In the captivating novel, “The Life Changer” by Khadija Abubakar Jalli, we are introduced to Salma, a young woman facing a challenging situation that threatens her academic future.
In Chapter Seven, Salma finds herself confiding in her roommate and good friend, Tomiwa, as she begins her quest for a solution.
Let’s dive into the events that unfold as Salma fights to save herself from expulsion.
- Seeking a Confidant: Salma, burdened by her unfortunate circumstances, decides to confide in her roommate and trusted friend, Tomiwa. Salma believes that Tomiwa may be able to offer support and guidance during this difficult time.
- A Visit to Habib’s Office: In a desperate attempt to salvage her academic career, Salma pays a visit to Habib, hoping that his influence can help her avoid expulsion. Salma’s goal is to persuade Habib to intervene on her behalf and use his connections to secure a favorable outcome.
- Accompanied by Labaran: Upon hearing of Salma’s request, Habib instructs Labaran to escort Salma to his office. Labaran dutifully fulfills his task, bringing Salma to Habib’s office where she hopes to present her case.
- Rejecting Professor Dabo’s Suggestion: Habib, concerned for Salma’s predicament, suggests seeking assistance from Professor Dabo. However, Salma rejects this idea due to past conflicts and unfavorable experiences with Professor Dabo.
- Salma’s Strategy for Survival: In a bid to save herself from expulsion, Salma proposes that Habib help her communicate with the Chairman of the Exams Malpractice and Ethics Committee. She believes that a direct appeal to the committee head may offer a chance at redemption.
- A Shocking Proposal: In a shocking turn of events, Habib, upon hearing Salma’s plea for help, makes an inappropriate proposition. He demands that Salma engage in a sexual relationship with him in exchange for the financial assistance she needs.
- Habib’s Assistance: Despite the morally questionable request, Habib ultimately provides Salma with the money she requires to bribe the Chairman of the Exams Malpractice and Ethics Committee. Salma is relieved to have the necessary funds to potentially secure her academic future.
- A Disconcerting Discovery: When Salma presents herself to the Exams Malpractice and Ethics Committee for questioning, she is taken aback by the absence of Dr. Kabir, whom she believed to be a member of the committee. Salma soon realizes that she has fallen victim to a deception.
- Dr. Mohammed Kabir: Dr. Mohammed Kabir is revealed to be an impostor who falsely claimed to be a member of the Exams Malpractice and Ethics Committee. Salma’s shock deepens as she realizes that she has been duped out of her money.
- The Bribe Demand: Dr. Kabir, posing as a committee member, demanded a bribe of two hundred thousand naira from Salma. However, Salma, unable to meet this exorbitant demand, refused and stated that she did not possess such a substantial amount.
- Salma’s Sacrifice: In her desperation to secure her future, Salma offered Dr. Mohammed Kabir a bribe of one hundred thousand naira, hoping it would be enough to save her from expulsion. This decision further complicates her situation and raises questions about her moral dilemma.
- The Justification for Implicating Kolawole: Salma, having been taken advantage of by Kolawole and other men in her life, does not regret implicating him. She believes that his actions and the exploitation she endured warrant her choice to involve him in her struggle.
Conclusion
Chapter Seven of “The Life Changer” presents Salma with a series of challenges as she fights to save herself from expulsion.
We witness her reliance on her friend, Tomiwa, her encounter with the deceptive Dr. Kabir, and the morally compromising proposal from Habib.
Salma’s choices raise questions about the lengths one must go to overcome adversity and the ethical dilemmas that may arise.
As the story unfolds, we eagerly anticipate the resolution to this gripping narrative, hoping for a favorable outcome for Salma.