The Ambode example

THE best graduating student at the 22nd convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ogunsanya Fuhad Adetoro, is understandably in a celebratory mood. This is not only for coming tops among the thousands of graduating students but also because he got a fair recompense for his hard work and diligence from an appreciative prominent Nigerian. Adetoro, who graduated with a First Class honours degree from the Department of Business Administration of the university, had, during his valedictory speech, requested to be granted a scholarship to study for a Master’s degree outside the country. This request was granted by the Visitor to the university, Governor Akinwumi Ambode, who, in addition, gave the egghead N5 million cash. However, Ambode gave the scholarship and cash gift in his personal capacity because, according to him, “Lagos State does not generally give scholarship anymore but only bursary.”

In other words, Adetoro’s request was outside the purview of what the state could grant based on the extant policy. But the governor would not allow his expectation to be cut short on the altar of subsisting rules, so he opted to help him out. This is an example that is worthy of emulation. It shows the premium that the governor places on education and excellent performance. It also shows the importance of encouraging and giving incentives to the youths to excel. We commend Governor Ambode for this exemplary gesture. One of the best ways to have a system that is replete with industrious and superlative performers is to reward  excellence.  The governor has clearly demonstrated that he desires, and is ready to apply himself positively in order to achieve, an excellent society.

However, we urge that the governor’s gesture be institutionalised. Granting scholarships officially to the best graduating students of the state-owned university is a delightful exercise that should not be stymied by official policy. It is a worthy cause and if the existing policy has to be tinkered with in order to accommodate this exception, so be it. It is important that Ambode’s praise-worthy action outlives his sojourn in the corridors of power and the only way to ensure that this happens is to transform the laudable gesture into one of the official strategies for promoting excellence.

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It is one of the duties of the government to show the way forward for society and the governor of Lagos State has, by his action personally, shown eloquently that he cherishes excellence and sees it as the way to go. But clearly, it would be more beneficial in terms of reach for many students who will strive for excellence, and for the government in terms of impact and positive perception, if the special scholarship becomes the official policy of the state. That will demonstrate in clear terms that the leaders of today are really proactive in their efforts to develop and encourage the growth of successors who are better than them.

It is important to warn that the provision of a structure for incentives for distinguished performance should not be limited to stellar academic accomplishments only. All Nigerians in their various fields of endeavour who distinguish themselves from the pack and demonstrate clear evidence of raising the bar should be compensated. The only caveat is that the endeavour should be one that adds value or has the potential to add value to the individuals concerned and the society at large. And it is equally vital that the greatness that becomes eligible for official reward has been achieved within the purview of what the society considers decent and decorous. For instance, some winners of a reality show were recently rewarded by the governor of their state. That was not a bad idea per se, except that the environment where their feats were achieved and the activities that culminated in their seemingly excellent performances could not be recommended to their fellow youths, or indeed to anybody.

While we advocate reward for excellence across the country and diverse  work stations where some individuals are making extraordinary contributions, it is the duty of the authorities to ensure that what is being rewarded is excellence in its strict sense. The applicable definition of excellence must not only pass the test of a lucid and significant value addition to the recipients and the society but also legal and moral scrutiny. The Ambode example is strongly recommended to his colleagues across the federation, but preferably the institutionalised version of it, so that the gesture can stand the test of time. There is the need for the citizenry to know that the leaders genuinely care about excellence and that they are willing to inspire it among Nigerians, especially the youths.