Unilag scholars inspire pupils for greatness

As part of efforts to support girls’ education, especially girls living in Makoko, a low-income area, the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria, University of Lagos Chapter held a symposium for 30 junior secondary school pupils with the theme, “Her Dream, Her Future.”

On hand to interact with the pupils were top female academics, graduates and undergraduate students, who gave pep talks about career choice and development.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development Services, University of Lagos, Professor Ayo Atsenuwa, told the pupils that they must be focused, and determined to make a difference.

She said: “This is critical if you must have the next batch of people to pass the baton to when you retire. You will become senior students soon and the junior students will be looking up to you and your excellence will make them feel it is do able.”

She added that women must ensure that their vision and mission must inspire others to greatness and also drive others to make the society a better place.

Other speakers at the event were Dr. Mary Akinyemi, who spoke on the future in mathematics for education and career; Mrs. Aderonke Asiwaju on career choice; Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo on artificial intelligence and robotics, and Dr. Abiodun Gbenga-Ilori on engineering for girls.

Some of the graduates and undergraduates who interacted with the girls were Vivian Nwosu-Madueke, a first class graduate of chemistry; Oluwadamilola Johnson, a mechanical engineering student; Moyosoreoluwa Oluseyi, a medicine and surgery student, and Goziechi Orakwe, an electrical engineering student.

After the discussion, the students toured the university, visiting the Senate Building, the university library, museum and artificial intelligence laboratory.

The Coordinator of the programme, Dr Temilola Oluseyi, said the event was sponsored by the British Council, and organised by the UNILAG Alumni of the Commonwealth Scholarship, to motivate girls in three secondary schools- St Francis Junior Grammar School, Iwaya; Onike Girls Junior High School, Onike; and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Junior High School, Sabo-Yaba; in the university’s neighbourhood to aspire them to reach the top as females.