– By Pastor Dr Mrs. Victoria Shikaan
A childhood environment of love
I opened my eyes to a world that was full of love, hope and joy as a child. I grew up and felt loved and needed by everyone around me. I ate and drank to my satisfaction but was not spoiled. I was thought to work hard but was not abused or maltreated. I had adult figures who were devoted to God and were pointers to righteousness. I remember the night my mum took us to watch as she was being baptized. I remember at about the age of 5-6 years, I was baptized at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Kawo in Kaduna State where I singularly chose the name Victoria against my mother’s wish. I remember my mother’s first daughter read the Tiv Bible to my hearing and got me interested in reading same. I remember my grandmother handing me a copy of the Tiv Bible and sitting down to hear me read to her until she memorized the verses she would use for her message at Mzough U Kase Wednesday meeting in her NKST church. I remember the Reverend Sisters particularly, Sister Mary Paul Asoegwu who had a keen interest in my person and gave me every encouragement I needed to excel as a student and a young girl. I remember my sister, Mrs. Veronica Avenya and her brother in-law Bishop Williams Amove Avenya who were pointers to a religious life and success for me.
The other side of life
However, despite all these good examples, influences and support, at about the age of 16 years, precisely, when I was in form four; I began to see the other side of life. It began in January 1994 when my father passed on and my mother who was the bread winner also took ill. I always describe that period as light-off for my family. School fees no longer came and I was never sure when exactly it would be paid. It looked like my sister and I would drop out of school but God did not allow it. We took over mama’s trade while on holiday to support ourselves in school; grand mum of blessed memory supported us as much as she could until we completed secondary school. I had to work for about two years, missing two sessions, before I could complete the outstanding fees and collected my WASC result. As soon as that was done, I picked up application forms into higher education, and was finally admitted into the College of Education, Katsina-Ala. I had faith that sponsorship would come and it did come. My employer, Mr. Timothy T. Aondoa-Akaa that I had served committedly offered to sponsor me. I had written earlier on to relations like Bishop Avenya then in Manchester who agreed to support. However, the closest help I could easily access was my grandmother who always did her best to provide for me. God helped me and I graduated successfully.
Encounter with Jesus
While a student I gave my life to Jesus Christ during one of the special programmes organized by FCS at the Geography lecture room of the college. One thing worthy of thanks to God is that I am not blind. I had an eye problem in my early childhood that took my mother and me to so many hospitals including the National Eye Center, Kaduna. She had to sell some properties to handle my health challenge. My sight stabilized only when I gave my life to Christ and was prayed for some months later by Uncle Gbile Akanni at a crusade organized by the FCS College of Education Katsina-Ala.
Marriage
During my NCE programme I also got married while a student and as God will have it, my husband was retained in ABU Zaria after service as a graduate assistant. I joined him immediately after my NCE to start a degree programme. During my undergraduate studies I gave birth to two boys within a three-year degree programme but graduated within the stipulated six semesters with a good result- for this I must thank God.
Career path
When I graduated, my desire was to work with the university but God had an entirely different plan. God showed me a primary school to go and serve there, I outrightly rejected that offer and became offended at God and those he was using to encourage that plan. God told me that he would pay my bills, and take care of me. He confirmed it through my prayer partner and friend, Professor Sade Omokore, who repeated the same words “go and do the work, if it is salary, God will take care of you”. I decided to obey and joined in the service of the Children Evangelism Ministry (CEM). Later in my service I was given admission to do a masters degree in curriculum and instruction in 1995 but there was no supervisor for me. Nevertheless, I knew it was God’s delay to mature me for his service. God kept me in the service of CEM for four years as a teacher and later Head teacher of the Total Child Bible School, Samaru, Zaria. During this period, God trained me as a child evangelist, administrator and missionary. I am thankful to God both for the wealth of experience I gained working with CEM and for proving to me that he watches over his anointed.
Healed of Cancer
I was diagnosed a cancer infected patient in 1995 at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) but God cancelled that report. My father in the Lord, Bishop David Bakare and JAWOM brethren prayed. I also took a seven-day fast during which the Lord encountered me on the last day. Around 9 am I was caught up in a vision where I saw heaven open and worship I cannot describe with words was going on. An angel descended from heaven, removed the lump in my armpit, showed me, and flew back. I woke up and discovered the place was normal, I returned to the hospital and it was confirmed by the consultant surgeon that I was alright. Bill number one paid for accepting to serve God. Praise the Lord!
Relocation to Makurdi
As God was dealing with me, my husband was having his own experiences and later resigned his appointment as a lecturer with ABU Zaria. He kept sharing revelations until January 1998 when it was clear that God wanted us back to Benue. I was already cooked for ministry and had no fears whatsoever. We boldly moved to Makurdi to begin the work.
Graduate studies
While vigorously pursuing the ministry I had forgotten the idea of furthering my education until 2001 when God spoke to me audibly in a night vision to go pick a form and do a post graduate programme. I went to inquire and discovered that my course of interest was just being introduced at Masters Level in the Faculty of Education at the Benue State University. By 2002 I started a Masters Degree under the Department of Curriculum and Teaching and it was a period of drilling and refining. By the time I was rounding up my husband kept speaking into my ears, round up and do a PhD. Again, I went to the Lord and inquired, should I? After a while I had a vision where I found myself defending a PhD and I gladly enrolled for the PhD. Along the way, it looked like I will not make it, the work load was getting beyond me and the exhaustion was almost unbearable but God heard my plea for help and saw me through.
Overseas training
I desired to take a trip abroad, even before my defense, to get some kind of training on early childhood education. Dramatically, God got me involved with a lady who had information about what I needed. Miraculously, God gave me a multiple entry visa into America and in a couple of months arrangements were completed for the journey. I had very exciting two weeks’ stay and learnt a lot. I am grateful to God who satisfies all our desires.
Mentorship
I will not forget to appreciate Professor Mrs. Elizabeth Gyuse, for her wonderful mentorship, she opened her library for me and I used all that was available and relevant to me. She always encouraged me to work hard. Sometimes she would harass me by sending text messages or visiting my office to say hey! everybody is graduating and leaving you, get up and work. I remain eternally grateful to you, Ma.
My supervisor, Professor C. O. Abah, taught me as an undergraduate student in ABU Zaria, supervised my Masters and Doctorate Degree works. He has become more of a father than lecturer to me. One thing I cherish was that his gentle comment “you have worked hard” Mrs. Shikaan, be bold to defend your work. That is what he would say at the end of my research. God bless you Sir.
My second supervisor, Professor J.O. Eriba, is wonderful, he is always time conscious and encouraged me to work smart and hard, we his students described him as a perfect gentleman. He correctly exemplifies a godly man. Remain blessed Sir.
I cannot say it all, but must not forget my personal brother and friend, Dr. E. E Achor. I knew him only during my PhD programme but he helped in building me as a thorough researcher. God bless him.
My gentle friend and sister, Professor Mrs. Regina Samba, I cherish your constructive criticism and useful contributions with Professor Nicholas Ada and all the lovely and wonderful men and women of the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, BSU. I must say, I found academics quite interesting with you. You will fulfill your careers in Jesus name. I also appreciate all my classmates in PhD Science and Education class 2007 for the unity and team spirit that I enjoyed.
Last but not the least, my amiable husband, who carried on so much without breaking; God has been your strength. You’ve been a father, a husband and mentor, my teacher, pastor and brother. No man can ever equal you in my life. As a young woman you have kept our home, nursed me and the children, paid our fees along with those looking up to you. You are a lovely husband, if marriage will happen in eternity, I will still choose you!
Sundry appreciation
To my children, wards, friends, admirers, the Noble Ladies of Spirit Life Christian Assembly and well-wishers, I appreciate you greatly for your support. Blessing Martins, The Shepherd Heritage Academy then administrative officer, worked hard at typing my writings. She worked long hours and odd times to help me, God bless you and help you at your hour of need. To all my staff, particularly, my head of sections, thank you for co-operating in managing the school. God bless you all.
To everyone that God has used on this journey of success and glory you will never lose your reward. I dare not leave out my siblings for their love and care, Mrs. Mary Aha, Mrs. Veronica M. Avenya, Mrs. Torkwase Aondo who helped me to nurse our first baby, Mrs. Rhoda Member Orban, Mr. Paul Aondona Ayua, Pastor Teryima P. Ayua Esq., Mr. Godwin Terhemba Ayua, our eldest brother and all others, there is a sense of fulfillment and assurance when I remember you are there and you are indeed worthy and lovable brethren, God bless you.
The Lord of Lords and King of Kings
Help me to stand up and hail the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords who knows how to show mercy to those who do not deserve it. Who raised me from the dunghill and set my feet on the rock to stay, praise him who gives thrones to those who are not deserving of such, and honour to those who are not worthy. I submit all my trophies and degrees both the one I now have and would ever have. May his name alone be praised forever.
This is my Thanksgiving to God from a grateful heart.
Culled from programme brochure of thanksgiving service in honour of Pastor Dr. Mrs. Victoria Shikaan, in celebration of her PhD on Saturday, 7th December, 2013, at Spirit Life Christian Assembly.