TELL Magazine

• …As Obaseki announces automatic employment for Star Girl

Ibrahim Yusuf, the father of Aminat Yusuf, celebrated Lagos State University, LASU, Law graduate with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0, has advocated the return of bursary awards to students of Edo State origin to relieve parents of financial stress.

Yusuf, a senior journalist with The Nation newspaper, who spoke in Benin when the deputy governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, hosted the family in his office on Monday, recalled that “In the past, there used to be a policy of bursary for Edo Students studying anywhere in the country. I think this is the time for the government to give that a thought again because I know what we passed through for her to study Law.”

He attributed his daughter’s outstanding performance to the right mentoring by lecturers, hard work, and God’s guidance.

Yusuf’s appeal came the same day the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, announced automatic employment for the star girl in the state’s civil service. Aminat hails from Agenebode in the Etsako East local government area of Edo State. 

The governor’s offer was conveyed by the Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, a lawyer, who said “Beyond merely congratulating her, we have offered automatic employment to her. Indeed, we have reached out to her parents and spoken with them. They have accepted our offer of employment.”

Speaking at the reception earlier in the day, the deputy governor described Aminat as a role model to young Nigerians who have demonstrated their desire to take back Nigeria into their hands.

Expressing pride at the spectacular performance of the Law graduate who broke the university’s 40 years record, Shaibu noted that in spite of her humble background,  she beat all odds to earn a first-class grade in her chosen academic career.

According to the elated deputy governor who later treated the family to a lavish lunch at his residence, “By virtue of her outstanding performance, Aminat has exemplified the “I can do”  spirit of the resourceful Edo man and woman; the attitude that a son or daughter of a nobody can become someone.

“The accolades she has received since the news broke have been a source of inspiration, not only to her family, but the good people of Etsako East Local Government and indeed,  Edo State. We are proud of her.

“The current administration, under the leadership of my elder brother, Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, will continue to place a high priority on quality and affordable education.

“On behalf of the governor, government, and the good people of Edo State, I want to congratulate Miss Yusuf Aminat, for distinguishing herself in her academic pursuit and becoming an ambassador of our beloved Edo State.

“She has endeared herself as a role model for young girls and women in Edo State and Nigeria at large. You have given hope to that child that thinks all is lost. Nigeria is in dire need of role models. Role models are lacking in our system and the last elections showed that the young people are ready to take their destiny into their hands. People like you will have to play a role to motivate them.”

The Dean of the Law Faculty at LASU, Professor Kareem Olatoye,  who was represented by Obadan Abudu, a Law lecturer at the University who accompanied Aminat to the reception, said she was very hard-working and always in the library. 

Responding, Aminat, in company with her proud parents, said she is a proud Edo person and was always ready to give back to her homeland.

She said “I have always been very passionate about reading law. And the fact that women of today now have more opportunities than our mothers had, I wanted to also show that to a full extent when given the opportunity, we will excel. 

“And with God’s support and my parent’s support, I have been able to do that; and the goal is excel beyond my imagination, and I intend to go as far as my imagination can take me. I am passionate about my state.”

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