) Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Ogun Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, has charged students to embrace hard work, focus and consistency to achieve their life goals.
Arigbabu gave the charge on Friday while addressing participants of the annual summer school organised by Esquitex STEM Kids Hub during a courtesy visit to his office in Abeokuta.
The Commissioner emphasised that success is not achieved by chance.
He urged the children to study hard, remain focused and set clear goals for what they want to achieve in the next five, 10 or 30 years.
Arigbabu, who shared experiences from his educational journey, said students should not attribute the achievements of successful people to luck.
He said students who obtained good grades should recognise that their achievements were products of hard work, discipline and dedication rather than luck.
He compared success to paying in instalments, saying education and career growth, like clearing a debt, required steady and consistent effort.
“Those of you aspiring to become doctors, engineers, professors or accountants should begin working toward your goals early and remain committed to your chosen paths,” he said.
Earlier, Esquitex STEM Kids Hub Founder, Dr Oluwakemi Olurinola, said the annual ‘SELECT’ summer school was created to expose children to entrepreneurship, leadership, engineering, creativity and technology.
According to her, the visit formed part of the leadership curriculum, enabling the students to interact with leaders, understand government structures and learn about the responsibilities of various ministries and agencies.
She said the annual excursion was also designed to expose the students to industries and accomplished individuals who could inspire them to pursue their aspirations.
“We want to meet with these leaders so that the students can learn from them, ask questions and be inspired to desire something great,” she said.
The founder noted that such engagements were important because some children might perceive leadership positions and professional achievements as beyond their reach.
She said the programme was aimed at igniting ambition in the students and helping them develop broader perspectives about their future possibilities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students also visited the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, where they were received by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Funmi Baker.
Baker educated the students on what they needed to imbibe to achieve greatness in life.
She introduced the students to the leadership structure of government and the operations of various ministries.
The team also visited the Ogun State Fire Service, where they were lectured by the Director, Mr Fatai Adefala, on the causes of fire incidents and possible ways to prevent them, especially at home.
Adefala listed carelessness, accidents and wilful acts among the causes of fire incidents.(NAN)
