Beacon of hope In Edo
As nations continue to compete in technological, scientific and academic breakthroughs through various incentives, stakeholders in Nigeria have been worried that the nation has not paid much attention to this area as many deserving graduates are often left uncelebrated.
The social media space had in recent times been flooded with reports of best graduating students of universities being rewarded with as low as N1,000 cash, while many of our first class graduates roam the streets in endless search for job opportunities.
This, which clearly contrasts the reality in other sectors like the entertainment world, were the winners of reality TV shows, beauty pageant and other events that add no quantifiable value to the society are rewarded with hundreds of millions of naira, had led to a culture where many young men have now popularized the saying, “school na scam”.
This discouraging paradox has seen a great relapse in the reading culture among the young ones. Students would rather spend time on social media, creating contents, pressing their laptops and engaging in other activities than devote time to their studies as those who had excelled in this line in time past have nothing or little to show for their academic rigor and excellence.
This story however is changing in the Heartbeat of the Nation, as Edo State under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is giving the much needed attention to not only celebrating students who have excelled in their academic pursuit, but also rewarding them handsomely, financially and giving them opportunities to excel and grow in their chosen academic career.
This move aimed at changing the narrative, “school na scam” and re-directing the attention of the younger ones to the joys of academic exploits, research rigor and raising the standard of education in Nigeria is yielding result already as many are now beginning to see, that excelling in academics could be a sure way of not only achieving financial freedom, but also nationwide recognition.
It is in line with this initiative of the Governor, that the member representing Akoko-Edo 2 Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Donald Okogbe recently presented a generous donation of N1.5 million to James Ojo Allen, UNIBEN’s best graduating student in the 2023/2024 academic session.
With an outstanding CGPA of 4.98, Mr Allen Ojo sets a new record of the highest ever recorded academic feat in the University’s 54 years history.
Earlier in the week, the Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Pally Iyamu gifted the young academic genius, N1 million Naira and decorated him as an Ambassador of SUBEB.
These recognitions and financial rewards are instrumental and vital in changing the mindset of the average Nigerian youth towards education and its relevance in the 21st century world. By giving priority to educational excellence, the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo has shown that he is poised to make Edo, an educational vibrant State and regaining its long history of producing the brightest minds in the country.
In the wake of this significant boost, and the massive investment being planned for the educational sector by Governor Monday Okpebholo as evident in his recent disbursement of N500 million subvention to Ambrose Alli University, AAU, and the significant percentage earmarked for education in Edo 2025 budget, it is clear that Edo State is set to experience a healthy competition among young scholars, as they jostle to outshine one another in academic feat and scholarly excellence; a move that could spiral innovation, inventions, among others.
This has awaken the hope in many observers, that many more privileged individuals, corporate organizations, political actors and NGOs would be inspired and encouraged to embark on similar actions in support of education and youth development. The ripple effect of such initiatives can inspire a culture of excellence and aspiration among young people, enabling them to dream big and achieve their goals
As our own young scholar and record setter, James Ojo Allen embarks on the next phase of his academic career, he carries with him the hope of his community, the support of his benefactor and the Edo State Government and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, and the immerse impact of government and political leader’s support in igniting a fire of determination, will and doggedness in youths, reminding us that with the right support, the average Nigerian youth not only have the sky as his limit, but as the starting point to the endless possibilities of the “can do” fire that burns in the veins of every Edo son and daughter.
In an era where education remains a crucial pillar for advancement, stories like that of Allen, Okogbe, Iyamu and Okpebholo’s investment in education blend to inspire generations, reaffirming that together, we can create a formidable future.
Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor.
