s degree in hand, he had done the unimaginable. He had broken free from the chains of intimidation that had shackled him for years.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Today, Gabriel is not just a teacher who has taught across all facets of education; he is also a renowned journalist and an entrepreneur. His experiences shaped him into a fighter, a dreamer, and a visionary.
His story does not end with academic success. He has a greater mission—to travel the world, giving a voice to timid children and educating parents about the dangers of bullying their own children.
Looking back, Gabriel does not hold hatred for his parents. Instead, he sees them as victims of their own upbringing, caught in a cycle of harshness that they unknowingly passed down. But he has made a vow—his children will never know the pain of feeling unworthy.
A Message to Parents: Stop Breaking Your Children
Gabriel’s story is one of many—countless children today suffer in silence, their dreams crushed by the very people meant to protect them. Parental intimidation, verbal abuse, and constant criticism do not toughen children—they break them.
- Words have power. A child who constantly hears “You are stupid” or “You will never amount to anything” begins to believe it. Speak life, not destruction, into your children.
- Listen to your children. Allow them to express their thoughts and emotions. They deserve to be heard.
- Encourage, don’t discourage. Even when a child struggles, remind them they can do better instead of condemning them.
- Invest in your child’s future. Do not assume a child is worthless just because they do not meet your expectations. Every child has potential waiting to be nurtured.
Gabriel was fortunate to find his voice, but many children never do. Parents must remember that their role is not to break their children but to build them. A child who grows up feeling loved, valued, and encouraged will grow into a confident, successful adult.
Let us raise children who know their worth, who are unafraid to speak, and who will one day change the world.
