19/06/2025
*THE CHALK AND THE CHALLENGE*
Characters:
Mr. Jocthan – The dedicated maths teacher
Dabzi – A lazy but vocal student
Shua – A bright but discouraged girl
Class Chorus – Other students adding background noise
[Scene opens in a dusty classroom. The chalkboard has equations. Mr. Jocthan stands by it, sweating slightly, chalk in hand.]
Mr. Jocthan (with energy):
Today, we’re solving this quadratic equation. Focus. This one na for your WAEC and your life!
Dabzi (whispering loudly):
Life? Abeg uncle, which life? Maths no dey put food for table.
[Class murmurs. Some laugh. A few bang desks playfully.]
Mr. Jocthan (frustrated):
Dabzi! Every time, you talk nonsense. You think ignorance na achievement?
Dabzi (grinning):
Uncle, me I go do online runs. Who maths epp?
Shua (softly):
Uncle, I dey try. But the way everybody dey behave, e dey discourage me.
Mr. Jocthan (walks to her desk, calm):
Shua, listen. If one candle remain for a dark room, it still dey shine. You be that candle. Don’t let them blow you out.
[Class noise rises again. Some students play with biro caps. Mr. Jocthan slams his chalk on the table.]
Mr. Jocthan (angrily):
I dey here because I believe una fit do better! But you dey use joke throw away your future.
Dabzi (shrugging):
Na your own stress be that. Me I no send.
Mr. Jocthan (sighs deeply):
One day... when una see your mates move forward, you go remember this classroom. And maybe... just maybe, you go wish say you listen.
[He picks up his chalk again, turns slowly to the board.]
Mr. Jocthan (softly):
For those who still care — open your notebook. Let’s continue.
[Fade out as chalk touches the board again. A few students sit up. One or two open their books.]