Segun Akinlolu, the SoundBender, RhythmRider, SpiritDancer and WordMerchant popularly known as Beautiful Nubia recently visited his Alma mater St. James’ Primary School, Oke-Bola, Ibadan and the he was saddened by the sory state of the primary school which he attended between 1974- 1980
The 51 years old Contemporary folk and roots music artiste, shared his view on the state of infrastructure in his alma mater and its environs on his twitter page handle @Beautiful_Nubia
It’s not always bad news you know; some days we do have good news to share about Nigeria. Like when someone excels at something abroad. Yeah. Paid a visit to my old school the other day – St. James’ Primary School, Oke-Bola, Ibadan – the school I attended from 1974-1980.
Took my children and friends with me, proud to show off the places and people who produced me. Roofs blown off; waterlogged floors; over-populated classrooms; overwhelmed teachers; poor, unimaginative curriculum. No, that was not the way it was when I was a student there. Shook hands with the teachers as I tried desperately to hold back tears. Promised that “we”, the old students, would do something. Sounds good, but what is the purpose of government then? The state of this school is not an anomaly – many others around this country, those in rural areas, are in dire need of repair and rebuilding and the curriculum needs total overhauling. Who, where are the creative people to do that?
Every nation that wants to survive, develop & make progress invests positively in its children and youth, irrespective of their origin, social class, gender or faith. In Nigeria and Africa, we need to build a clear vision of what we wish to see in 10-20 years and then develop innovative educational programs that guide the children towards that. Out of the present crisis, we can build something. great by developing creative scientific, artistic, sports & educational programs that enrich the children and prepare them adequately for the challenges of the future. Ennoble the young with the values of hard-work, perseverance, patience, humility, selflessness & contentment, teach them bravery and courage, equip them to become masters of this environment. To become a world beater, the African child must be a perfect amalgam of traditional wisdom and modern knowledge.
Back to my story sha: Many of the public schools in Ibadan and environs are in the same horrible state as St. James’. In time – perhaps after the present 100 days hype-fest – the man in charge of things in that State, will make the education & health of the children his No. 1.priority. And if he doesn’t get the funds required for this simple task from the corruption-manacled federal government, I am told he has enough personal funds to do it himself; abi what is the purpose of having all that money if it doesn’t become a blessing to your people? But then you can’t tell a man how to spend his money, can you? Don’t laugh at my naivete joo! And don’t ask me when the next show will be. Me, that I am busy looking for the resources to fix my sad primary school.
