The man Bola Ajibola: My story
By Morenikeji Sobaloju
Even as a member of Islamic Movement Of Africa (IMA), I watch him from afar, I see him not too often, and most times to have access to him might be a bit difficult simply because of his position but My quest for University Degree led me to him.
Having completed my National Diploma Program at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in 2002, my first attempt to gain a Direct Entry Admission into the Olabisi Onabanjo University proved abortive, so I was unable to be part of 2003/2004 Academic Calendar of the University, despite my good Grade.
In 2004, I decided to try the admission again, this time I had made a promise to myself that I was going to secure the Admission no matter what because going back for HND was a NO! NO!! for me, so I began to search for all possible means, my friends said to me that I should forget about my good Grades and follow the route of *”eni ti o mo way lo mo iwe” i:e ‘He who knows the way knows the book” Now I’m at a crossroads because the only available option for me requires money and I don’t have it, as a matter fact, my parents will never subscribe to such.
On this fateful day, someone called my attention to speaking to His Excellency, Prince AbdulJabar Bolasodun Adesumbo Ajibola for financial help since my parents were a-no-go area for me and as a member of his Islamic Movement, it was more of a very easy task for me, so after the usual Sunday morning Special Program (Asalatul) @ IMA, I met with him and explained my predicament with a high expectations of financial support from him which I intended to use in settling some people in order to secure the admission, alas, another roadblock it seems like as he said to me that ”I don’t have money to give you because I’m also in need of huge sum of money to complete my University Project which was just starting but I can give you my Pen on Paper having gone through your results, and I can see that your grades qualifies you for the Direct Entry into the University”
There and then he gave me letter addressed to the then VC of OOU, Professor Afolabi Soyode who had been given a compulsory retirement leave then by Governor Gbenga Daniel, even though the letter was delivered to his office, I was a bit scared of who will attend to my letter and a month after he came around to do a proper handling over to the newly appointed VC, Prof Odutola Osilesi and the rest is history.
That letter gave me the admission without paying a dime to anyone as my name came out as No 5, of the 1st batch in the VC’s list. Unfortunately I couldn’t make copies of the letter, I don’t even know the contents because it was stapled and enveloped and I really do not want anything to happen to such letter gotten on platter of gold from the World Jurist so I didn’t bother opening it.
Thank you Your Excellency, Prince AbdulJabar Bolasodun Adesumbo Ajibola for extending this kind gesture to me🙏 Your legacies, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to the Nation’s Educational Development would never be forgotten
If Allah’s rewards of Aljanah Fridous for Mankind is connected with Earthly Deeds, I know you will be partaker of Aljanah.
Moral: Whatever Allah has blessed us with let’s use it to better the lives of others, this will remains indelible in the heart of many after we might have gone…
Morenikeji Sobaloju is a Nigerian journalist. She works with Ogun State Television (OGTV), Abeokuta
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]
