A former NSMQ 'shark', who had to abandon his university studies at KNUST due to bipolar disorder, has now returned after 10 years to complete his degree, reigniting his hopes for the future.

Leonard had to pause his university studies in 2013 to seek treatment at Pantang Psychiatric Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 2. Despite his challenging circumstances, he continued to excel in quizzes during his time at the hospital and received recognition for his performance.

While staying at his family home, Leonard displayed his certificate in an empty room and proudly showed it to visitors. "I tell people I am sensible and can teach a crowd," Leonard told JoyNews the first day the news team visited him.

Read also: Former NSMQ ‘shark’ now lives in pain due to Bipolar disorder, needs help

After completing what was described as a successful rehabilitation, Leonard returned to university in 2014 and performed well in his end-of-semester exams. However, his time back at school was short-lived.

Many of Leonard's classmates have gone on to become medical doctors, engineers, and other professionals. Given his potential, Leonard could have been among them, had it not been for his earlier challenges.

Leonard's story initially told on JoyNews on February 4, 2023, captured the attention of many, who offered support and expressed a desire to help. But businessman Ibrahim Mahama stepped in to assist Leonard, helping him seek medical attention and continue his educational journey.

After months of treatment, Leonard is now back in school, pursuing what he loves and hoping for an even brighter future ahead.

"The future looks bright," Leonard said during a phone conversation while undergoing his internship at a facility in Accra.

Although he has been away from academics for some time, Leonard remains hopeful that things will improve. "I wouldn't say I won't pursue further studies, but right now, I want to focus on my current studies," he said.

He expressed his gratitude to Ibrahim Mahama and his team for supporting him in taking care of his health and for giving him the opportunity to return to school.

Leonard's Mother’s Reactions

Leonard's mother, Gladys, said she was the happiest woman the day she heard her son had returned to school. She recalled how her joy and jubilant mood caught the attention of others, with some people even suggesting that she had lost her mind.

"They said Leonard’s condition had been transferred to me. But they didn’t understand how excited I was," Gladys stated.

Madam Gladys has been fasting ever since, praying for her son's success in completing his university education. She expressed her deep wish not to pass away before seeing him finish his studies. "I pray that he graduates and comes to see me before I join my husband," she said.

HOD’s Reactions

Head of the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at the College of Science of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Mohammed Abdul-Kabir, who has been closely monitoring Leonard’s progress, described him as a brilliant student who has fully recovered to his normal state.

Although Dr. Abdul Kabir is currently abroad, he spoke with Leonard and confirmed that the examination officer has been updating him on Leonard’s end-of-semester exam performance. He also mentioned that Leonard has performed exceptionally well.

“My examination officer has been giving me updates on him. You know we are keenly looking at his performance – he’s done marvelously well. So no problem about that,” he said.

Leonard will begin his 5th year when the university resumes in January 2025, and he is expected to graduate in 2026.