Ogechi Okoroafor, a graduating student from Federal Polytechnic in Nekede, Imo State, has pleaded with people to pardon her for a viral update in which she is alleged to have given credit to both God and her private parts for finishing her academic program at the school.
The 28-year-old Ogechi claimed during an interview with The Punch that she meant to say "thanks to my popsy" (father) rather than the expletive that was heard in the popular Update.
The whole event was exaggerated, she claimed. I never intended to imply that my pu**y and God helped me graduate. It was an error, a lapse in judgment. After spending years in the school, the excitement of graduating had me overcome with euphoria. I expressed my excitement and thanks to God, my family, and everyone who helped me along the way in my academic journey.
"I meant to say that God and my popsy, which is slang for father, forced me to graduate. My father and God have had a significant impact on my life. I love my father too much because I am his only daughter and youngest child. We are quite near. I love this man so much. My goal was to claim that both God and my popsy—as we like to call him—made me a graduate. I don't see why people, particularly journalists, are exaggerating it.
When asked if she had ever slept with a professor while working there, she responded, "How can I? Never! Who is unaware that Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, is one of Nigeria's top polytechnics for academic brilliance and stern moral observance? Anglican Church priest and moralist is our rector. Intellectually and morally demanding, our professors are. You are a journalist; use your investigative reporting to enquire about me at my school and department. I take my studies very seriously. I participated extensively in group projects, completed my individual work, and went to lectures. I took my studies seriously. I'm not a rebellious teenager.
She did, however, disclose that the Update had prompted a call from the school administration.
"Yes, I received a summons this week. I testified in front of a panel at the school. I was shown the Update and asked to respond. I admitted my error and expressed my sincere regret for any harm my error may have done to the school. They accepted my apology, and I think they could sense my regret. I never intended to do anything that would call into question the school's moral character. Since I am aware of how highly regarded our school's graduates are around the globe, I would never do anything to compromise the institution's well-deserved reputation for integrity.
I have expressed my regret to the school, and I hope they will forgive me. I'm hoping that the father and daughter issue will be resolved in this way. Let me clarify that I am willing to accept whatever punishment imposed by the polytechnic in order to demonstrate to them my sincere repentance. I will comply with any punishment, including having to come to school every day to sweep the grounds, simply to demonstrate how sorry I am. I take my studies at this institution very seriously. In my ND program, I graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8. I take my studies very seriously. I merely ask for the administration of the school's pardon. Everyone is allowed to judge me since I messed up, but please know that I am truly sorry.
She remarked of her upbringing, "I come from a family that is responsible. I'm from the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State's Umueze Umuhu Community. My parents are still alive, but their health is not very good. My brothers are all older than me. I am the only daughter and the final child. I'm a 28-year-old man.
"My parents don't know about it" (viral Update issue). The village is where my parents live. My mum and father are both not in great health. My mum has trouble walking. My mother was phoned by the school administration and asked to come, but the truth is that she has knee problems and is unable to walk far enough. She called and said the school wanted her to be there and that I was to handle it. On this matter, my older brother called me and pleaded with me to exercise extreme caution. My family has always been very responsible. I regret the entire incident. I'm starting to feel depressed. The wrong people are mentioning my name. Please assist me in pleading for the school's pardon. I sincerely apologize.
