From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A German language lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Dr. Ezekiel Olagunju, was recently honoured with gifts by his students for his dedication and hardwork.
In a viral video, the OAU students were seen presenting him with gits and other tokens of gratitude, acknowledging his commitment to their learning.
Expressing his appreciation, Dr. Olagunju said, “I feel very great for the love from the students. It was heartwarming. Teaching has always been my passion.”
Dr. Olagunju, whose dedication recently earned him a heartfelt appreciation from his students, recounted his humble beginning and the challenges he overcame.
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He shared his remarkable journey from academic struggles to becoming a respected educator, emphasising the need to support lecturers for quality education in Nigeria.
He recalled his early struggles in education, revealing how he initially failed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC), passing only Yoruba language while failing all other subjects.
“I schooled in the village, and it wasn’t easy for me to excel at first,” he said. “When I first wrote WAEC, I had only one pass – in Yoruba language. Every other subject was F9. I was devastated, but my sister encouraged me, saying that at least I had passed one subject. That gave me the courage to try again.”
Determined to succeed, he re-enrolled, passed the exams, and developed a passion for languages. Today, Dr. Olagunju speaks multiple languages and has spent over two decades shaping young minds.
His experiences have shaped his approach to teaching, as he believes no student is beyond redemption.
“Because of my past, I don’t see any student as a failure. Even those struggling the most, I lift them up and support them,” he stated.
Dr. Olagunju takes pride in the success of his former students, many of whom now work in foreign countries and embassies.
“Many of them are still young and unsure of their future. But I know that if I teach them well, they will become great. Over the past 22 years, I have seen students I once taught now working in America, Germany, and embassies, earning more than me. That gives me fulfillment.”
Beyond academics, he credits his faith for shaping his approach to teaching.
“I am a child of God, and that influences how I relate to my students. Even when they make mistakes, I guide them with love, knowing that they have the potential to become better.”
However, he acknowledged the challenges faced by lecturers in Nigeria, particularly poor remuneration, warning that it could affect the quality of education.
“The work of a lecturer is interesting, but if one is only doing it for money, it becomes difficult,” he said.
Calling for better support for lecturers, he urged the government to prioritise education and improve the welfare of academic staff.
“If lecturers are not well paid, there is great danger. We are mentoring young lives, and if we are not motivated, it could have negative consequences. It is important to appreciate those shaping the future of the country. If we truly value education, we must invest in those who dedicate their lives to it.”
