“Many people have been asking me the reasons that informed my decision to seek former education in the University of Ibadan (UI) despite my outstanding success in business. The simple answer I always give them is that education is the movement from darkness to light, therefore I am moving into light having been in the darkness for long”
These were the words of a business tycoon and a successful entrepreneur, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Taska Energy Resources Limited, Alhaji Kareem Aliu Adegbidin who was one of the newly matriculated students of the University of Ibadan under the Open Distance Learning mode.
Alhaji Adegbidin, popularly known as “Taska” who was well received by the amiable Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka and the Director of Distance Learning Centre, ever unassuming Prof. Olusoji Aremu after the colourful matriculation ceremony asserted that “life is more than having money, you must also have sound education in order to fully maximize and explore all the opportunities life has to offer.
“Let me tell you that I am from a polygamous family. What my father told those who wanted me to go to school at the early stage was that, education was unnecessary if only this boy could be enrolled in apprenticeship, he would have money. Once he has money, what does he need education for?. Yes, I went into business and I made money, but I have since discovered that my father was wrong because life is much more important than having money”, Taska said.
Alhaji Adegbidin whose business interests cut across steeling and petroleum with several filling stations in many states of the federation, expressed delight for having a second chance to be educated, saying, this is a rare opportunity for me to be taught by the Professors in UI.
“When I was told that Alhaji Saheed Osupa is also here in UI DLC, I became more interested. I will like to meet him and other eminent personalities studying here. Can you imagining how popular that Fuji maestro is, he is still humbled enough to come and learn, so who am I that I won’t come for education?”, he added.
He continued, “honestly, I have started enjoying this programme. Consider all what the Matriculation Lecturer, Dr. Yemisi Solanke Koya said, how can anyone miss all of these thought-provoking issues she raised? I thank the VC and the Management team for bringing the calibre of people like this to talk to us. It was so exciting”.
By Sunday Saanu
