Boosting education through private-public partnership

An alumnus of the new Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba had just stormed the school in company of some of his graduating class to launch a N100,000 endowment fund for the promotion of the study of Public Relations course in the institution. He also pledged the donation of 100 volumes of PR books to the library of the school on the request of the provost.

Rotimi Oladele who graduated from the institution over two decades ago in 1981 staged a come back to his root to contribute his quota towards its advancement in a 'give back' manner. Titled "Rotimi Oladele Award for Best Public Relations Student at National Diploma level the endowment comprises a certificate and a cash award of N10,000; which would run for ten sessions (2007-2016).

According to him, "the knowledge I acquired as a product of NIJ's Advanced Diploma in Public Relations programme has been of immense inspiration and support in my sojourn in Journalism, Publishing, Teaching, Administration and even law".

He further stated that he chose to support the profession because he believed the quality of practitioners need to be enhanced if they were to effectively handle issues of relationship management at personal, organisation, societal, national and transnational levels.

In her response, the provost, Elizatbeth Ikem whowould rather speak from her heart than from prepared script, noted that it was not the amount that mattered but the spirit behind the giving, describing Oladele as a very focused individual, who, when he set out to embark on a mission will not be deterred by any situation, suggesting that accounted for the high level of his attainment in life.

She described the gesture as a give back and said "it is very encouraging to give back to those who have touched our lives; which is what Oladele is doing".

Oladele, a man of many parts is the managing director/chief executive officer of Megavos West Africa Limited, a position he recently clinched as a result of hard work and dedicated service in Longman Nigeria PLC and Academy Press where he doubled as both sales man and relationship manager.

Described by classmates as a well of inspiration, he belongs to a number of professional and trade associations at both national and international levels some of which are, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Institute of Directors (IoD), Chartered Institute of Marketing, London, Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce and Nigerian-Korean Business Association among many others.

It was apparent that the benefactor had a passion for his alma mater which he described as a "shining light" and prayed that it shines brighter and provide the much-needed illumination in our quest for a better society. He therefore called on his colleagues who are successful in their various life endeavours to rise up to the challenge by giving the necessary support to NIJ.

"All my classmates should come and look back. Does NIJ befit my status? If not, I must do something", he challenged.

The event further, underscores the importance of the private sector’s involvement in education as government had always maintained that governments only could not fund education. The effort of private individuals, corporate organisations and religious bodies can go along way in enhancing the quality of our educational system through donation of materials and reward of excellence.

By every standard, Oladele may not pass for a very wealthy man and he is not lacking either.

There are many people in the society who are wealthier who would not think of how they can be of assistance to others who are less privileged. Neither would they want to invest their resources in a project that would not benefit them directly. And trust Nigerians; they can be quick to point out the failures of government and those in public service but would never think of how they can provide solution to the numerous problems.

The life of Oladele should serve as a challenge to such people.

Education is a business that is worth every sacrifice we could make as a nation.

Without a sound educational system, we would

be crawling while others are running. Let us make that sacrifice now