How Awolowo’s free education changed my life – 80-year-old ex-JAMB spokesman

Pastor Emmanuel Alabi, now 80 years old, fondly recalls his journey from a rural Okeho community in Oyo State to a life of journalism, public service, ministry, and family. Born just after World War II, he faced the challenges of a rural environment lacking electricity, running water, or paved roads. Despite these hardships, Alabi was fortunate to receive a Western education due to the free education initiative introduced in the Western Region of Nigeria by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1955.

Growing up in a polygamous home, Alabi experienced envy, dislike, and hatred among his siblings but remained determined to pursue education, service, and ministry. He attributes his values of service, perseverance, discipline, and faith to the lessons learned throughout his life journey.

Alabi's parents, though illiterate, were intelligent, passionate, and trustworthy. His father served as a customary court judge and farmer, while his mother, despite her financial means, did not emphasize Western education and showed little support for his schooling. However, his father's influence, fearlessness, and truthfulness left a lasting impact on him.

One of the major challenges Alabi faced growing up was the lack of access to a public library to supplement his learning. To purchase educational materials, he had to travel 90 kilometers to Ibadan. Additionally, there were few recreational or entertainment centers in his hometown, with the exception of scheduled local festivals.

After completing primary education, Alabi attended Baptist Secondary Modern School in Okeho, where he excelled in Geography and Elementary Mathematics. He then enrolled at Baptist College, Iwo, where he completed a three-year teacher-training course. The college's motto, "Not for School but for Life," taught him morals and prepared him for life beyond academia.

Alabi's college experience included participating in evangelism efforts, becoming a valuable football player, and learning practical skills such as laundry and gardening. These experiences, although initially met with resistance, proved invaluable as he transitioned into self-reliance. He later obtained a Diploma Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from ECWA Theological Seminary and was ordained a pastor in 1988.