By ABOUT two years ago, I was at the University of Ibadan (UI) when I met a student I taught when he was in secondary school.
University of Ibadan main gate
I was just walking along the road when I heard someone shout ‘Aunty Titi.’ I looked back but I did not recognise the person that called me. He had to introduce himself before I could recognise him.
He was a big boy already. He was almost breathless, he actually ran after me; he must have sighted me from afar.
We started talking and I asked about his wellbeing. I asked about his classmates in secondary school too.
Then he told me one of them was in his class there in U.I. too.
He humbly asked me to wait while he ran back to their lecture hall to call his other classmate.
I had no choice, I waited.
They both came back running.
We exchanged pleasantries and I encouraged them to focus on their academics.
Many times, I remember this encounter and I smile. There are many things about the meeting that make it an unforgettable experience; let me share one with you.
The first boy that came to greet me was the best student in his class; he had just one competitor who overtook him on a few occasions. He was very smart and intelligent.
The other boy was one of the dullest students back then. He was not brilliant at all; in fact, his handwriting was also very bad.
When I met them at the University of Ibadan, these two were in the same class. They were in the same level, studying the same course.
You know, many times I try to understand it, but I don’t. The best student and the dullest student back then in secondary school ended up in the same class at the university!
They were in the same class, studying the same course.
Belated Happy Teachers’ Day
Last Saturday was Teachers’ Day and I just want us to celebrate all the teachers around us.
If you are a teacher, take time to celebrate and appreciate yourself. Your are a messiah.
Even if the society does not appreciate you, I want you to know that you are a strong pilar that holds every society.
No society can flourish without you; no society can function without you.
You mould lives; you build lives; you determine the future of every nation. What can we do without you, dear teacher?
Thanks for the sacrifices you make. Thank you for going the extra length to ensure lives are not wasted.
To every teacher out there, you are loved; you are celebrated. You are indispensable.
To myself, I am a treasure to my world. I am a teacher; I am indispensable.
