Beyond their academic brilliance, I have learned from these young minds that they are committed not just to learning but also to becoming knowledgeable professionals, responsible citizens, and leaders. In just one week, they have shown me that instead of being consumed by complaints about Nigeria’s shortcomings, they are actively giving back in small but impactful ways to foster positive societal change. They are involved in community service—creating awareness about legal issues within their communities, tutoring underprivileged students, writing insightful articles on legal topics, and volunteering for worthy causes. Their dedication to making a difference in their immediate and broader environment has truly impressed me.
Yesterday, I had a one-on-one mentorship session with one of our members, an impressive young man named OA, who has recently started a project called the “Art and Act Initiative.” The primary aim of this initiative is to mentor arts and commercial secondary school students in Nigeria, equipping them with life and career skills while fostering positive mindsets and critical thinking.
OA shared part of the story that inspired him to focus on this group of students. The secondary school he attended offered courses in science, arts, and commercial streams. However, instead of counseling or supporting students to identify their strengths and overcome their weaknesses, the school would unilaterally decide—without consulting parents, guardians, or the students themselves—which stream each student should follow.
The school exhibited a clear bias toward science students, prioritizing their success while neglecting students in the arts and commercial streams. Struggling students, particularly those having difficulties with Mathematics, received little to no support. Instead, the school focused on the high-performing science students to further bolster their achievements. The result was a systemic disregard for the potential of arts and commercial students and the creation of a hierarchy where only “brilliant” students were deemed worthy of recognition, leaving others marginalized.
OA shared his personal experience to illustrate the issue. As an excellent Mathematics student, he had no problem excelling in the subject. However, his true passion lay in the arts, and he expressed his desire to study arts subjects. The school, instead of supporting his choice, insisted he must pursue a science-focused path. This led to a frustrating back-and-forth battle. Unlike many other students who would have acquiesced, OA stood his ground. Eventually, a compromise was reached, and he was allowed to take arts subjects while remaining in a science class.
He then made a statement that struck a chord with me:
“Sir, when I asked many of the arts students why they found Mathematics so difficult, they would respond that arts students don’t know Mathematics.”
This mindset, OA explained, is exactly what he aims to change through his initiative.
The implications of the school’s actions go far beyond academics. Such systemic neglect and labeling could damage the confidence of some students for life. When students are made to feel inferior simply because they do not excel in certain subjects, their sense of self-worth can be deeply affected. Academic success is not the sole determinant of success in life, especially if students are not taught essential life skills such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.
I have often felt that Nigeria’s learning environment requires a positive overhaul. With the right environment, support, and guidance, any child can achieve their dreams. Adults must stop merely complaining about the system and instead take proactive steps to address these issues—much like OA is doing with his initiative. Such an approach will not only build well-rounded individuals but also develop the visionary leaders Nigeria so desperately needs for a brighter future. Like the motto of Erin-Ile Secondary School that I attended says, “Act Well Your Part”, just like OA is acting well his part to make a positive difference.
NB: Johnson Babalola, a Canada based lawyer, leadership consultant and corporate emcee, is a public affairs analyst and the Founder of JB Law & Life Compass (JBLLC: @jblifecompass), a mentorship initiative for young lawyers and law students in Nigeria.
