By Abire Sunday Olugbenga
Life doesn’t sometimes throw opportunities at us twice. Once missed, such opportunity could be a lifetime regret. But for the students of Upland College of Education, Ipesi-Akoko, who are enjoying Hon Ade Adeogun’s scholarship scheme for the period of three years in the pursuit of an National Certificate of Education, NCE degree, the story is different, as they all got a beautiful chance to redefine and rewrite whatever sordid tales surrounding their education.
About two years and some months ago, the federal lawmaker representing Akoko South-East/South-West federal constituency initiated a move which was and still is intended to serve as double-edged sword of educational advancement and economic development.
Importantly, as much as it is not the first time of hearing about scholarship, many wondered why it had to be in a College of Education, that is largely unknown to many people and sited in a remote area.
In a double-barrel approach to development, Hon Adeogun had thought of an ingenious way of helping indigent constituents, who desire to have a taste of tertiary education by granting 200 students a three-year scholarship in the pursuit of an NCE degree at the relatively unknown Upland College of Education, Ipesi-Akoko.
Moreover, the choice of Upland College of Education, Ipesi-Akoko became imperative in order to drive traffic to Akoko South-East Local Government Area, especially the Ilelabo axis which has been deserted. By this singular act, the member of the house of Representatives, who is the ice Chairman of the House Committee in National Security, believed that the surge in the economic activities in the entire Akoko South-East Local Government Area would have been magical. One could not have underestimated the rapid economic growth that these students would bring to ordinary farmers, petty traders, house owners, artisans and the entire local government.
In the same vein, partnering with a constituent, who has invested his own resources to boost the economy of Akoko South-East Local Government Area, one the local council that made up the federal constituency, by establishing a tertiary institution in that zone, is the most patriotic thing to do.
The lawmaker has not just encouraged others who wish to contribute to the development of Akoko South, but has instilled in many the zeal to think home whenever God has blessed them.
Just few days ago, the first batch of 200 students who were beneficiaries of the Hon Adeogun scholarship scheme have signed out from Upland College of Education, Ipesi-Akoko.
Their joy was boundless in the attainment of an academic goal that started like a joke. Today, they have successfully acquired a degree that will bring food on their tables later in the future.
The community, on the other hand, has been on the lips of everyone while business activities have surged dramatically in the entire Ilelabo axis. Buildings that have hitherto been abandoned are being rebuilt to provide accommodation for students. Artisans, farmers, traders, etc, smile daily as a result of the huge patronage they enjoyed by the presence of these students.
On a jocular note, men who have found grace in conquering more land for themselves have found succor in seeking second or third alternatives. Everyone is blessed with the vision of one man and I guess housewives aren’t complaining.
We thank God for Ade Adeogun and relevant stakeholders, who have been used to bring development to Akoko South. It takes only visionary leadership to achieve a feat like this.
We pray that the beneficiaries become great in life. While we congratulate and wish them well in their future endeavors, we reiterate that this scholarship will outlive the politics of Hon Ade Adeogun. It is a legacy that will be sustained. It’s in perpetuity.
We appeal to the school to engage some of their graduates who have shown excellence so as to encourage others while providing them with instant employment. May Upland College of Education Ipesi Akoko continue to grow.
•Abire, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Hon Adeogun, writes from Oba-Akoko.
