Plumber Defies Odds, Graduates With First Class in Petroleum Engineering at FUTO Despite Losing Father at Age Seven
Eze, originally from Ebonyi State, lost his father at the age of seven, and faced an uncertain future. Undeterred, he demonstrated resilience, diligence, and tenacity to attain excellence at the age of 23. Eze embarked on a plumbing apprenticeship while in senior secondary school to support himself financially.
AKACHI NOEL 
Gabriel Nwachukwu Eze, a remarkable Nigerian graduate of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), has defied numerous challenges to graduate with first-class honors in Petroleum Engineering. The inspiring story of Eze's journey was shared on social media by Dr. Laz Ude Eze, a public health physician.
Eze, originally from Ebonyi State, lost his father at the age of seven, and faced an uncertain future. Undeterred, he demonstrated resilience, diligence, and tenacity to attain excellence at the age of 23. Eze embarked on a plumbing apprenticeship while in senior secondary school to support himself financially.
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Despite facing significant financial challenges, Eze excelled academically, securing five distinctions in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). In 2017, he gained admission to FUTO for undergraduate studies in Petroleum Engineering. Not only did he continue his plumbing apprenticeship during holidays, but he also founded and registered *Ductspan Enterprises*, a leading construction service company specializing in plumbing, sewer and septic services, water fountain construction, swimming pool construction, and water borehole drilling.
Eze's entrepreneurial skills were evident as he successfully incorporated Ductspan, which gained a good reputation in Ebonyi State for excellent plumbing service delivery. Alongside his plumbing business, Eze maintained an outstanding academic record, earning prestigious scholarships such as the PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship Award, Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals’ Scholarship Award, and the NNPC/NAOC/OANDA JV Tertiary Scholarship Award.
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Actively involved in extracurricular activities, Eze served as an SDG Ambassador, promoting awareness and activities related to sustainable development within the student community. On December 2, 2023, Eze proudly marched on FUTO's Convocation ground, receiving special recognition for his remarkable achievement in Petroleum Engineering.
His story serves as a testament to Eze’s multitasking ability, diligence, resilience, and tenacity, showcasing the potential to overcome adversity and achieve academic and entrepreneurial success.
