It is a moment of great joy and fulfilment for Nigerian author and entrepreneur Matthew Aroh, as his literary work, Diary of Regrets, has officially been approved by the National Examinations Council (NECO) for use by secondary school students across the country.
The news, which reached Matthew on June 19, 2025, marks a significant milestone in his literary journey that began nearly a decade ago. Overflowing with excitement and gratitude, Matthew took to his social media to recount the touching and sometimes painful odyssey that led to the eventual publication and now national recognition of Diary of Regrets.
“When I received the news, it was like a dream,” Matthew expressed, describing his elation at the NECO approval. “I have slept and woken up, and I am not in a dream world.”
A Journey Born from UNIBEN’s Hall 3
Matthew narrated how the manuscript for Diary of Regrets was born in 2016, inside the official room of his boss, Barr. Emmanuel Ndueche, then the Secretary General of the University of Benin’s Student Union Government (SUG). The conducive environment of the room and the unwavering support of his boss allowed Matthew to delve into the world of imagination uninterrupted.
From handwritten notes, Matthew found a selfless friend in his coursemate, Ike Daniel, who volunteered to type the manuscript at no cost, despite frequent power outages on campus. Their dedication led them from one corner of UNIBEN to another in search of electricity, finally producing a typed version of the story.
The Painful Search for a Publisher
Determined to see his work published, Matthew’s quest led him from Benin to Onitsha, where he sought the renowned author & publisher Jerry Okeke Chika, only to be advised to self-publish. The journey back to Benin became a near ordeal — stranded at midnight with no transportation, he trekked through New Benin, battling fears and exhaustion, until he found temporary refuge at an army checkpoint.
Despite moments of discouragement, help came from unexpected quarters. A student editor couldn’t complete the task due to academic commitments, but an introduction to Father Andrew O., then parish priest of St. Albert Catholic Church, UNIBEN, proved pivotal. The priest ensured that the manuscript was professionally edited and critically reviewed, rekindling Matthew’s hope.
His resolve not to self-publish was inspired by counsel from Barr. Stanley Amarachi Nnabuo, who encouraged him to seek publishers who saw value in his work. This led Matthew to Rasmed Publications Limited, now Accessible Publishers Limited, who finally saw potential in his manuscript after years of back and forth.
Moments of Near-Abandonment
Even with the initial interest from Rasmed, Matthew faced heartbreak when an editor hinted the project might be dropped. But the timely intervention of Mr. Falaye Stephen, Rasmed’s Zonal Manager for the South-South and South-East, revived the project. A new editor, Mr. Caleb, gave the affirming words: “the book can fly.” A dummy copy was sent to Matthew in 2021, marking the turning point before the book’s official release in 2022.
A Journey Worth Celebrating
Matthew didn’t just stop at publication. His perseverance has now been crowned with NECO’s approval, a testament that Diary of Regrets is not only a personal triumph but a national asset for educational growth.
In his celebratory message, Matthew poured gratitude on his family, particularly his parents who financed his first novel, As Destiny Will Have It, in 2011, his supportive wife, colleagues at Romat Group, friends, and all who stood by him.
A special mention was made of his son, Chukwuebuka James Aroh (Junior), whose birth coincided with the payment of Matthew’s 2024 royalties, and whose six-month milestone in June 2025 aligned with the NECO approval.
“Where I come from, this is a great milestone. This is beyond my effort alone,” he reflected, attributing his success to divine grace, ancestral blessings, and the prayers of many.
Matthew’s heartfelt message concluded with inspiration to others:
“There may be plenty No from places you expected Yes but stay on the grind. I know where I am from, and it is safe to say that Matthew Aroh no small.”
Diary of Regrets, now NECO-approved, stands as a beacon of resilience, perseverance, and faith — qualities that Matthew Aroh embodies as an author, entrepreneur, and inspiring figure in Nigeria’s literary and business landscape.
