The induction of the Medical Rehabilitation graduands of Callidus Clinicus 2024 marks the third decade of its kind at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife with 103 graduands of Physiotherapy and 4 graduands of Occupational Therapy.
The department of Medical Rehabilitation which houses two main courses – Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy under the faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of the university, initiated an unprecedented record on the 21st November, 2024 as it graduated the first ever distinction holding student in Physiotherapy in over 30 years the course had started in the prestigious university of Great Ife!
While commending the department under Prof. Michael Ogbonnia Egwu who heads the department for the job well done and for breaking the jinx of ages, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Banire who was ably represented by the DVC Academics, Prof (Mrs) M.O. Babalola, described the achievement as a lofty feat for the department and pride for the university as a whole.
According to him, the overall leading graduand who is in his late 20s, is from a humble background and hailed from Ifira in Akoko South-East Local Government of Ondo State.
While speaking briefly with our correspondent after the induction, the excited and humble topmost graduand, Rasaq Bolaji Ibrahim gave it all to God who had helped him against all odds and also to the entire staff of his department who all did their best to change the narrative in the department under the able leadership of their HOD, Prof. M.O. Egwu and the supportive Dean, Prof. G.A. Omoniyi-Esan.
Rasak couldn’t also forget in a jiffy, the unquantifiable support of his final project supervisor, Dr. (Mrs) Adaobi Margaret Okonji who relentlessly and motherly guided him throughout the project to culminate in the unprecedented excellence in the department.
While answering a question on what could have been the drive to such an excellent zenith in a rigorous course like Physiotherapy for that matter, Rasaq nostalgically reminisced on his past till the moment of his joy.
“I was born and bred in Osogbo, Osun state, in a very local environment of the town where virtually every young guy finished their academic career at secondary school. But I had this passion in me that I was going to be different and was relentlessly working towards my dream and aspiration.
“My uncle who is also a Medical Doctor inspired me a lot, alongside his wife, they both also instilled in me the can-do-spirit.” Rasaq recounted.
The graduands had earlier been advised by the VC and the HOD to explore the myriad of opportunities in Nigeria instead of going to foreign lands to become the second-class citizens all in name of “Japa”.
While Rasaq was asked about his notion on such a usual advice of the school authorities about the “Japa” jargon syndrome in relative to where he intended to further his academics and career, his response was not actually unexpected.
“Of course, I will like to go abroad for my master. We all know the situation (of things) in Nigeria now, for you to even afford the basic lifestyle in Nigeria, you know what it takes”. Rasaq retorted smilingly.
The most outstanding Callidus Clinicus in the department of Medical Rehabilitation, OAU for the year 2024, and of course the boy that breaks an unprecedented record of over 30 years in holding the first ever distinction in the department, Rasaq Bolaji IBRAHIM, who was eventually commended “expensively” with plaques and VC’s handshake, later gave his parting words to advise the upcoming colleagues and youths in general. Though a certificate presented by a professional body of Physiotherapy, Neurorehab Academia, came with a cash prize of N50, 000 as announced publicly in the hall of event. Information later reached us that the cash prize was jacked up to N100, 000 and that was the only cash prize doled out for such an outstanding academic performance during and after the induction event!
“The popular saying among youths now is that education is a scam; but for me, I have seen many people who have become great in life through education. And I think through education, there are many doors of opportunities that await someone (out there).
“So, for people coming behind me, they should endeavour to focus on their education and anything they are doing as a course; they should put in their best and come out amount the best.” Rasaq advised.
Matter matters and Concerns
Is education not truly a scam now according to the saying of the youths as referenced by Rasaq in his advice?
In the just concluded reality show BBNaija that lasted for just 71 days, the winner of the show got a whopping sum of N100, 000,000 plus a brand-new SUV car! The sum was even a cut-down prize from the former N120, 000,000.
How do you now think education will not be termed a scam when a morally controversial show rewarded with such a fortune and an academic record breaker of over 30 years is rewarded with plaques and handshakes?
BBNaija housemates spent just 71 days for the contest while Rasaq and his erudite mates spent 7 years before graduation (2017-2024), COVID 19 and 8 months ASUU strike inclusive!
The winner of the 73rd Miss Universe was pursed with $1, 000,000USD if the information at hand is anything to go by. Though the prize for the first runner up who is coincidentally a Nigerian, Chidimma Adetshina, is not known but could not be less than the half of the winner which is $500, 000USD, an approximated amount of N825, 000,000 for a contest that lasted for maximum of two weeks apart from other luxurious international resources and benefits!
Now, tell me which academic contest awards N100, 000,000 and a brand-new SUV car nationally and $1, 000,000USD cash prize and other spellbound international freebies and endorsements at the international level?
Therefore, for government to prove the youths wrong about their axiom that education is a scam, a new leaf must be turned in the way academic excellence is being appreciated and rewarded, and that must start from Rasaq Bolaji Ibrahim NOW!
Let there be whopping sums attached to different academic excellent milestones with scholarships for different degrees and professional pursuits in different prestigious institutions home and abroad.
We hereby challenge the Government of Ondo state and Akoko South-East Local Government to prove their sensitivity to the wellbeing of their subjects beyond election stratagem and white elephant projects through this brilliant son of the soil. At least, you should be proud of this!
Also, our institutions of learning must be proactive in appreciating excellence by escalating relevant cases to the appropriate quarters, especially the government at all levels when such need arises. Likewise, non-government organisations should be carried along traditionally to invest in academic excellence with good sums of cash prizes attached.
