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SEGUN OLUGBILE

Against all odds, a beggar who gained admission to the University of Lagos in 2006, Mr. Abdulsalam Idowu, was part of the 8,209 students that graduated from the university last Wednesday. SEGUN OLUGBILE, who covered the event, chronicles the academic sojourn of the beggar, who has also begun a law programme in the university.

BEGGARS

For two days last week, the University of Lagos was thrown into a festive mood with the conferment of various degrees and diploma certificates on 8, 209 students. Though 119 of the graduating students, including Segun Alawode, who emerged as the best graduating student, passed out with first class degrees, Idowu Abdulsalam, who graduated with a second class lower degree in Political Science, was the most celebrated.

Idowu, formerly a beggar, had secured admission to the university in 2006 with no hope of completing the programme. On the day he got the admission, he had just N39,000 in savings, the money he made from his begging business. But he exhausted this on the first semester registration. With no parent to turn to, Idowu had planned to continue his alms begging business to raise money to continue his education. But fortunes smiled on him after some compassionate Nigerians and organisations decided to sponsor him after reading his story in The PUNCH.

Born into a poor, polygamous family, Idowu lost his mother at the age of three years. An attack of malaria left him crippled shortly after. He could not complete his secondary school education because of his inability to pay his school fees. With nobody willing to employ him, he took to begging. He sat for the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination O'Level as a beggar and passed after two attempts. He also gained admission to UNILAG as a beggar and so it was with glee that Idowu graduated on Wednesday. Idowu, who crawled to UNILAG in 2006, rode high on a tricycle amidst encomiums and cheers from colleagues and the university authorities during the convocation.

The 31 -year-old man, who has also started his law programme, in a chat with our correspondent after the convocation, said he was grateful to God, The Punch and many Nigerians who had helped to make his dream a reality.

"When I came to UNILAG, I had no mother, but God gave me compassionate mothers such as Justice Ajumogobia, Alhaja Osonaike, Alhaja Fowosere, Alhaja S.O Yusuf, Mrs. Comfort Obi and wife of the Kwara State Governor, Mrs. Toyin Bukola- Saraki.

"When I came to UNILAG, I had a very poor polygamous father, but God gave me very rich and responsible fathers such as Mr. Peace Emokaro, Pastor Adewuyi, Alhaji Olajobi, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, Prof. Tolu Odugbemi and the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tokunbo Sofoluwe.

"When I came to UNILAG, I was moving around with the aid of a local skateboard, but God used organisations such as Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria, UNILAG Muslim Community, the Christian Community, Young Men Christian Association and some churches to give me walking aids and money.

"When I came to UNILAG, I had no voice but The PUNCH gave me a voice and here I am today, the yesterday's beggar has become a university graduate. I thank all the people God has used to help me thus far," he said poetically.

Asked how he intended to pay his way through the four-year law programme he had just started, Idowu went spiritual, saying that God that saw him through the first degree would not abandon him.

He, however, added that he would search for employment to help himself.

"Yes, I have thought about the challenges. However, I believe that God who has seen me through many difficult challenges before now will make a way for me. But I will plead with Nigerians and government to please give me a job so that I can help myself," he said.

But did he have any regret while on campus for his first degree, Idowu said no...

"I didn't have personal regret, the only thing I don't enjoy is seeing touts, street boys and hustlers, who saw me while I was begging on the streets of Lagos and who still refused to have a rethink. I wonder why they still continue to live like that. Only two of the street boys have changed. They are now students of UNILAG and they have made me their mentor," he said.

One of his mentees, Lukman Lawal, who is now a 200 Level Economics student, said Idowu's story motivated him to abandon the street for education.

"He is wise and inspiring. I knew him when he was begging and I was shocked when I saw his picture and his story on the front page of PUNCH one day in 2006. I went to see him afterwards, and he advised me that if he could make GCE and university admission that I could make it, too. I took to his counsel and today I'm in 200 Level. He's a worthy mentor," he said.

Idowu, who came all alone to the convocation ground, said he had no regret that none of his relations accompanied him.

"Yes, I can see that a lot of my colleagues came with their parents. I'm not bothered by this. My mother is dead and my father is too poor to come to Lagos from Adamawa where he does menial job. I have long overcome this because I have been living a lonely life since I lost my mother at a very tender age," he said.

He advised the nation's youths to shun criminality and acts capable of destroying their future.

"I want to advise youths to desist from criminality. Criminality is not the way out of poverty; it's only a fast lane to self-destruction. They should know that 70 per cent of Nigerians are poor; therefore, if they continue to engage in crime, the victims of their criminality are largely going to be those battling with poverty too. So, they should stop embarking on vices and set developmental targets for themselves, be focused and determined to realise their ambitions," he said.

Some of his colleagues, including Audu Okaala Nathaniel, Willams Nuatin, Chinaza Akabuogu and Adenike Ogunleye described Idowu as determined, focused and a brilliant motivator.

Akabuogu, however, added that Idowu was not just brilliant, he was also a non-conformist. "When you discuss issues with him, he always flows against popular views. Maybe, he does that intentionally but Kabasa (that is Idowu's popular name among his course mates) is intelligent and logical in his presentation of issues. He argues with facts and lecturers used his story to challenge us in class. I love him for his never-say-die spirit. He's my man any day," he said.

Also, the VC of UNILAG, Prof. Sofoluwe, had while addressing the press on the activities lined up for the convocation, said that the institution was encouraged by the graduating students' performance particularly Idowu and other physically-challenged students for their determination and will to succeed.

He pledged the university's determination to do more to enhance the welfare of the physically-challenged on the campus. Sofoluwe also commended the students for their peaceful conduct, which he noted, was responsible for the harmony on the campus.

But the convocation was not about Idowu alone, other students who distinguished themselves were also celebrated during the ceremony.

The graduates included Adedapo Aladegbaye, who obtained a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.74 out of a possible 5.0 to get a rare first class degree in the Department of Mass Communication, and Austin Andem, who obtained a first class in the Department of English.

Aladegbaye, 24, was said to be the second graduate after popular columnist, Dr. Olatunji Dare, to have passed out with a first class degree from the MASSCOMM department since it was established in 1966.

The Akure, Ondo State born young man in a chat with our correspondent, said that he did not set out to make a first class.

He said, "We were told during our first year that first class degree was a rarity in the department. But I just set my mind at making a good grade. It was when we got to 300 Level that I woke up to the reality that I could make a first class because my CGPA was within the first class range."

Aladegbaye's dream was nearly truncated when his father died in the first semester of his 400 Level.

But rather than allowing this setback to affect his studies, he was further propelled to make a first class. At the end of his degree programme, he made it in style beating his closest rival who obtained a CGPA of 3.98 to the second position.

Aladegbaye had shown signs of his brilliance when he

graduated from Government College, Ibadan, Oyo State, with eight As and a B3 in the 2002 WASSCE.

He, however, called on the university authorities to invest more in the purchase of relevant books to libraries in the institution.

He also faulted the process whereby lecturers were made to develop curriculum for their courses. This, he said, should be done by a body of experts.

He applauded his colleagues and lecturers, including Dr. Remi Ologbenla, Dr. Okoye and Dr. Ben Nwabueze for helping him to make history.

Also, Andem, 46, who obtained a CGPA of 4.64 out of a possible 5.0, was also applauded for his academic performance.

Born in Uyo, in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Andem had graduated from the Government College, Victoria Island, Lagos in 1982. Andem later moved to Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism for his certificate and diploma programmes in journalism.

In a chat with our correspondent after the ceremony, Andem said his desire to understand English informed his decision to study the language at the university.

Before he went to the university, Andem said he got a scholarship to read cartography at the Federal School of Surveying Oyo, Oyo State, where he graduated with a distinction in 1989.

"My love for journalism led me to the Federal Polytechnic, Idah and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos. I had a stint with the Voice of Nigeria as a student on attachment. From there I got involved on a part time basis with DBN TV, MITV, Crime Fighters television programme and Superscreen Television where I present the Campos Square programme on weekends. I still edit the Business Update Newspaper till date," the father of one said.

He hopes to pursue a postgraduate programme if a scholarship he is pursuing at a foreign university sails through.

At the event, some distinguished lecturers and the Proprietor, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN) were honoured by the university.

While Ajibola was conferred with the honorary doctorate degree (Honorius causal) in Laws, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Prof. Giwa Osato-Osagie, was given the Distinguished Professor award for his contributions to the development of fertility in women.

Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder is adamant former boss Jose Mourinho will manage Manchester United in the future.

The 26-year-old Dutch star won Serie A, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia with the Nerazzurri under the stewardship of Mourinho last term, but the Portuguese tactician has now moved on to Real Madrid.

Sneijder is convinced he will take over at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson retires and also believes he could be offered the England job at some point..

”English football excites him more than any other football in Europe and I don‘t think it‘s a question of if he returns to the Premier League but when,” he told the News of the World.

”I think it‘s written for him to take over Manchester United in a few years. One great manager will retire and another one will take over.

”But if he was offered the England job alongside the Manchester United one in a few years I am sure he would take it. He likes the daily interaction with players too much to take on an international job alone.

”Jose and I became good friends at Inter and, from conversations we had, I know he thinks he could really do something with the England players.

”When he takes the United job, the English FA must offer him the national post as well, and from conversations we have had I think he would take it, in fact I know he would.”

Sneijder believes Mourinho would be able to handle both jobs at the same time, and that he would not see the England post as a part-time role.

”We are talking about the best coach in the world, and it has been done before successfully,” he added.

”His other job would be in the Premier League, so he would be working with and watching the relevant England players every week, it would be perfect for him.

”With Jose, success always follows him but it‘s not always because he has the best players, it‘s because he makes you believe you are the best players.

”The confidence and belief he gives you is amazing, and when he is at a club it is his players and staff against the rest of the world.

”With the quality of players England have, a coach like Jose would surely make them favourites.”

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan may persuade the celebrated former Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Emeka Anyaoku, to accept the position of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in June this year.

But Ikemba Nnewi and leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, thinks that the current INEC boss, Professor Maurice Iwu deserves to be reappointed.

Authoritative sources told Sunday Independent on Friday that Anyaoku had already been suggested to Jonathan with the Acting President only worried whether the Anambra high chief would accept the appointment.

Anyaoku’s unique selling point, according to those pushing his nomination, is that he would bring credibility to the Commission if he accepts to handle the job.

“The world knows Anyaoku and what he stands for. He has a name to protect and a name that can inspire confidence and also create positive image internationally for INEC,” said a Presidency source on Thursday night.

The source hinted that among the names touted in the media so far, none of them is qualified. “Olisa Agbakoba is a politician, Dora Akunyili is a politician; just like that. We need somebody who is a little bit apolitical and with the required clout to handle the job.”

He observed that Anyaoku has a global administrative ability to handle the bureaucracy at INEC, “because from whatever angle you look at it, that is not a job for a new comer, the bureaucracy is huge; and Anyaoku is capable.”

Anyaoku’s profile went higher while he also faced his greatest challenge in his career during the late Sani Abacha’s military regime when Nigeria came under international condemnation over the killing of Ogoni activists, among them, Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Our source added that although he was not sure if the renowned administrator had been contacted for the job, “the prayer on every lip is that he accepts the offer when made and move in to clean up the place.”

Iwu’s tenure will expire in June this year. He was confirmed by the Senate for appointment in June 2005 for a five-year term.

Iwu’s first test as INEC chairman was the 2007 general elections, which were almost marred by logistics problems and allegations of irregularities perpetrated by the political class.

Both local and international rights organisations have mounted pressure on the Federal Government to sack Iwu although none could specify in which particular area the INEC chairman could be blamed for the failure at the polls.

The argument, however, has centred on the feeling that most of the elections conducted by INEC and winners declared have been overturned by the courts for various reasons.

Sources confirmed on Friday that Iwu had concluded arrangements to quit INEC and may not honour any reappointment if offered.

“He has even started recruiting staff for his private office in Abuja. It is becoming clearer that he is eager to quit the job, he is not keen about staying back,” said one of his aides on Friday in Abuja.

He said: “From the best of my knowledge, nobody has asked Iwu if he wants to stay back, that is if he is interested in a re-appointment. So I don’t think there is any doubt about his exit.

“This is why a fresh appointment has to be made immediately; someone has to understudy Iwu for a specific time before his term expires, except the next appointee is already a staff of INEC.”

On whether Iwu could possibly be reappointed, he said: “One thing that is certain is that he will not have his tenure renewed, no matter how much he has improved, his tenure will not be renewed.

“Yes, some of the bye-elections conducted by INEC are better than the previous ones. That is not sufficient reasons for him to be kept back. Can you imagine the outcry that will follow an announcement that Iwu has been reappointed?

“The 2007 elections under his watch brought a lot of image problems to INEC. I am not saying he was responsible for the rigging, but the fact remains that whatever happened was on his watch and people naturally attributed those irregularities to him.”

Meanwhile, Ojukwu has endorsed the re-appointment of Professor Maurice Iwu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), provided that future polls would be modelled after what most observers considered as the success story of the February 6 Governorship ballot in Anambra.

Ojukwu, APGA Presidential Candidate in the 2007 general election, was in court alongside Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Action Congress (AC) to challenge outcome of the ballot superintended by Iwu.

Regardless, Ojukwu dismissed widely-held claims that Iwu performed woefully and does not merit reappointment, saying that nobody can satisfy human beings.

Ojukwu spoke on Saturday at his Enugu residence where he held a three-hour closed door meeting with the INEC chairman whose tenure lapses in June. Talk of his replacement has dominated the political landscape, with people torn into different camps on whether or not to replace the man.

Ojukwu reiterated that he was in politics to defend the interest of Ndigbo – the same reason he went into the famed 30-month civil war against the Nigerian state and for which the Ikemba Nnewi insisted he owes “no apology” to anybody.

He said he was glad to be part of the Anambra ballot won by Governor Peter Obi of APGA, and extended the appreciation of the Anambrarians and entire Ndigbo for the success of the exercise.

His words: “I welcome you, but not only that, I want to use the opportunity to transmit to you the good feelings and thanks of the entire Igbo race.

“I speak with authority and thank you for your efforts and congratulate you for your ability to present to the world and Nigeria a Nigerian first free and fair and successful election. Mr. chairman, some day, not too long ago, I was being asked, what was my opinion and what was it that propelled my political career. I remember very clearly my response. It is appropriate that I repeat it here that I came into politics because I see a gap. My aim is to fill that gap and that gap is the defence of Igbo interest.

“I repeat it because I want people to remember that I am not making any apologies about it. I have come into politics to protect the interest of Ndigbo and that is it. I don’t stop anybody hiring whatever structure to protect as they wish any tribal interest because for me if tribes were not necessary, God will not have created the Igbo tribe and allotted me to it.

“Having said that, we saw, we witnessed, and am glad we have been able to be part of that whole exercise, an election, open, transparent, cool, which has been and is still being applauded by not just the participants, Ndigbo, but the entire world.

“One of the reasons I am making this little statement is that I want everybody living here to feel free and to claim the success of Ndigbo in conducting for the first time, the election which Mr. Chairman, you (Iwu) conducted in Anambra State. Accept the entire gratitude of the entire people of Anambra State.

“I understand there are now a few voices now rising, saying, perhaps he didn’t do this quite so well as the chairman. If I have to comment on that, let me say this, if you even gave to every voter in that Anambra election from your pocket say a thousand naira each, there will still be complaints after some time that you didn’t ask for your wife’s permission before spending your own money. I acknowledge the goodness of that election. If you continue like this, I will endorse you for re-appointment.”

Iwu said he was on a working visit to the South-East to inspect a special project of INEC in Abia to set up a National Voters Registry that would serve as a repository of voters’ registers in Nigeria.

The INEC boss, who was accompanied by some resident electoral commissioners (RECs), thanked Ojukwu for the role he played to ensure that the election was free, fair, and peaceful, beginning from the campaigns to the day of the election.