By Benue Info-pedia Editorial Desk 

Peter Terdoo Abeva’s academic journey is a story of repeated setbacks, sacrifice and determination, culminating in a First-Class Honours degree from Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio University, Makurdi, formerly known as Benue State University.

Abeva, who is biologically from Logo Local Government Area of Benue State but grew up in Guma, began his primary education at Cornerstone Foundation Nursery and Primary School, Agasha, in 2003 and completed it in 2009.

His educational journey took a difficult turn shortly after he entered secondary school. In 2009, he proceeded to UBE Anyiin in Logo for his secondary education. The following year, he lost his father, a development that placed significant financial pressure on his family.

As the first of five children, Abeva said he eventually had to leave school to help support his younger siblings.
Returning to school despite setbacks
Determined to continue his education, he returned to school in 2012, enrolling at Comprehensive Model Community School, Tomatar, in Logo, where he continued from JSS2.

Financial difficulties, however, forced him to leave again. He later returned to Agasha and enrolled at UBE Agasha, where school fees were about ₦1,200 at the time. His education was disrupted once more by a UBE strike in 2013.

In 2014, Abeva moved to GSS Agasha and continued from JSS3. Despite the difficulties he had experienced, he performed well academically and took on leadership responsibilities.

He served as Band/Music Leader before becoming Senior Prefect, or Head Boy, in SS2. He eventually completed his secondary education in 2018.

Farming helped keep the university dream alive

After secondary school, financial constraints prevented Abeva from immediately entering university. Even paying for JAMB registration was difficult.

During the waiting period, he turned to farming, cultivating crops including rice and okro to support himself. He also wrote JAMB more than once before eventually securing admission in 2020.

He initially sought admission to the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, but later applied to Benue State University, where he gained admission to study Geography.

University presented another financial hurdle. During his first year, Abeva faced the possibility of abandoning his studies because he could not afford his initial school fees.

He said assistance from the Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, associated with the then First Lady of Benue State, Dr. Eunice Ortom, helped him settle his first school fees and remain in school.

From hardship to First Class

Abeva continued his studies despite financial pressures and his responsibility to support his younger siblings.

His perseverance eventually produced the result he had worked toward for years.

He graduated with First-Class Honours in Geography in the 2024/2025 academic session from Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio University, Makurdi, formerly known as Benue State University.

For Abeva, the achievement represents more than an academic distinction.

It marks the culmination of a journey that included losing his father, leaving school multiple times, farming to support his education and overcoming repeated financial barriers.

Looking ahead, Abeva says he intends to further his education and continue building on the academic foundation he has established.

His story offers a reminder that educational journeys are not always linear. For some students, staying in school can require repeated comebacks, personal sacrifice and support from others.

For Abeva, the journey from interrupted schooling to First-Class graduate has become a testament to resilience, determination, faith and perseverance.

He attributes the outcome ultimately to God, whom he believes was behind the planning and execution of his journey.

What happens next?
Abeva now hopes to pursue further academic opportunities and advance his education.

His next chapter will determine how the experience of overcoming educational and financial obstacles translates into professional and academic opportunities.

For a young man who once had to leave school because his family could not afford to keep him there, reaching First-Class Honours represents not the end of the journey, but the beginning of another one.

Your Experience Matters

Peter Terdoo Abeva’s journey from interrupted schooling to First-Class Honours raises a bigger question:
What helped you stay in school when finances became difficult?

For some students, it may have been support from parents or relatives. For others, scholarships, community assistance, farming, part-time work, religious organisations, friends or personal determination may have made the difference.

If you have faced financial challenges while pursuing your education, Benue Info-pedia wants to hear from you.
Your experience could help us better understand the challenges students face in Benue and the kinds of support that make a difference.

Share your experience with Benue Info-pedia.

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