Meet Gabriel, a Nigerian Plumber Who Graduated With First Class Against All Odds

This is an inspiring story of Gabriel Nwachukwu Eze, a young plumber who graduated from Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), with first-class from petroleum engineering.

A first-class student, Gabriel Nwachukwu Eze born in Ebony state, and schooled at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) in Imo state moved against all odds to become the best-graduating student.

The story was shared on X by Dr. Ude Eze who is a public health physician by profession.

According to Dr. Ude, the fresh graduate Gabriel Eze lost his father at the tender age of seven years and his future looked uncertain, nevertheless, he was able to achieve excellence at 23 years with his resilient, diligent, and tenacious spirit.

The love and prayers of his mother encouraged him, and he was determined to attain success notwithstanding his financial challenges.

He had to become a plumber apprentice while still in secondary school, and even at that he was able to make five distinctions in his senior school certificate examination (SSCE).

He gained admission in November 2017 into the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) for his first degree to study petroleum engineering. He continued being an apprentice in plumbing when he went home to okposi, for holidays.

When he finished his apprenticeship he founded and registered ‘Ductspan Enterprise’, which is a leading construction service company, specializing in plumbing in both residential and commercial areas, sewer and septic services, water fountain construction e.t.c.

The formation of Ductspan was a reflection of his incredible entrepreneurial skills. The company is well-known in Ebonyi State for providing expert, high-quality plumbing services, and it has a long list of satisfied customers.

When many of his clients learn that their professional plumber was also an undergraduate when he was working on their project, they would be astonished.

Eze continued to retain his excellent academic standing even though he combined his university studies with the plumbing business.

His many honors were the NNPC/NAOC/OANDA JV Tertiary Scholarship Award, the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals’ Scholarship, and the esteemed PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship Award.

As an SDG Ambassador, he organized and participated in events, campaigns, and educational initiatives centered on sustainable development concerns.

He also actively promoted sustainable development awareness and actions among the student community.

Gabriel graduated with First Class Honours in Petroleum Engineering, on Saturday, December 2, 2023, and was greeted with a special handshake from the vice chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti, and other faculty members of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).