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Dr. Samuel Umanah’s story is one of unlikely triumphs. He wasn’t born into academia or privilege but instead followed a narrow path to acquiring two doctorate degrees (Accounting and Religion). In this interview with The Record’s Toyeeb Abdulquadri, he recounts some pivotal moments in his journey. From his early days as a security officer at one of Zenith Bank’s branches in Lagos State to his doctoral thesis on Board Characteristics and Financial Statement Fraud, completed at Igbinedion University, this interview chronicles how he navigated a system that wasn’t built for him, proving that success is possible regardless of one’s background.
Q: Can we go back to the beginning? How did a security officer’s path lead to the world of academia and you acquiring a PhD?
A: I can recall vividly, after being employed by the then Zenith Int’l Bank Ltd, in one of the year-end get-together parties, the Managing Director, Mr. Jim Ovia, while addressing the staff at Federal Palace Hotels in Lagos made projections about the new year and gave conditions for Senior Staff promotions in the coming year. To the junior staff, there was nothing promising, he said: “and to the junior staff, they will promote themselves.”
I went back home with that statement in mind. I looked at my school certificate and I know that it will not promote me. I bought an entrance examination form for the defunct Satellite Campus of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University which was established at Jibowu, which later joined Lagos State University. I graduated with Second Class Upper Division (21). That was the beginning of the Divine announcement.
Q: Can you tell me what little you remember of your time at Zenith Bank? Are there any specific events or encounters that you can fondly remember?
A: About Zenith Bank, everything was about the group called “the professionals”. You can help in training a youth corper, but upon their engagement, he/she comes to control you. We in the junior cadre were stagnated. Junior staff were asked to leave when major decisions were to be taken in the general meetings. I felt bad.
But at the same time, Zenith Bank was a take-off board for my exposure. I learnt a lot there because I served a lot of people who have become influential in Nigeria today. The joy I derived was when one of the Personal Assistants to the MD (Name withheld) lied to the MD against me. The MD, Mr. Jim Ovia told him it’s a lie, that man, Umanah, I know him, he cannot do that. When I was called to make a statement, the MD still confirmed: “I told you, this man Umanah, can’t do that. Yes! Till today, I am honest in all my dealings.
Q: Are there any unexpected connections between your former role and your academic pursuits?
A: Learning is a process. The change wasn’t instantaneous. At Zenith Bank, I was trained as a frontline staff on how to handle members of the public. Here in an academic environment, what I learnt is helping me to handle students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, tradition, and ethnic groups as a public servant. They are taken care of both physically and spiritually. Otherwise, there are statements lecturers could make and it will cause students to protest or go on riot.
Q: What sparked your interest in accounting so much that you pursued it to the highest point of academic attainment? Was it a specific event, a mentor or just a matter of burning curiosity?
A: What sparked my interest so much in Accounting was that while in Zenith Bank, much value was placed on Accredited Accountants. I developed that burning desire and curiosity to be one. In 2010, I became an Accredited Management Accountant (ACMA) through Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Besides, the language of business is Accounting, so we need to speak the language wherever we go. I needed it, and I have gotten it. I’m now a lecturer at the Department of Accounting, University of Benin, Benin City.
Q: Did you face any internal conflicts or external pressures as you embarked on your academic journey, and how did you overcome them?
A: I discarded the curiosity to “get-rich-quick”. I did not cut corners. I only faced the pressure of combining work and studies. Most of my colleagues bought cars, various kinds of electronics, motorcycles, tricycles etc. But I bought books because that is where the truth and facts are hidden. All my senior colleagues encouraged me. Some attended my matriculation, and others, my convocation. There was no conflict whatsoever. Of course, there was a great gap between us in rank, which resulted in “Yes Sir” and “Thank you Sir”.
Q: Can you tell me about the specific area of accounting that you researched for your PhD? What attracted you to this particular subject?
A: For my PhD in Accounting, I researched Board Characteristics and Financial Statements Fraud in Selected Quoted Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria. This came about after I looked at the activities of politicians in the country. They hold titles such as OON, CFR, J.P, MON, ex-minister, ex-governor etc., and influence decisions in board meetings with a calculative intention to deceive investors, analysts, external auditors, employees, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and other users of financial information. This is because they are politically connected and their decisions are final. The study attempted to fill the knowledge-gap that had already existed due to lack of empiricism, paucity of data and differences in results, either significant or insignificant, positive or negative.
Q: Even though your academic journey took you beyond Lagos, I’m curious how the city’s spirit or energy might have influenced your approach to scholarship or your choice of research area.
A: The spirit of Lagos is in Lagos and it affects whoever wants to be affected. I responded like the scriptural prophet, Elijah, the Tishbite, when he heard the voice of God. So I arose and left Lagos, ignoring whatever the city holds. I laid aside all weights that were ready to beset me and moved to the academic line, which today I am a force to be reckoned with. There, I defined my line, and with the support from God, I am who I am today.
Q: Looking back, what do you consider to be the most significant turning point in your journey?
A: I would have stagnated if not for God. So whatever happened in Lagos I placed behind me and pressed forward, according to St. Paul, for the mark of the high calling. The spirit of God in me speaks to me, I listen and obey. That is what some people call the inner voice. Moreover, the two certificates, a PhD in religion with a major in Christian Education and a PhD in Accounting with a major in Environmental Auditing and Forensic Accounting, are significant in my journey.
Q: Your story is an inspiration beyond the realm of accounting. What message do you have for young Lagosians or youth generally who feel trapped by their circumstances, struggling to see a path to a brighter future?
A: To the young Lagosians and the youths I am pleased to inform them that my parents trained me to school certificate level and I took up from there. From then on, I humbled myself and lived a life of honesty, dubious acts are far from me. All the managers, both, at the head office and the branches I have worked, including the staff members, can attest to this. Transparency, accountability, probity, and disclosure are the key. I obeyed rules, no rebellious lifestyle. Those who are trapped by circumstances and are willing to grow academically should not fold their hands and begin to blame their parents. Perseverance is essential in whatever circumstance they face. Winners don’t quit, and quitters don’t win. I worked as a Utility Staff in Zenith Bank and paid my school fees. They can do better if they avoid social ills that are the order of the day.
Yes, I recall the attitude of some General Managers I worked with. If any issue came up and the staff mentioned that I witnessed the incident, what I said was final. I didn’t betray that trust.
Q: What advice would you give to those who dream of pursuing higher education despite facing challenges?
A: I would like to advise that they should take corrections as a gift, remain steadfast, persevere and be content. They should never look down on anybody as long as tomorrow is still unknown. They should remain focused on whatever they find their hands doing; success is sure.