A University Administrator, Dr Foluso Agnes Arowojolu has counselled graduating secondary school students to prepare to wage war against all forms of distractions of Campus life capable of derailing their destinies when they eventually gain admission to their respective institutions of higher learning.
To her, this is a battle to overcome the flesh and all forms of carnal desires that might kill their ambitions and their parents desires.
Arowojolu spoke while delivering a lecture titled: Triumphantly Reaching The Top at the 2022 Graduation Ceremony of Mercyland International Schools, Abeokuta.
According to her, there are three necessary factors instrumental to making young school leavers to triumphantly reach the top in life.
The three factors, she said are Self, Parents and God Almighty.
Arowojolu, a Principal Assistant Registrar at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(FUNAAB)said reaching the top triumphantly means “getting to the zenith of your ambition victoriously or achievement with great happiness.”
She warned however that reaching the top through crooked means was wrong and did not translate to reaching the top triumphantly.
Her words: “This type of topic is for both young and old because everyone wants to reach the top in all our endeavours. However, not everyone is reasoning in reaching the top triumphantly as well as learning to play by the rules. As a student, if you buy your WAEC certificate to get admission into the University, you have not reached the top triumphantly. If you get your wealth by crooked means or by yahoo-yahoo or any of the cybercrimes, you have not reached the top triumphantly.”
The University of Ibadan PhD holder urged the school leavers to rather explore the seed of greatness in them as prepared by God.
“God has destined everyone to be great and be at the top in anything that you do and anywhere you go. However, you may notice that your mates have left you behind or you are experiencing delay in achieving something or you are being ridiculed anywhere you go. Never turn yourself to object of pity or ridicule but always remember that you are destined to be at the top. Learn from Joseph and Daniel in the Holy Book,” she said.
Emphasising the three significant factors necessary for reaching the top triumphantly, Arowojolu said there was need to, as individuals be ambitious, to identify themselves and be committed to their ambitions.
She added too that as individuals, there was need for them to develop soft skills that included emotional intelligence.
Other considerations for them, she stated further included Resilience, Focus, Discipline and Adaptability among others.
On the need to have support of people to attain one’s goals, she said: “From cradle to grave, you need people. Do not be a-lone-ranger. However, there is a caveat here too. Who are you imitating? Who are your friends? Who is the person that you want to be like or your mentor? Be careful of the people or group that you surround yourself with. There are dream killers and dream makers, people who will assist you in achieving your dreams or goals. Do not journey with losers in life. Different groups will approach you when you get to University be careful of the groups you will join.”
Arowojolu said there would also be need to “move with the people that can affect your life positively.”
On the God factor in reaching the top triumphantly, she said: “Above all, you need God.
“This is not a matter of religion. It is not of him that wills or runs but of God that shows mercy. Have faith in God, fear Him and keep His commandments. God wants all His children to excel; that is why a measure of excellent spirit has been deposited in you. You need God to fix you.”
The administrator cum educator also called on parents to be particularly interested in the affairs of the children and directed them towards the right path.
She also urged teachers to be mindful of the way they treat the children.
According to her, they should not consider any student as insignificant because “you never can tell what those students can turn out to be in future!”
Founder and Chairman of Mercyland International Schools, Chief Ogo-Oluwa Bankole appreciated the Guest Speaker for her pragmatic prescription of how students can thrive despite the internet distruption in a globalized world.
Chief Bankole who is also Chairman, Premier Paints Plc also said: We are very happy and very pleased in particular with the paper you presented today. Your paper is not academic but very practical life situation. We are happy you began from here at Mercyland when you were a teacher here. We indeed want to showcase you and we will not stop at showcasing you”
