Obasanjo Charges Ogun Students: Prioritize Studies, Develop Strong Character

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a strong message to secondary school students in Ogun State, emphasizing the critical role of strong character alongside academic excellence for success in both their studies and broader life. Speaking at the "Obasanjo Back-to-School Project," an initiative of the Youth Development Centre at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Obasanjo highlighted that intellectual prowess alone, devoid of good character, could hinder students' advancement and aspirations.

The event, a collaborative effort with Providus Unity Bank, saw over 100 secondary students from six local government areas across Ogun State receive essential school supplies, including bags, notebooks, socks, pens, and other stationery items. Attendees also benefited from a motivating pep talk, engaging games, and a valuable career guidance session.

Represented by Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, Director of the Institute of African Culture and International Understanding at OOPL, Obasanjo encouraged the young scholars to diligently focus on their academics and cultivate values that would foster their overall growth. He specifically advised them to cultivate a "habit of reading" and minimize time spent on smartphones and social media distractions. Furthermore, Obasanjo cautioned students against allowing challenging subjects to deter them, instead urging them to intensify their efforts to conquer such academic hurdles.

The former president asserted that a robust education serves as the fundamental basis for achievement, stressing the importance of students approaching their studies with energy, focus, and dedication. He remarked, “Character, my dear students, is extremely important. Academic brilliance without good character is insufficient. As you return to school for the 2026/2027 session, I want to tell you that you should not be frightened by difficult subjects such as Maths, Chemistry, Physics and so on. Cultivate the habit of reading. Studying can be sometimes difficult.

“You may read something once and nothing happens; you read twice and still nothing happens. You read it the third time and your brain begins to whisper something else. Please, do not give up. There is no law which says everything must become clear and understandable at first attempt. When Mathematics knocks you down, get up; when English Grammar begins to behave strangely, pursue it; when Physics determines to ruin your afternoon, fight back with more reading.

“Adopt the habit of reading. Don’t allow smartphones and social media to distract you. Nobody is saying you should not engage in the use of social media, but limit your time in their use and develop the habit of reading. Read your Chemistry, your Physics, do your assignments. Read biographies, history, good newspapers, journals.

“Read about Africa, read about Obasanjo and read about people who succeeded and who failed. This is because failure too has a message to teach us. As you continue your education, you may fail in something, you may fail a test and you may not be selected for something you desperately wanted.”

The former leader continued, “There is a difference between ‘I failed this test’ and ‘I am a failure’. Think of what went wrong, what can I do, what can I change, who can help me, then try again. Education is not only your passport to a better future, but it is also your toolbox for building that future. Build wisely, build boldly and build honestly. Do something that will make your family proud, your community proud, Nigeria proud, Africa proud and humanity better.

He likened their return to school to a construction project, stating, “As you go back to school, you are not just returning to your classrooms; you are returning to the construction site of your future. And everything you take to your classrooms is the building block; every assignment is a bag of cement; every good habit is an iron rod. Build well, build strong and build on the rock. And whenever you feel like giving up, remember that 80-year-old man who went back to school and came out with a PhD.

Obasanjo concluded by encouraging them, “If Baba Obasanjo could do it, you can do it at a younger age. Go back to school with joy, go back with purpose and determination to be better this session. Nigeria is waiting for you, Africa is waiting for you and the world is waiting for you.” He further assured that the OOPL, via its Youth Development Centre, remains committed to fostering youth empowerment and development opportunities.

Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, applauded the Centre for orchestrating the "Back-to-School" initiative, designed to support less privileged secondary school students. Represented by Mrs. Bolanle Idowu, a Director within the Ministry, Professor Arigbabu delivered remarks on "Equipping Young Minds for Academic Excellence and Brighter Future," noting the positive impact of the distributed school bags and stationery on the students.