Collins Okeke’s journey from the slums of Lagos to managing multi-million-pound grants as a Finance Officer in the United Kingdom is a story of determination and resilience. Born and raised in a two-room face-me-I-face-you apartment in Ajegunle with his parents and five siblings, Collins endured hunger and hardship while his father sacrificed to ensure the children finished secondary school.
At 16, Collins began an apprenticeship as part of the Igbo Nwa Boi system, working in a trade fair market where he scrubbed cars and hustled customers. Despite the hard labor and strict rules that forbade apprentices from keeping personal money, Collins saved some cash which eventually led to a conflict, forcing him to leave the apprenticeship prematurely. He then pursued further education, gaining admission to study International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he excelled academically.
After graduating in 2015, Collins faced Nigeria’s harsh job market, which led to rejections and ridicule. He eventually found a low-paying job in insurance but maintained his ambition. The Covid-19 pandemic opened new doors, inspiring him to aim for opportunities abroad.
With the support of his wife, elder brother, and a mentor who lent them ₦10 million, Collins moved to the UK in 2022. Starting with warehouse shifts, he refused to settle for menial jobs. Instead, he pursued qualifications with the UK Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Rising through the ranks, Collins secured finance roles at the University of Leicester and the London School of Economics. Nearing completion of AAT Level 4, he now manages a £16 million grant as a Finance Officer.
Collins’s story emphasizes conviction, faith, and perseverance. From humble beginnings in Lagos’s crowded neighborhoods to a respected finance professional in the UK, he exemplifies that with determination and support, one can overcome daunting odds and transform dreams into reality.
