6th September, 2012
With the education sector in gradual decadence, not many Nigerians believe that students can gain admission into the tertiary institution on merit. The corruption, malpractice and cheating that has permeated our education system makes it difficult to believe that there are people who still strongly believe that studying hard and passing on merit is the only way to succeed in academics.
Engr. Adams Adebola is one of such persons who still promote and preach that meritocracy still pays. He is not the regular Nigeria proprietor who just wants to make money instead. He wants to leave a legacy. Having begun as a tutorial teacher 17 years ago, this modest First Class graduate of Computer Engineering has helped hundreds of students to gain admission into tertiary school without cutting corners.
He reckons that students who cheat their way through secondary school will find it very difficult in the university because they will rely heavily on bribery and more cheating. “Parents must not encourage students to cheat because it is detrimental to their future. We must help them to study; this will help them to be independent in the future.
Adebola has been instrumental in helping many young people gain admission to the school of their choice without the aid of malpractice. Last year, University of Lagos admitted 117 graduates of Adams College all on merit. Obafemi Awolowo University admitted 90 while University of Ibadan admitted 86.
Adebola is an unorthodox proprietor; he teaches and personally monitors the progress of his students.
“I tell my students that you can still achieve success through the long path and that is why we never involve ourselves in examination malpractice because when you do so, students will rely on corruption for a long time,” he said.
Adebola recently launched an education foundation that will help brilliant and exceptional students achieve their dream of attending tertiary institution.