A university teacher, Dr. Innocent Kasarchi, has praised Joshua Maciver, who is running for deputy governor in the 2023 general elections in Bayelsa State for being humble and eager to learn as a Masters’ student at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Kasarchi gave the commendation in a private interview with South-South PUNCH reporter right after a special birthday celebration held by fellow students in the Post Graduate Communication Class, Department of English and Communication Arts, at the university to honor Mr. Maciver, who is also a student in the class.
It's worth mentioning that Maciver was the running mate to Chief Timipre Sylva, the Bayelsa State APC governorship candidate in the previous governorship election.
Maciver is also the Bayelsa State Coordinator of Tantitta Security Services Limited.
According to Dr. Kasarchi, even though he teaches Maciver’s class on ‘The Theories of Communication,’ he didn't know him until he met him and was surprised by his humility, unlike some wealthy individuals who act arrogantly because of their high social status.
He said, “I teach the celebrant today. It is an MA class, and I’m teaching him the Theories of Communication. When I started teaching in this program, I didn't know him, even though he had studied at the University of Port Harcourt, where I am a full-time lecturer.
“Later when I got to know him, I was shocked to find someone like him in the class. The first thing that stood out about him was his humility. The way he greets and talks to people. You wouldn't even realize it.
“The second thing I noticed about him is that he doesn’t act like wealthy people, who prefer to study from home. He arrives early to class, takes notes, apologizes when he is late, and genuinely wants to learn.”
Dr. Kasarchi, who teaches full time at the Department of Broadcasting, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt, recalled that in one of his classes, Maciver had been away, and when he returned, he approached the lecturer and asked for a summary of the missed lecture.
“I refused, but he begged to meet me anywhere. So he came to my office and I taught him. The third thing I noticed about him is that he is a different kind of politician, as I have encountered and worked with many politicians.
“I hope that if a man like him comes into a position of authority, there will be a positive change. He takes action out of his own will, not for what he gains, and doesn’t even seek recognition.
“So, to me, that type of person is my ideal student. I attended the class today, saw what they were doing, and decided to join in because he is an outstanding student.”
The university lecturer therefore advised other postgraduate and undergraduate students to follow the example of humility set by this politician and avoid taking shortcuts in their academic and other pursuits in life.
He added, “Therefore, students should observe this man and learn a great deal from him. I believe it is divine that God brought them all together at this point.”
Maicaver’s Chief Protocol Officer, Good-hope Bonnie, who spoke on his behalf at the event, expressed happiness that Maciver’s classmates are celebrating him in such a way.
Bonnie stated, “If you are not celebrated in life, it indicates that you have not accomplished anything. So, their celebration of him signifies the impact he has made in their lives.
“We attribute all the progress he has made to God, and we pray that God will elevate him to achieve even more.”
One of the PG students, Douglas Chukwudi, explained that the class decided to honor Maciver due to his invaluable support to them as individuals and as a group.
Chukwudi excitedly remarked, “Many of those who applied were hoping for a miracle, and indeed, such a miracle occurred. Some have received registration numbers, while others have not paid their school fees yet.
“Maciver has been discreetly providing grants to about 70 percent of the people I know, although he prefers it not to be publicized. Additionally, anyone who approaches him with a challenge finds that the solution is already available.
“He has been a guiding light since the start of our program, not just in our class, but also for the department, faculty, and school management. He has been a fatherly figure to us, treating us as if we were his own children.”
Chukwudi emphasized that Maciver assumes responsibility for many expenses the class incurs, and they are grateful for his support.
He further added, “Therefore, we are utilizing his birthday as an opportunity to show our appreciation and say ‘thank you.’ Although his birthday was on April 15th, we rescheduled it so that the entire class – the Post Graduate Students of Communication of the 2023/2024 academic session that commenced in October 2023 – could participate.”
The highlight of the event was the cutting of a birthday cake and singing the birthday song for the celebrant.
