No fewer than 80,000 out-of-school children in Oyo State, Nigeria have returned to the classroom following Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to scrap the ₦3,000 public school fees.
In 2019, the governor promised to scrap the N3,000 fee paid by pupils of all public primary and secondary schools in the state.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, at the launch of a book titled ‘Defying Expectations: My Story of Perseverance From Conductor to Journalist,’ authored by Musliudeen Adebayo, the Oyo State correspondent for the Daily Post newspaper, Mr Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every child of school age in the state has access to quality education.
Makinde, Speaker hail book
The book launch which held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan, marked the author’s 40th birthday and drew a diverse audience of dignitaries, journalists, clerics, and academics.
Mr Makinde, who chaired the occasion, described the book as an inspiring narrative that reflects the values his administration upholds, including perseverance, hard work, and the transformative power of education.
According to him, the book serves as a valuable manual to teach younger generations and encourage them to remain determined.
He described the author as a humble, hardworking, and determined individual who doesn’t see difficulties as problems but as stepping stones.
“This story is not just about Musliudeen. It aligns with our belief that quality education can uplift individuals and communities,” he said while he expressed his readiness to support the author and all other talented individuals in the state to achieve their dreams.
Highlighting steps taken by his government, the governor revealed that he has embarked on rehabilitation of 205 schools in the state; adding that about 20,000 teachers had been recruited to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
“Our goal is to make sure no child is denied access to quality education. That is why the government is creating opportunities for people to thrive. We are committed to taking Oyo state from poverty to prosperity,” the governor said.
Also speaking at the event, the chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, praised the book as a celebration of grit and perseverance, describing Mr Adebayo’s story as a symbol of hope for young Nigerians.
Mr Ogundoyin, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Oyekunle Oyetunji, said: “I am encouraged by stories like this, which capture the struggles of a man who refused to be subdued by circumstances and rose to become a great journalist. It is a source of inspiration to others, especially the younger generations, as they navigate their life paths.”
Others speak
The Chief Executive Officer of Eternal Home Cemetery, who also served as the Mother of the Day, Adebukola Kadiri, in her remark encouraged underprivileged children never to give up on their dreams, but to embrace the values of hard work, perseverance, and determination.
Mrs Kadiri warned against engaging in get-rich-quick schemes, stressing that such paths often lead to untimely death or social insignificance.
“Musliudeen could have diverted his energy to distractions like internet fraud and other unlawful activities, but he chose the path of education and hard work, and today, he is reaping the rewards.”
The guest lecturer, Bayo Busari, a doctor while speaking on the topic “Redirecting Youthful Energy towards Positive Self and National Development” identified unemployment, lack of access to education, and health issues as some of the challenges facing youth in Nigeria.
Mr Busari described education as a veritable tool for emancipation, empowerment and societal growth.
He said: “Education enables young people to become active participants in society and make informed decisions about their lives. It empowers them to pursue their aspirations, develop their talents, and contribute to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.
“Education provides young people with the skills they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to the economy. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are essential for success in various fields. Education also cultivates creativity, innovation, and adaptability, allowing young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It increases opportunities for social and economic participation, helping young people to overcome poverty and lead fulfilling lives.”
About Book
According to the book reviewer, Rahman Akinoso, a professor, the book is a work of art comprising 166 pages and 13 chapters.
He noted that the book narrates a journey from challenges to success, overcoming all odds through perseverance. He recommended the book for teenagers, emphasising its potential to teach the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of personal growth.
Author
Earlier, in his welcome address, the author shared that the book chronicles his struggles as an orphan and how he overcame numerous hurdles, including working as a bus conductor at CMS Park 4, Marina, Lagos, between August 2004 and February 2009, in order to pursue a university education.
He appealed to both the state and federal governments to recommend his book to all secondary school students to help them learn the values of perseverance, resilience, and consistency.
Mr Adebayo expressed optimism that his book would positively influence and inspire the younger generation as well as generations yet unborn.