I MET A MAN...

  As I sat anticipating the near suffocating ride home from work, my eyes caught  a man who appeared to be walking slowly but determinedly to my Danfo. He held on tightly to a Bako bag that showed signs of painful resurrection. The man was shabbily dressed with dunlop slippers that looked like they had seen better days. Judging by the gray hairs all over his face and head plus the wrinkles of his skin, I had no doubt that the man would be about seventy to eighty. I couldn't get my eyes off the elderly man.

 When he finally managed to get close enough, he greeted with clear and impeccable English. I was stunned at the strength of his voice but more by the accent which proved beyond reasonable doubt that the man was learned.

 Apparently, he had a book to sell. Something on learning correct grammar and speaking proper English. He went on and on for some minutes citing  examples of common errors and corrections, but what got me tongue tied was when he said that he is a graduate of English Language.

 That got me thinking. How far do you think education goes to get us desired success? While growing up, I had the illusion that a little more study, a little more cramming was all I needed to make all the money, buy the nicest dresses and be popular. It did come as a shock when I realized half way into a university education that the yahoo guy was way richer than the most learned lecturer. The runs girl had more luxurious stuff than the average gainfully employed, virgin bookworm.

  Months after graduating, I have come to the stark realization that education does not guarantee success, rather, it is a step; an instrument for the refurbishment of the mind. Most certainly, they are connected but they exist on two different realms. My encounter with the old man further proves it.

  After about twenty minutes of convincing us to buy his book, he ended up with one buyer that wasn't yours sincerely. You see, my life expenses has gotten used to the payroll system which implies that every single cent is budgeted. At the time, my gala stipend had been exhausted. I regret that action as when he left, I remembered albeit too late, that I should have at least taken a picture of him or squeezed out the money daring all consequences.

  Since that fateful day, I've tried  looking for him all over Jibowu to no avail. I think that he deserves a transformation. Something like what Jumoke, the former bread seller turned model got. 

  I also think that we do not celebrate intellectuality enough in this country. It gets tiring when we exalt mediocrity over true intelligence. The sooner we are able to sustain values, the faster we can grow as a nation. We need to groom young people who would prefer to read a book than chat all day on social media platforms.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.pininterest.com

P.S : Pardon my hiatus my people, I have suffered an ailment that writers call the Writer's Block. Good news is, I am back and better!