“Between 1999 and 2021” – Man who wrote UTME 19 times finally studies law despite tragedy

Ezie LewisMar 18, 2026

A Nigerian man, Onyeanula Igbokwe Onyenaturuchi, has inspired many after his long and difficult journey to studying Law.

According to reports shared by Ben Udechukwu on Facebook, Igbokwe sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination 19 times between 1999 and 2021 in pursuit of his dream course.

Despite receiving multiple admission offers into other disciplines over the years, he declined them, remaining committed to studying Law. His persistence eventually paid off in 2021 when he gained admission into Abia State University.

However, his journey took a tragic turn just six months after admission when he lost one of his eyes in a motor accident. Shortly after, he also lost his mother, who had been his strongest supporter.

Despite these setbacks, Igbokwe remained determined and continued his studies. He is now a final-year Law student, with many describing his story as a powerful example of resilience, persistence, and unwavering passion.

The post shared online read …

“MEET NIGERIAN MAN WHO SAT FOR UTME (JAMB) 19 TIMES…

Ben Udechukwu

Onyeanula Igbokwe Onyenaturuchi is from Ofeiyi Ogbodiukwu, Umuopara, Umuahia South LGA, Abia State.

He told benudechukwu.com that from 1999 that he left Secondary School, he wrote Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Nineteen times befoee luck smiled on him in 2021.

Igbokwe was determined to study law. So, before 2021, Universities offered him courses other than his dream course – LAW. The Umuopara born law enthusiast, turned down all the offers.

When he finally secured admission in January 2021 to study Law at Abia State University, something tragic happened. Just six months into his foray as a law student, he lost one of his eyes in a tragic motor accident. While trying to pick his bits and pieces, his mother, his strongest cheerleader and supporter died February 2022.

Onyeanula did not give up, he kept a steady gaze at his dream, he refused to blink as he paddled his canoe of success against all odds. Igbokwe is not a regular human. He is driven by firebrand passion for law and refused to give up. He is currently a final year undergraduate Law student at Abia State University.

There is no other way to define resilience and passion

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