‘My greatest regrets in life,’ Tunde Onakoya opens up

Nigerian chess player Tunde Onakoya has opened up on some of the things he considers as the greatest regrets of his life. The Guinness World Record holder on his X handle, spoke about the stereotypes given in secondary schools over choice of department.

He further explained, stating that he was convinced by his teachers in secondary school that art class was for dullards while Science class was for the smart children. Tunde revealed that as at the time, he was a good debater and he aspired to be a lawyer.

“One of my greatest regrets in life was letting the teachers in my secondary school convince us that Art class was for dullards and science class for the smartest students. I was excellent at debates, loved words and really wanted to be lawyer but they wouldn’t let me,” he stated.

The chess player added the effect of that stereotype and how it cuts deep into the decision of children regarding career choices and educational choices.

“They made that choice for me before I understood what it meant. I’m pretty sure this was a moment that altered the trajectory of the lives of so many Nigerian kids,” he added.