[Couple Spotlight] “What UNIBEN has joined together…,” how rigorous faculty clearance turned The Nnamdis into forever sweethearts
Anyone familiar with departmental or faculty clearances particularly in public universities will know how straining it can be. While some of the universities have now digitalised the processes, however, some are still stock with the old manual system.
Ideally, the strenuous back and forth style of the clearance would not even allow the luxury of striking new friendship or relationship deals. However, like in the local parlance, ‘it is what it is’ in the case of The Nnamdis. It was in that chaotic moment that they found friendship which later metamorphosed into love and a lifetime together.
Both were tired of the long queues that appeared stagnated at some point. While standing there on the line, they both muttered their frustrations, fueling instant conversation. That was the ignition of a new beginning for the lovebirds. 16 years of friendship and 11 years after signing the dotted lines, these UNIBEN alumni are grateful for that faculty clearance that ultimately pronounced them man and wife years later.
Hear them relieve the memory below:
- Can you take us back to how your love story started?
Mr Nnamdi: We met at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), but not in the usual social way. It was during a faculty clearance period. The queue was long and disorganized, and everyone was already tired and impatient. She was standing behind me, and at some point we started complaining about how slow everything was. That shared frustration turned into a conversation.
Mrs Nnamdi: I remember that day clearly. The sun was hot, and everyone was just trying to get things done quickly. He made a light comment about how we might spend the whole day there, and I laughed. From there, we just kept talking. Before we knew it, the stress of the queue didn’t even feel as heavy anymore.
- What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?
Mr Nnamdi: After school, when we both started our separate journeys, we still stayed in touch. What stood out for me was her consistency. She didn’t disappear when things became uncertain.
Mrs Nnamdi: For me, it was how he remained focused and intentional. Even when things were not fully stable, he was always thinking ahead.
- How many years have you been together?
Mr Nnamdi: We’ve known each other for 16 years.
Mrs Nnamdi: And we’ve been married for 11 years.
- What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?
Mr Nnamdi: We make conscious effort to stay connected beyond responsibilities.
Mrs Nnamdi: We also appreciate each other in small ways. It keeps the relationship warm.
- How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you throughout your marriage?
Mr Nnamdi: I make sure I speak her love language always
Mrs Nnamdi: One habit we’ve kept is talking every night before we sleep.
- How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?
Mr Nnamdi: We take time to understand what the problem is
Mrs Nnamdi: We’ve learned to communicate better and not let small issues grow.
- What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?
Mr Nnamdi: Her calmness In difficult situations.
Mrs Nnamdi: The way he still checks on me regularly.
- What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?
Mr Nnamdi: Building stability after school was challenging.
Mrs Nnamdi: But we stayed patient and supported each other through it.
- What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?
Mr Nnamdi: Be intentional about your relationship.
Mrs Nnamdi: Communicate openly with each other.
- If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Mr Nnamdi: Peace like still waters
Mrs Nnamdi: A journey built on patience and understanding.