I have been appointed mentor in a massive multimillion-Naira university challenge.
They told me I would be told the University I would be mentoring in the studio
I rushed in enthusiastically hoping to mentor my great UI.
As I walked in, my heart sank as I saw the staff bus of Bells University and Tetfund, I didn’t see UI
Well, I said to myself – maybe the UI driver went to buy fuel so I continued my confident match towards the green room
As I entered, I was introduced to other mentors by Ore Sofekun, who herself is one of the most brilliant people that I have ever met.
She was the one who gave me the sad news
UI didn’t make it. Aghhh. This was the business plan finals
At this stage, the schools had to look at challenges around food security and propose solutions
My UI carried the last and didn’t even make the last 16. Shame is catching me.
As Ore explained. Four categories – Private Universities, Premier Universities, State Universities and the Colleges of Technology.
50 schools applied and were shortlisted to 16 from there dropped to 6 and now to 3
So my 1948 UI did not make it, and Veritas, which is 6 months old, have reached the last three.
My people UI not only failed the business plan but also failed the Quiz part of it.
I quickly claimed Unilag as I have a Master’s degree there.
They asked me Edgar, where did you do your first degree – I cannot remember o, was my answer, and they insisted, Edgar na, we need to know, where did you do your first degree?, they asked- I gave them Buhari style – I am not aware, I replied.
When they put pressure, I say Unilag.
Unilag reached the final with Bells and Veritas so I claim Unilag straight
Unfortunately, Unilag already had a mentor so I was left with a choice between the other two.
Anyways, the most important thing is that my brother Dapo Ojo , who runs one of the biggest studios in West Africa, has been using his personal resources to push STEM Education through his theSTEMAfrica initiative.
The cost outlay cannot be easy. 50 universities, travel, logistics, equipments, judges etc all fully funded by one man
He is also buying media time to air this all with no real support from anywhere
Sponsorship funds are chasing other such inanities like the Big Brother franchise and other soft targets but hardly coming towards these kinds of initiatives that would impact human capital, productivity amongst others
I am very aware that, Dapo has been turned down by so many sponsors that if he jumped down the Lagoon, we would not blame him too much
His last sponsorship was the Cowbell Mathematics challenge and ever since then its dried up
But he is not giving up, and who will, judging from the level of intelligence and enthusiasm of these students?
As I watch from the Green Room, I see Nigerias future.
These children all give a good account of themselves pushing AI, Technology, and satellite technology, amongst others, as they try to throw up worthy solutions.
They remain excited as they see top officials of their schools in the audience and other such top government officials, including officials of the Tetfund, encouraging them.
I love brilliant people, and love mixing with them these students are the very best Nigeria can offer in STEM education thanks to Dapo, they are being verily exposed for all to see
As for UI, we may need to summon its VC and his team and ask them some very strong questions.
Shame is catching me
Duke of Shomolu
