The first day I met Professor Charles, I could never have anticipated that I'd come to appreciate him so much. It was 2008 and I was an undergraduate. He presented himself as the lecturer who had worked at NTA. He looked so stern and he had all these regulations. There were dos and don'ts. I assumed he would be mean.
A few lectures in, things began to shift. He was the only lecturer who took it upon himself to ensure that we all understood the lecture. He was firm yet the warmth was impossible to ignore. He quickly became many people's favourite lecturer. He remained strict, yet he made us feel safe. All you had to do was study, and you were certain you'd pass. You also knew you couldn't hold it against him if you didn't pass his course. He completed the coursework and did revisions with the class before examinations.
I finished my Masters, and I'm now doing my PhD at the same institution. Through the years, Prof remains a fine blend of father, friend and mentor.
He served as a role model to me when I started lecturing. I'm not sure how people get to be that good, but he set a good example for me to follow.
On several occasions, he has called to tell me about career opportunities; and it isn't just me. There are many who can speak to how much he has been there for them. It's just who he is.
I don't really recall him speaking to us about faith but he has distinguished himself so much so, that his love for God shouts through his deeds.
Today is his birthday, and I hope he realizes that simply by being himself, he’s making a significant impact. In a society where lecturers are notorious for being cold and mean, I want to be like Professor Charles Obot.
