Birth and Early Life

Born as Michael Aki on 28th July 1987 to the family of Julius Ahwusi Aki of Ona Quarters in Agbarha-Otor Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State and Mrs. Margaret Ahwusi Aki of Ohwrode community in Udu Local Government area of Delta State, all in Nigeria, Michael is the first Son and the eighth child of 9 children.

In an average traditional African society, especially within the Urhobo sub-region of the above mentioned state in Nigeria, a male child is a prerequisite in the family without which family members will not rest. In search of a male child, Mr. Julius Ahwusi Aki already had 7 children and the young man had no plan to call it quit. At last, the eighth child became a son – Michael (One who is like God). As nature would have it, Mr. Ahwusi still pressed on, adding his only younger sibling Obruche. By then, the ‘Jacob’ family was already 11 in total (9 children (7 females, 2 males) and both parents).

Michael was born in Ahoro street, the Sitevwe market area of Akpodiete street in Ughelli main town, a small market square that has existed for some decades. Early life was poor but ‘down to earth’. Michael grew up under a stiff moral background with core religious upbringing. His mother is a core disciplinarian and one who always stood by what is virtuous. Michael grew up to see a virtually jobless father and a hardworking mother who traded in sales of kolanuts. Life was at times difficult but manageable. Things would go up but would sometimes come down, like the storm. But they lived through it all. At a very tender age, the family of 11 moved to Edojaniogba street, off Cemetery Road, Ughelli, almost the same area. The Family lived there for 9 years before moving on to Oghenebrorhie Street, off Akpodiete Street. This is the other end of the street where Sitevwe market was located. There again, from 1997, the family lived till 2009, before moving to Onovughakpor street, besides Chicken Mart, by Dumez Road where they barely stayed for two years before moving on to Dortie Street, off Uloho Avenue, same Ughelli main town in 2010. In this new home, the family live till 2012 before finally settling in their private abode at the paternal homeland in Agbarha-otor. By then, almost all the children have been on their own.

Michael was born in Ahoro street, the Sitevwe market area of Akpodiete street in Ughelli main town, a small market square that has existed for some decades. Early life was poor but ‘down to earth’. Michael grew up under a stiff moral background with core religious upbringing. His mother is a core disciplinarian and one who always stood by what is virtuous. Michael grew up to see a virtually jobless father and a hardworking mother who traded in sales of kolanuts. Life was at times difficult but manageable. Things would go up but would sometimes come down, like the storm. But they lived through it all. At a very tender age, the family of 11 moved to Edojaniogba street, off Cemetery Road, Ughelli, almost the same area. The Family lived there for 9 years before moving on to Oghenebrorhie Street, off Akpodiete Street. This is the other end of the street where Sitevwe market was located. There again, from 1997, the family lived till 2009, before moving to Onovughakpor street, besides Chicken Mart, by Dumez Road where they barely stayed for two years before moving on to Dortie Street, off Uloho Avenue, same Ughelli main town in 2010. In this new home, the family live till 2012 before finally settling in their private abode at the paternal homeland in Agbarha-otor. By then, almost all the children have been on their own.

Parents

Michael was born to the family of Mr. Julius Ahwusi Aki of Ona of Agbarha-otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State and Mrs. Margaret Ahwusi Aki, the second daughter and third by age in the family of Jehwe of Ohwrode community in Udu Local Government area of Delta State.

Siblings

Michael has 8 siblings with the demise of Mrs. Faith Okoroumu. Current siblings include Mrs. Jubilee, Ms. Favour Julius Aki, Mrs. Ruth Ese, Mrs. Gloria Edada, Mrs. Ofejiro, Mrs. Ufuoma Ibredi and Mr. Obruche Julius Aki.

Primary School

Michael attended Ogelle Primary School, Ughelli (1994-1999). Still in existence, Ogelle Primary School is a government (public) funded school. Located along Afiesere road in the heart of Ughelli main town, the school runs all primary subjects from primary one to primary six. Till date, Ogelle primary school has nurtured many bright minds today and still nurturing. Other notable primary schools around this area were Afiesere Grammar School, Afiesere, St. Paul Primary School, Ughelli, etc. Primary school life was very interesting in those days. Going to and fro school with bare feet on hot sandy areas, with some nearly quicksand and hot tarred roads, thorn and sewn uniforms, slates, sack bags, Hausa groundnuts, banga rice, tapioca and pig meats are all notable aspect of primary school life which made it spectacular. On the academic part, Michael have notable competitors in class like Solomon, Goodluck, amongst others who would read the reader fluently and flog other students who could not read on the instructions of the teacher. His most notable primary school teacher was Mrs. Iyama. Mrs. Iyama later became one of Michael’s most intimate teacher as his son, Kevwe Iyama (now deceased) later became a longtime friend. Iyama Oghenekevwe died October, 2018 after a brief illness.

Secondary School Life

Michael attended Otovwodo grammar school, Otovwodo, Ughelli. Otovwodo is a sub-community in Ughelli Town. Otovwodo is also a public secondary school in the area which is still in existence till date. It is located in the outskirt of Ughelli town, heading to a sister community – Agbarha-otor, Michael’s home town. Michael attended Otovwodo secondary school from 2000 till 2004 where he stopped in SSII and wrote his West African Examination Council in Akinima Grammar School, Akinima, Ahoada West, Rivers State. Rivers State is two states away from Delta state, having Bayelsa State in between. Within this period, some of Michael’s long time friends started. Friends like Ozor Abdiel, Omojaite Jude, Egerega Gabriel, Otovwodo James amongst many other notable friendships.

From 2004 till 2009 when Michael gained admission into the prestigious Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Michael had engaged in various business and job endeavours to make ends meet. He also helped his mother, Mrs. Magaret Aki, a kolanut trader in the Ughelli main market. One thing about Mrs. Margaret Aki is that she is a virtuous woman, one who represents the good African mother, a disciplinarian to the core and a moral figure to the latter. She was the one who gave nine children basic education from whence some of the children took it upon themselves to be educated.

Tertiary Education

Michael’s contact with tertiary institution was in the Niger Delta University. He had earlier gained admission into the Niger Delta University in 2008 to study History and Diplomacy even though he had earlier applied for Mass Communication. Unfortunately, he had a ‘Pass’ in Mathematics in his O’level result. This led to forfeiture the admission. Fortunately enough, as a bright student who believed so much in what he can do, he sat for all necessary examinations again in 2009, where he had NECO result with all necessary credits and an admission into the Niger Delta University again to study Business Education, although, he applied for accounting this time around. Michael’s 4 years programme spanned from 2009 till 2013 with extensions till 2014 due to industrial strikes and other internal issues. One of Michael’s first and notable mentor is Dr. F. C. Akpotohwo, now an associate professor. Prof. Akpotohwo’s administrative patterns as the then Head of Department drew many students’ attention including Michael that he became an academic figure to him. It was not an easy job getting mentors then because of the extent of teacher quality. Nevertheless, Michael was soon to come across other mentors as his academic endeavours unfolds.

Michael’s undergraduate academic studies was very hectic. As a self sponsored learner who never had any form of scholarships nor tangible support from friends and relatives, Michael engaged in various economic activities to survive. One of these was motorcycling, popularly known as Okada in the local community. Michael had purchased a motorcycle in 2009 before he was granted admission. After admission, it was difficult to continue with work as a factory manager then. Hence, motorcycling gave him the opportunity to study on weekdays and work during weekends. From Friday through Sundays, he will work and return back from Warri/Ughelli to Amassoma to commence studies on Monday. This continued till 300 level where he bought a small Golf 3 sport car. With the sport car, Michael abandoned motorcycling till date but entered vehicular public transportation, running Ughelli/Warri routes with drops to Benin, Bayelsa, Rivers, etc., until he stopped at his final year in the University. By then, he has been grossly involved in academic works, assisting countless colleagues and educators in academic research works.

The story of how Michael got involved in academic works will be one for another publication entirely, even though it is imperative to touch some salient aspects. By default, Michael is a businessman. His business acumen must have been accumulated through his involvement in his mother’s kolanut business at a very tender age. Mrs. Margaret Aki, a dealer in local kolanuts was in the habit of selling kolanuts for her children, the children in turn sells and make returns while they are allowed to keep their profits. But Obruche, Michael’s only brother was in the habits of selling, making profits and squandering the profits first, before selling the rest kolanuts to be returned to mama. At the end, he complains that business has been bad, whereas, profits has been squandered. But Obruche soon learns business skills like others as he grows older. From selling in the main market, menial jobs soon followed and all these put together made Michael a perfect businessman in the University environment. There was never a dull moment. From year one, Michael moved into the University environment with a Pentium 4 desktop computer he had then. By year two, he had a Hp laptop already which he bought at N80,000 in 2012 from his secondary school friend Abdiel Ozor who deals on sales of computers. Michael engaged in numerous academic works ranging from mere students’ assignments to seminars, projects and later thesis. Sometimes, other non-academic presentations also came in. In time, Michael became well known amongst his colleagues. Some of his colleagues would call him “oguonigho”, a popular name for big time hustlers in Urhobo language. Others would call him Michael assignments, www.michaelassignments.com, ejogba (it must be completed), movore (me eat alone-not his kind of person though), adjeghroke(ride till day break), etc. All these names came as a result of Michael’s drive to meet up in life.

At final year through graduation, Michael had already assisted 101 full research works. These are only works on record. Other assignments and seminars were not listed. Of the 101 research projects assisted during that period of 2013-2014, more than 50% were works Michael fully conducted personally – quality research materials at that, while the rest were works for mere typing, some merely editing, still others were only printing. Someone who must have conducted one research project at a final year stage must wonder, how can a final year student conduct and assisted 101 research works. Was that even possible at all? Well, everyone have their own level of operation. And that was just the level then, little wonder Michael’s undergraduate academic foundation was more or less monstrous. Supervisors would sometimes select Michael’s assisted materials somewhere as best set of materials. Even in faraway Bulgaria, Seychilles and Jordan where Michael had also assisted thesis and dissertations, supervisors’ across boards had often commented positively on several of his works – comments indicating the superiority of his works. During Michael’s postgraduate studies, many educators would think he studied abroad, whereas, all his capacity were as a result of a fine undergraduate upbringing.

From his 300 level, colleagues started “titlelating” Michael with undeserved titles like “Ph.D”, “Professor” “Doctor” and other superior academic titles which he never really had. All these names he rejected at first. But soon enough, the naming begin to expound amongst colleagues and even educators during his second degree. One notable thing about Michael was that as from a very tender age, he already bore the intent to further his studies. So, before he could complete his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience, he has already picked his Masters form in the Delta State University, although, this ambition could not materialize because of financial issues. Michaels’ extent of understanding of academic processes oftentimes puts him at loggerheads with his superiors. Michael sees his local academic environment as lacking necessary quality educators to influence the growth of the local system. Hence, his utterances were oftentimes seen as controversial and giving pressure to many.

Within the undergraduate environment, Michael’s best friends were Patrick Felemoton and Apollos Asiaka. The crew also includes Esther, Isiayei Cynthia and Edoumiekumo Peace (deceased). Other friends includes Jagun, Oyoyo, Egbe Ariemi, Kolo Janet, amidst others.

Second Degree

A master’s degree has always been the dream of Michael even though it came a little too late. From 2015 when Michael completed the NYSC programme, it was not until January 2018 that he commenced his Master’s degree programme in the same Niger Delta University after leaving DELSU Master’s programme pursuit. Michael’s decision to also study in Niger Delta University (NDU) was as a result of proximity and convenience. Else, a preference and premium was placed on University of Ibadan. This was to ensure versatility in studies.

Michael purchased his Master’s degree form in May, 2017, but admission did not come until first week of January, 2018 when everyone were still in the euphoria of the 2018 Christmas. The programme was greatly delayed till somewhere March, 2019 because of internal riots, strikes, floods etc. Currently, Michael is on his thesis looking forward to a doctoral degree in any institution that portends great learning. Master’s degree was a turning point in the life of Michael. Through further training, Michael has acquired immense writing skills, although this did not come without a dint of strong undergraduate foundation. During his Master’s programme, Michael made several propositions to the Faculty and school in general. Some of his propositions were highly controversial in general while others were highly accepted. All these will be treated in subsequent subtopics.

Work Life

From the period of 2004 till 2009 from whence Michael’s tertiary education commenced properly, Michael had been involved in different economic endeavours. Starting from 2006, Michael worked with Peanard Oil Mill. Peanard was a factory that processed palm kernel into unfinished groundnut oil, from where they are transported to Port Harcourt and Onitsha for final processing which turns the oil to cooking oil. Michael worked in Peanard as a casual staff till July, 2007 where he was placed on stood-off due to dwindling company’s fortunes as a result of the rainy period. Stood-off was a yearly practice of Peanard especially during the raining period. From July, 2007 through August, 2007, Michael had found himself already engaged in Logbon Oil Mill, Edoge, Ughelli, later changed to Great Palm Ventures. Logbon Oil Mills also engaged in the processing of palm kernels. From 2007 till 2009 when Michael finally got admitted to study Business Education, Michael worked as a factory casual, then factory foreman and later manager.

In Logbon Oil Mills, Michael worked distinctively that even till date, whenever Michael visit the factory, the new boys murmurs “is this the Michael?” This was as a result of information dissemination about what Michael had done. A childhood friend of Michael known as Ehud Ikpibako would call him “the Mascherano of Logbon”, “experienced supervisor” and so on. Till date, a comparison in worker’s commitment to be compared to that exemplified by Michael in Logbon has since been elusive to Mr. Gbenga who inherited the factory from Mr. Aki Oduntan, the father.

Michael has various work philosophies. For one thing, he believes that the mind controls the body. He believes that the body have no say over the mind, rather, it is the mind that controls the whole of the body. In fact, the body can wear out, but the mind remains intact. It was upon this premise that even Jesus said “the spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak”. The spirit here represents the mind. It controls the whole of your body. With this in mind, Michael can work till he is worn out. This is the difference between Michael and others. Where others are tired is where Michaels’ working strength starts from. He may not be a good fighter, but is unbeatable in work. Even the strongest were impressed at his vigour and enthusiasm for work. Nevertheless, in his late 20s, seeing the effect of excessive work on his bodily structure and appearance, he began to adjust, understanding that youthfulness was no longer in his favour.

From kernel mills, Michael started his motorcycling sojourn from proceeds of his factory work engagements in 2009 through August 2012. At least, this seemed to be the most stressful and hectic part of Michaels’ life. From mere looks, you can tell that all was not well. While he often got all he wants from his hustle, the effects of stiff economic involvement coupled with academic stress was overbearing for him. As intelligent as Michael, he was unable to graduate with even a second class upper but lower. His colleagues who saw his results approached him to contend his results, but knowing the effects of economic engagements on his learning, such advice were never an option for Michael. All these were normal life for Michael because somehow, he looks like he was built for the hustle. Michael rode the in and outs of Ughelli metropolis with his Qlink motorcycle from September, 2009 through December, 2010 from where he bought another Skygo motorcycle which he rode in Warri metropolis (before and during the ban of motorcycles in Warri) from December, 2010 through August, 2012. It was in August, 2012 that Michael bought a Golf 3 sport car which also later went into public transportation till early 2014 when the vehicle was sold.

All though Michael’s undergraduate studies, it was more of hell than actual academic studies. From mere looks, you can deduct that Michael’s stress levels were very high. Nevertheless, his stiff involvement in research assistance helped him to gain strong academic foundation more than any other colleagues at the time. Whatever Michael attains in academic today was as a result of his strong academic background.

MJE Resources

MJE Resources is a research business outfit through which Michael involves in assistive research works with students and educators. Though MJE Resources, Michael became widely known for his academic understanding. All these studies conducted over time builds him in articulating and formulating personal ideas, postulates and conceptions for academic considerations. MJE Resources was established in 2015 during Michael’s NYSC service. This need to make assistive research practice a standard practice became overwhelming, hence, MJE Resources was initially formulated as MJER. It was not until 2016 that the name was adjusted to MJE Resources which means “Michael Jules Educational Resources”. Till date, Michael still uses MJE Resources to assist numerous undergraduate and post graduate research students. Till date, MJE Resources still functions with Admissions and UTME Nigeria as a subsidiary.

Admissions and UTME Nigeria

All through 2017, Michael discovered that many University applicants who seek for admission in the Niger Delta University already make a lot of mistakes before coming in contact with the institution. Some had too poor jamb scores for competitive courses, others had inadequate o’level results but were assured admission was sure along with many other instances. Consequent upon this challenge, Michael wanted to create a medium where he can “catch them young”, that is, reach these applicants on time, where he can mentor them on the right decision to make at the right time. Consequent upon the above, Michael conceptualized Admissions and UTME Nigeria, a vocational/career business outfit that treats issues bothering on students who no longer have vocational guidance because they had left the secondary schools and with no access to University tutelage. All guidance were carried out online as the applicants were more online.

Initially, there were mild opposition from colleagues and acquaintances. But Michael was ready to open book for any who engaged in such gross misconduct. Sooner or later, like a product who would sell itself, Admissions and UTME Nigeria begin to sell itself. As a businessman with difference, Michael added a little comic posture to admissions and UTME, which drew persons who were even out of the business target to join its now teeming membership of over three thousand to see what they had to offer. Today, Admissions and UTME Nigeria is the leading online vocational/career portal ever with a Facebook reach of over 30,000 weekly and total website visits of 55,000.

Admissions and UTME focuses on mentoring, bringing the students from the secondary school environment up till their entry into Universities. Thus, it focuses on JAMB issues, Post UTME registrations, admission processing with the provision of all necessary information to aid applicants all through the process. Michael also nurture this intent of establishing a CBT centre as part of his vocational guidance duties and a secondary school establishment to totally completes the vocational circle for his followers.

As An Ad Hoc Staff (NDU)

In 2018, Michael presented a proposal to the Dean, Faculty of Education, Niger Delta University on the need to create a research database for the purpose of future researchers. The proposal was adopted by the Dean of Faculty and the portal – www.foendu.org soon commenced. Michael and his team of ICT experts were in charge of the portal while the Faculty collate all research materials for uploading.

Writer/Researcher/Publisher

Michael is the sole admin and publisher at Admissions and UTME Nigeria. All contents on the website are Michael’s personal publications. Till date, no co author has been adopted. Anywhere co-authors appeared, it may be in co-authored books.

Also, Michael has been the lead researcher at MJE Resources. Michael is vast in research terminologies that he is widely respected amongst friends and colleagues. In his understanding of the poor performance of final year students as regards their research works, Michael had developed a research material for the training of freshmen with a view that with such a profound foundation, students will be able to draft their research work adequately whence they get to final year.

Religion

From the onset, Michael is a core religious person. He was born into a family of Jehovah’s Witnesses where father, mother and all children were and currently witnesses. Till date, Michael still maintains such status, although he has his reservations about religion in general.

Administrative Experience

So, many persons see Michael as an experienced administrator equipped with live and responsive policies that grows business even with limited time. Over the years, all endeavours engaged in by Michael are always seeing the light of the day as perseverance and hardwork are all written all over him. Michael also believes in administrative foresight, in that, he makes policies that are geared towards future expectations as he believes the old order is being overtaken by modernity.

Social Life

Michael can be a serious person live, but very comic online. His Facebook wall is replete with comic expressions for the enjoyment of his teeming friends, customers and the general public. Although in real life, Michael is a core recluse who would preferred to be left on his own. His best moment is the quiet afternoons under serene environments with nonstop tracks of gentle blues.

Likes and Dislikes

Michael likes quietude, solitary life, have penchant for blues, no soccer man, likes work (work can take the place of food most times). Likes watermelon, apple and pineapple. Likes red and white, blue and white as best colors. In love with research practice as his current endeavour.

Friends

All through his life, Michael has had some few close friends. Worthy of note is Ehud Ikpibako and Trust Onojighovie, his childhood friends and religious brothers. At a mature age, Kares Aboli, Omene Onos, Kevwe Iyama (deceased) Asama Joshua and Akpevwe Egole then comes in.

Academic Contemporaries

Some of Michael’s academic colleagues includes Oderohwo Joseph (White-City), Egbe Ariemi, Patrick Felemotiom, Zentus Pelle, Osemene Samuel, Usman Emmanuel, etc.

Colleagues

Michael’s contemporary colleagues includes Dennis Terna, Angalupu Dengiyefa, Austin Abu, Akpuhi Jewsey, Achor Mentor, Joe Jacobson, Peter Edaghware, Mkpuma Michael, etc.

Publications

Michael’s publications are majorly papers of his own thought process. They include theories, models, conceptualizations, taxonomies and others. Some of these include:

1. Status Quo Operational Organizations: A Theory: Accessed  Online
2. Theory of Career Choice Dependence: A Prime Approach: Accessed  Online
3. Michael Jules Tripartite Taxonomy of Career Choice Relevance: A Dichotomization of Career Path Usefulness: Accessed Online
4. Michael Jules Alternate Testing and Scoring: Accessed Online
5. The Student as a Customer: Accessed Online
6. A Shifting Paradigm in Modern Research Supervision: Accessed Online
7. I have made up my mind. Your Mind and your Life: An Educational, Personal cum Religious Underpinnings: Accessed Online
8. A Compendium of Theoretical Frameworks for Vocational Studies: Accessed Online
9. Career Choice Assistance: Pit holes from our Parents: Accessed Online
10. Curriculum development in vocational and technology education: Adopting best practices and standard performance: Accessed Online
11. Relevance of typewriting and shorthand in modern curriculum: Accessed Online
12. Vocational Education: Pathway to National Integration and Economic Empowerment: Accessed Online
13. Dwindling role of parent-teacher associations in Nigeria: A call for help: Re-engineering parental role in contemporary school system: Accessed Online
14. Integrating vocational business skills and marketing techniques: The prime of entrepreneurial success: Accessed Online