The sponsor of the Iteswaju Summer School, Dr Oluwole Alabi, has urged students participating in the programme to prioritise education, develop good character and remain focused on their ambitions.
Alabi, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, gave the advice while addressing students at the 2026 edition of the Iteswaju Summer School, a free holiday coaching programme for newly promoted JSS3, SS2 and SS3 students in Ilobu and its environs.
The six-week programme, which commenced on August 3 at Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School, is designed to keep students academically engaged during the long vacation while providing them with additional learning support.
Alabi said the initiative was established about 12 years ago as part of his efforts to give back to the community, particularly through education.
He explained that the programme was also introduced to provide students with a productive environment during the long vacation and reduce their exposure to activities that could negatively affect their future.
“We want to curb it and that is why this tutorial is established. For a period of six weeks, we keep them here so that they can continue learning,” he said.
According to him, the increasing number of participants and positive feedback from previous beneficiaries had encouraged him to sustain the initiative.
He noted that some former participants had gone on to become engineers, lecturers and other professionals, expressing hope that the current beneficiaries would also become successful and eventually give back to their community.
“We are particularly inspired by the feedback we got from our students who attended this lesson. We have engineers, students and lecturers among them,” Alabi said.
He added that the programme was ultimately aimed at contributing to community development by investing in the education and future of young people.
Alabi also acknowledged the logistical and security challenges associated with the growing number of participants.
He explained that the programme initially operated from different locations but was later streamlined to a single venue to make supervision and security management easier.
“The crowd is increasing every day and we are trying to manage it,” he said.
A veteran journalist, Mojeed Alabi, also urged the students to take their education seriously, identify their career interests and seek mentors who could guide them towards achieving their ambitions.
He advised them not to allow their family background or present circumstances to limit their aspirations, stressing the importance of self-confidence and determination.
“You have to believe in yourself because there is no limit to what you can become,” he told the students.
Mojeed Alabi particularly encouraged the female students to remain confident and recognise their important role in the development of the community.
He urged them not to allow intimidation, societal pressure or other challenges to derail their ambitions, but to remain focused on their educational and career goals.
He also challenged the students to distinguish themselves by making good use of the opportunities provided by the summer school.
According to him, the additional academic support, guidance and exposure available through the programme should be used to develop their talents and prepare them for the future.
“Everything is possible. You can do it. Whatever talent you have, keep developing it and be positive to yourself,” he said.
Alabi also emphasised the importance of character, noting that academic qualifications and professional credentials could help people secure opportunities but would not necessarily guarantee lasting success.
“Your CV and education will fetch you jobs, but character will keep you there,” he said.
Adejumo urges students to set priorities
Another speaker, Kabir Adejumo, urged the students to identify their priorities and pursue their ambitions with determination.
Adejumo advised them not to allow their family or socio-economic circumstances to become an excuse for abandoning their education.
He encouraged them to identify their career interests, develop clear career paths and seek mentors who could provide guidance and support as they progress.
The President of the Ilobu National Students’ Union (INSU), Balogun Aisha, also urged the students to remain committed to their education, describing it as one of the most valuable legacies they could acquire.
She particularly encouraged the female students to remain focused, confident and conscious of their potential contributions to the development of the community.
The Iteswaju Summer School 2026 is expected to run for six weeks, offering free coaching to newly promoted JSS3, SS2 and SS3 students as part of efforts to promote academic excellence, character development and productive engagement among young people in Ilobu and its environs.