September 9th, 2024
The Ilorin Emirate Students Union (National Headquarters) has announced the commencement of a series of career talks and mentorship sessions for senior secondary school students across over 100 summer classes in the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the Ilorin Emirate.
The program will feature 20 first-class graduates from various disciplines, who will share their experiences and offer guidance to the young learners.
In a statement signed by the National President of the Union, Sheikh Nurul-Akeem Raji Akorede, the students body said that it was organing the event with the intent of exposing students to career opportunities while instilling essential societal values in them. The initiative, which spans the five LGAs of Ilorin East, Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Asa, and Moro, seeks to mould young minds, preparing them not only for academic success but also for their future roles as productive and value-driven members of society.
Nurul-Akeem also disclosed that the Saliu Mustapha Foundation, a non-governmental organisation founded by Senator Saliu Mustapha, is providing critical support for the project. Senator Mustapha, who represents the Kwara Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has been a long-time advocate for youth empowerment and education. The Foundation, known for its focus on community development, is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the program.
“Participants in the “Summer Lessons Catch Them Young” initiative will benefit from mentorship by some of Ilorin’s finest scholars and professionals—first-class graduates who have excelled in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and the social sciences. These accomplished individuals will offer insights into their academic journeys, highlighting the perseverance, discipline, and commitment required to achieve excellence, he said.
Through interactive discussions, the career talks will cover a broad range of topics including career choice, personal development, and the importance of goal setting. Students will also be guided on how to navigate challenges in their academic and future professional lives, while maintaining a strong ethical foundation.
Speaking on the initiative, an educational consultant to the student body, Hajia Fatimoh Dikko emphasised the long-term benefits of providing early mentorship to students.
“This is an opportunity to shape the future of our community. By exposing these young students to role models who have achieved great success in their fields, we are not only inspiring them but also providing them with a roadmap for their own success,” the representative said.
For Senator Saliu Mustapha Saliu Mustapha, the project aligns with his commitment to supporting the Kwara state Government in fostering sustainable development through education.
In his remarks, an aide to Senator Mustapha, Barrister Alabi Abdulkareem, noted that “the future of our community lies in the hands of these young ones. By investing in their growth and development, we are securing the prosperity of Kwara and Nigeria at large.”