I looked forward to going back to school with a bit of

excitement and apprehension, but I was not sure of what to

expect or how I would cope with studies and work at the same

time in a strange land.

A month after I settled in, I received a call from immigrations.

‘Ma’am, we noticed that you changed your course of study to

Management Studies as against Business Administration that you

earlier filled.’

My heart raced, ‘Oh, I …I’ I stammered as I tried to put words

together. ‘Yes I changed it with the support of the university,

I found that it suited my objectives better.’

‘In that case you need to come over to our office. What you did

is against the UK’s immigration laws and may be punishable by

retrieving your visa and deporting you.’ The man’s voice sounded

like he was struggling to control himself.

I sighed deeply and looked up to the ceiling, ‘Okay I would come

to your office this morning.’

‘Thank you, ma’am.’

I immediately called Nneka, Deola and Fred to ask for advice on

what to do. Fred had remained a strong support since he learnt

of Fola’s demise. He continued to be there for the children andI.

Deola too was a friend who had been supportive since Fola

died. He was very helpful all through the process of relocation.

He always kept in touch and paid me and the children visits.

‘Hmmm, you need to get an immigration lawyer to act for you.

Those people can be mean o.’ Nneka said angrily. ‘This course,

that course, no be the same school?’ She asked, kissing her teeth.

‘Kemi, just try to be calm. Everything will work out well and

yes, it’s true that you will need an immigration lawyer.’ Deola

confirmed. ‘That person would be in the best position to speak

as your advocate.’

It did not take me time to get an immigration lawyer. Mr Wilkins

came highly recommended, and I kept tabs on him to follow up

with immigrations. They were bent on sending me back to Nigeria

for changing my course of study without informing them. It took

two harrowing weeks to clear my name. On some days I would sit

with Jide and his wife and just cry my eyes out.