Craving your indulgence to patiently peruse this piece is all I seek. It is well conceived to x-ray and celebrate the positive impacts of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, MOCPED and her affiliate programmes in Epe town as regard the teaching profession in recent years. You will agree with me that "edupreneurs", a coinage from educators and enterpreneurs, is the right word to describe students who study education with versatility in various business enterprises, small or medium. In a bid to have a clear understanding of the essence of education, it won't be out of place to take a cursory look at its meaning and the historic background of the above named college.
One of Nigeria's famous educationist, Babs Fafunwa (1974), he defines education as aggregate of all the processes by which a child or young adult develop the abilities, attitudes and other form of behaviours which are of positive value to the society in which he lives.
Charity begins at home says an adage. My home town, Epe, Lagos' foremost fishing town, has had her fair share of the establishment of higher institutions of learning by both government and private individuals or organizations. Epe boasts of some government owned higher institutions. Lagos State University Faculty of Engineering is the first to reckon with which is located in the former Nigerian Army Barracks, followed by Michael Otedola College of Primary Education sited in Odo-Noforija Kingdom. Next in line is Yaba College of Technology Odo-Ragunshin and the notable private university around is Agustine University Ilara.
The search light of this piece is beamed on the first specialized college of primary education in Nigeria, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija, and her enormous influence in the socio-economic and educational growth and development of Epe. Formerly known as Lagos State College of Primary Education LACOPED, it was founded December 1994 by the Lagos state government. It was solely established for pre-service and in service training and certification of graduates for the primary school system. Academic programmes commenced with Pre-NCE in May 1995 with 82 pioneer students while regular academic activities for NCE programmes commenced in November 1995 with 182 students. The history of the college will be incomplete without mentioning the introduction of affiliate programmes with University of Ado-Ekiti/Ekiti State University and University of Ibadan. This could be said to be the turning point of development in the institution.
It is not surprising to discover that Alumni of this great citadel of learning dominates most institutions of learning in Epe town. It therefore would be safe to say that MOCPED is the deep-strong root, firmly holding the intellectual trees of primary and secondary academic institutions in Epe. Simply put, it is the breeding ground for seasoned teachers and by extension entrepreneurs. The reason is not far-fetched as the College produces highly efficient, competent, proficient and effective NCE and Bachelors' Degree certified graduates yearly. With these nation builders, the future of education in Epe town is secured.
It is observed that distinguished graduates from MOCPED-EKSU have in the last few years dominated and are still dominating the teaching career in Epe. Either in private or government owned educational institutions, these bright stars, shinning bright like diamonds are fantastically doing the college proud. Notable among these future academian are my humble self, Edu Muhseen Olajide, Salau Taofeek, Ogunbanwo Ibrahim, Anifowose Lookman, Adediji Adebisi, Aransomwan Courage, Asure Godwin, Ayanboye Sunday, Talemu Olorunleke, Airat Edalere, Bello Sukurat, Adelakun Adeola, Imade Glory, Odumala Nimota, Ekogbulu Olamide, Oresegun Adura, Akikunle Michael, Dada Rahmon and a host of others. These are the ones firmly holding the torch of knowledge to light the path of coming generations. Irrespective of the hydra-headed challenges of the 21st century schools in our nation and in a world where the get rich quick syndrome is rife, they're committed to the teaching profession.
From another perspective, MOCPED, in partnership with EKSU and recently UI, has in no little measure contributed to the economic growth and development of Epe community, Lagos and Nigeria at large via the immense contributions of her graduates. Although learning in higher institutions comes with its various challenges of which MOCPED-EKSU is no exception. Students of various Nigerian origin get admitted into the school yearly and after graduation, some chose to settle down here. Living peacefully with local indigens, they begin to gradually set up their businesses like fabric sales, fashion design, catering, photography, business centers, phone and laptop repairs and sales e.t.c. Others are teaching and tutorials, refereeing, baking and pasteries, boutiques, football viewing centers, cyber cafes, laundry services, restaurant and bars, barber shops, make up studios, hair dressing salons, Master of Ceremonies (MC), Disc Jockeying (DJ), drawing and painting, graphic designing, real estate agents, building and construction supply chain, auto dealers e.t.c
At this juncture, one would begin to reflect on the enormous impacts of the aforementioned as drivers of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which greatly improves our nation's economy. The world is changing, the emergence of young people in Epe engaging in entrepreneural activities despite studying education in MOCPED-EKSU are worthy to mention. All things being equal, it is safe to project that in the not too distant future, these crop of young and intellectually savvy entrepreneurs will be on top of the game in their chosen business fields.
Notable among entrepreneurs of MOCPED-EKSU origin are Baruwa Bisola- CEO Meenah Collections (Makers of Exquisite Turban Caps), Olukoya Dayo- CEO Sage Photography, Olatunji Jubril- CEO JB Photography, Ogunbajo Yemi- CEO Yemight Autos, Solomon Oyindamola- CEO MH Bags, MC Aboki Jesu Oluwatosin- CEO Aboki Jesu Talents Media, Williams Adebajo- MC WillyKoko, CEO Nairablink, Jimoh Oluwaseyi- MC EFCC, Shittu Rukayat- CEO Aralewa Makeovers, Akeushola Yetunde- CEO Sahdah Signature, Saibu Risikat- CEO The Unique Creations, Gbolahan Olaonipekun- CEO It's Olart Photography, Oduwole Fisayo- Manager Agbolade Oil & Gas, Kaka Mariam- CEO GorgeousMarr Collections, Abdulkareem Jumoke- CEO Jumsy Signatures, Olatunde Busurat- Buskem Fashion, Rasaq Oriyomi- CEO DJ Yomight Entertainment, Rasaq Musari- CEO Abradot Ventures, Agbomeji Hammed- CEO Hamedollar Technologies, Balogun Kunle- CEO Balo Investment , Sonie Jay Adedapo- CEO Sonnie Jay Technologies, Amosu Segun and Shina- CEOs S&S Ventures, Phillip Oshikomya- CEO Philmaya Gas, Pelumi Solomon- CEO PS Looks, Adefeye Bunmi Akintoye- CEO Food Restaurant Manager, Wale CEO Walex Communications, Onabanjo Shola- CEO Nicky Ventures, POS and NEPA bill agent and a host of others.
The above personalities mentioned toiled to earn their success by operating legitimate businesses, they are the real hustlers whose legit hustle must pay owingbti tye fact that what they experience in business is like going through the needle's eye. However, the message from these young edupreneurs is clear. Our younger generations must find solace in dignity of labour. They must understand that their creative and innovative skills can make them fit into almost any profession irrespective of the courses studied. Also, it is highly imperative for them to engage in vocational skills along side being trained as professional teachers should a white collar job does not surface.
Since the scope of this piece is narrowed down to Epe-based MOCPED-EKSU greats, those living away from here are also specially recognized. You'll agree with me that MOCPED-EKSU is an integral part of your success stories against all odds. The high level of discipline, dilligence and resillience exhibited in the face of nearly insurmountable barriers during those tough days are commendable.
By and large, MOCPED irrespective of the divides, is at the heart of community transformation, academic renaissance and economic prosperity in Epe. This piece would be rounded up with heart felt appreciation to all those role models we had as Lecturers, HODs, DEANs and even Non-Academic staff for giving their best, they're the real MVPs.
A minute of silence to MOCPED-EKSU community members in various capacities that we have lost to the cold hands of death. May their souls rest in perfect peace.
As we up our final preparations for sallah, let us all calm down. Save water, don't waste food, bag and dispose wastes properly for a sustainable living.
We are MOCPED, we are great. Happy Eid Kabir.
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