— StoriesByAde interviews a recently admitted PhD student at Babcock University.
Meet R. A. Lawal, a lecturer with a difference.
Lawal is a newly enrolled PhD student at Babcock University, a lecturer at Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, the best graduating Economics student at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, and a survivor of a serious accident who underwent three major surgeries.
Can you tell us about your background?
My name is Raheem Aramide Lawal, born three decades and a few months ago into a family that loves seeking knowledge and is very hardworking.
I finished my primary education at Golden Age School in 2004 and my secondary education at Able God International College in 2010. Both schools are in Owode Yewa-South, Ogun State.
I studied economics at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, where I finished in 2015 as the best graduating student in the department.
I did my M.Sc. at the same school and finished in February 2023. R. A. Lawal just gained admission for his Ph.D. at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
What is responsible for your choice of career?
I love imparting knowledge to others, as I believe knowledge is incomplete without being passed on to others.
How do you handle down moments?
I pray to God and assure myself with strong faith that it’ll be over soonest.
Have there been any challenging moments in your life? What would you say to those currently going through the same thing?
Yes. I had a very fatal accident in 2004 that made me undergo three major surgeries. The final surgery by God’s Grace was done three years ago at the National Orthopedic Hospital in Igbobi, Lagos, with nine irons inserted in my left thigh for almost 18 months.
Those facing challenges at the moment should believe in the power of God and know that they’ll overcome them and come out very victorious.
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What are three things you’ve learned about life that you will likely say to your younger self?
- With God, all things are possible.
- One’s future depends on what is done today, so plan a brighter future by doing the right thing now at the right time.
- Think good, do good, and make good a way of life.
What is the experience like lecturing in a Nigerian tertiary institution?
The experience is sweet from the angle of doing what you love doing. It is disheartening to see the way most students prefer leisure to study.
How do you balance work and family?
It’s all about effective planning. My wife is a partner in progress. She helps all the time to finish office work taken home so as to have quality time with the family.
What are the heights you hope to attain in your career?
To be a Nobel laureate in my chosen career and a professor of repute.
What do you think is responsible for sexual harassment amongst lecturers and students, and how can it be stopped?
Lack of contentment on the part of lecturers and laziness or unseriousness on the part of students.
It can be stopped if tertiary institution standards are maintained.
If the Nigerian system of education is to be regarded as world-class, what are those things to be put in place?
Highly qualitative lecture delivery and research must be the standard. In addition, the regulating bodies of tertiary institutions should be strict in ensuring standards are met.
