Travelogue 4

The Ebedi Fellows March/April 2022

 Travelogue 4

I think it is no longer a secret that everyone knows me as an average student and maybe a slow learner. If you don't know, now you do.  

My late dad was quick to discover that early enough that he decided to take me away from the luxury I was enjoying in the city, and especially the rich mother's love I was swimming in as the baby of the family, the last child of five to a boarding school (Igbo Elerin Grammar School, Bamgbola, Ibadan) because  I wasn't doing well and I could say reflected in my Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination result where I got credits in just two subjects; English Language and Christian Religious Studies. So when Mr Tunde took us out to a school earlier today, I was again reminded there will maybe few like me among the students who should be encouraged to strive, persist and persevere. 

The school, St John's Catholic Grammar School Iseyin reminds me of that boarding school. These paths, the laying of the stones, some painted in white, some in green; the beautiful eye-catchy flowers of different colours and species; the tall, big well-trimmed trees and the beautiful shades they give; the awesome smell of good vegetation and the few old blocks of classroom brought to my memory how lucky I was to have attended Igbo Elerin Grammar School. It was such a great environment. 

Environment is very crucial in learning you know. I should tell you that one of the few things that sustained my interest during my masters programme in U.I apart from colleagues' encouraging words is the environment. Environment that will force you to read. An attractive physical environment doesn't only help in the development of students' interest in academics but also provide enabling circumstances for critical thinking. I doubt if government (the system) places importance on this again. Don't even mind me. Government that doesn't encourage academic research, provide necessary tools cum equipments or enrich the poorly renovated block of library with books in secondary schools will naturally have no business in seeing to if school principals create such an environment. Principals who were promoted but still earn lesser amount. 

During our conversation, before the presentation, Mr Tunde gave us a scenario that was not new to me anyway. He said we should help him in encouraging the students. He lamented how some have been running after money instead of focusing on their books/ academics. He said some have stuck to the mind boggling notion that 'school is a scam'. 'Some are now Keke and Okada riders and so only come to school to pass time. Some have left for Lagos, Ibadan etc. in search of employment or to learn a trade. Are you worried too? Is it really not a scam you asked me? Again, I tell you, school is never a scam. But like in a recent music I listened to in a barbershop, 'Iwe to ka, kilofi da?' (what has schooling fetch you?) Na your question, answer am. But seriously, are we not doomed? The ones we hoped are the hope of a crippled nation are more concerned about amassing wealth rather than getting knowledge to heal a dieing nation. Mind you, it is everywhere, even in Ghana, one of the fellows noted. 

In one of the schools I used to teach, some students asked me not to stress myself in class and that even if the school fails to pay me, they will give me double, daily. I later realised three of them had collected Keke (tricycle) and were paying on installments. If you know what that means, you would understand they were not joking on paying me double, daily. How do I convince them considering the current economic mess we are in? How?

When it was my turn to speak to those young ones, I emphasized on few things; determination, perseverance, endurance, prayer, persistence, focus, and the will to hope as they are ambassadors of hope in a country full of hopeless souls. I told them to Never Say Impossible. 

On our way back, we saw beautiful places, houses, well dressed persons, yet-to-be peopled market with streets that were like the streets that lead to governor's office during Christmas. Mind you, I hope you won't call for my head if I say that is purely a misplaced priority for government? How does that affect the homeless poor hungry humans that litter the streets you decorate? What rationality is behind you lighting up flowers when I don't have power in my house for months? Sorry, I too dey vex these days. 'Abi ka japa ni?' I commend the waste management officers, just that evidently, they need to double their effort. 

Lastly, kindly note that education is a determining factor of change for any serious country that hope to develop and thus should be of high priority not only for government but also individuals. All of us have a role to play. We can all do our bit. I so much believe that a generalized commitment towards its improvement will go a long way to birthing a country we dream of. We can do it. See every child as yours, take them seriously, if not they might later take yours 'dangerously'.

Enjoy your evening.

Busayo Fakunle NSI writes from Ebedi International Writers Residency Iseyin, Oyo State.