As Obafemi celebrated his fifth birthday, his father's thoughts turned to his son's future prospects. He was determined to equip Obafemi with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and poise. One weekend, he summoned Obafemi and engaged him in a heart-to-heart conversation.
"Obafemi, my dear son, you have now reached the tender age of five," he began. "As your father, it is my utmost desire to provide you with the best possible foundation for a bright and successful future. In line with the principles of our Christian faith, I firmly believe that it is the duty of Christian parents to ensure that their children receive a proper education. This is a fundamental aspect of our responsibility as parents, and it is a practice that is widely embraced by our Christian community here in Ikenne."
He paused, surveying his son's eager face before continuing. "With this in mind, I have decided to enroll you in Saint Saviour's Anglican School here in Ikenne. This esteemed institution will provide you with a solid academic foundation, as well as opportunities to interact with children of your age from our community. I have every confidence that you will thrive in this environment and develop into a well-rounded and knowledgeable individual, equipped to make a positive impact in the world."
Obafemi's face fell as he contemplated the implications of starting school. "Father, I won't be able to accompany you and mother to the farm anymore," he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
His father offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, my son. You can still join us on the farm during holidays and weekends. However, when school is in session, it's essential that you focus on your studies, just like all the other children."
Obafemi's heart sank as he realized that his carefree days were numbered. He had always relished the freedom to play, explore, and run errands for his parents. The thought of being tied to a desk and a rigid schedule was daunting, and he couldn't help but feel that his childhood was slipping away.
Obafemi's initial reservations about starting school were soon validated as he struggled to adapt to the strict rules and regulations that governed the institution. He found the emphasis on tidiness and personal hygiene to be particularly onerous, as he was not naturally inclined to be meticulous about his appearance. The requirement to bathe daily and present himself in a neat and orderly fashion at all times was a far cry from the carefree days of his childhood.
However, it was the corporal punishment that was meted out to students who failed to comply with the rules that Obafemi found most distressing. The practice of physically disciplining children was commonplace in those days, and Obafemi's school was no exception. The threat of being beaten or caned for even minor infractions filled him with anxiety, and he often found himself walking on eggshells, fearful of incurring the wrath of his teachers.
The teacher's propensity for doling out corporal punishment was a source of great distress for Obafemi. He found the entire experience to be utterly demoralizing and intimidating. The slightest infraction, such as arriving late, whispering to friends during assembly, or engaging in a quarrel, was met with swift and severe punishment.
The teachers were unforgiving in their enforcement of the rules, and offenders were subjected to a humiliating and painful ordeal. The punishment typically involved receiving strokes of the cane on the palms of the hands or the buttocks, leaving the recipient sore and bruised. On occasion, the more robust boys would be enlisted to restrain the offender, holding them in place while the teacher administered the punishment. The entire spectacle was designed to instill fear and discipline, but for Obafemi, it only served to create a sense of dread and anxiety.
As Obafemi navigated the strict and unforgiving environment of his school, he couldn't help but wonder why his father had sent him to such a place. It seemed that no matter how hard he tried, he was always at risk of being punished for even the slightest infraction. The numerous rules and regulations, which seemed designed to trap him into making a mistake, left him feeling anxious and on edge.
"Why did Father send me to this place?" Obafemi lamented to himself. "It's as if they're just waiting for me to slip up so they can punish me. Can't they see that I'm trying my best?" He felt a pang of resentment towards his father, wondering if he had been sent to school simply to be disciplined and controlled. Little did he know, his father's decision was motivated by a desire to provide him with a better future, one that would be filled with opportunities and possibilities.
Obafemi's frustration and disappointment were palpable as he recounted his experience of being punished at school to his father and grandmother. However, instead of offering sympathy or consolation, they presented a united front, emphasizing the importance of discipline and the value of the lessons he was learning.
"What they are doing is good for you, Obafemi," his father said firmly. "Discipline is essential not only for the individual but also for society as a whole. When you break the rules, you must face the consequences. It's a fundamental principle that applies to everyone, regardless of age or status."
His grandmother nodded in agreement, adding, "Even in our community, those who commit crimes or violate the norms of society are held accountable and punished accordingly. It's a necessary aspect of maintaining social order and promoting responsible behavior."
Obafemi listened intently, beginning to understand the reasoning behind his family's stance. He realized that his parents and grandmother were not trying to be harsh or unsympathetic but rather to impart valuable life lessons that would benefit him in the long run. Though he still didn't enjoy the experience of being punished, he started to see the value in the discipline and structure that school provided.
Shopolu's eyes sparkled with a knowing glint as he posed the question to Obafemi, "Do you admire the teachers and the authority they possess?" Obafemi's response was immediate and sincere, "Yes, sir."
Shopolu nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "If you aspire to be like them, then you must be willing to undergo the same experiences that shaped them. They, too, once sat in a classroom, just like you. They faced punishment when they erred, and they dedicated themselves to their studies."
Shopolu's voice took on a note of reverence as he continued, "And now, society holds them in high esteem. People admire and respect them, not just for their knowledge, but for the discipline and perseverance they demonstrated in achieving their goals. In fact, many parents in our community want their children to emulate the success of these teachers and clerks, to reach the same heights of accomplishment and respect."
Obafemi's face lit up with a bright smile as he exclaimed, "I want to be like them, Father!" Shopolu's expression softened, and he nodded encouragingly. "All right, my son, strive to be like them. I will be incredibly proud of you if you achieve their level of success and respect."
However, despite his outward display of enthusiasm, Obafemi was secretly struggling with the strict discipline enforced by his teachers. He began to feel suffocated by the constant rules and regulations, and his initial desire to emulate his teachers started to wane.
As time passed, Obafemi's discontent grew, and he started to act out. He decided to play truant, skipping school and shirking his responsibilities. His carelessness extended to his schoolwork, and he began to lose his books and other essential materials.
To make matters worse, Obafemi's academic performance started to suffer. His grades plummeted, and he found himself struggling to keep up with his peers. Shopolu, who had been monitoring his son's progress, grew increasingly concerned. He sensed that something was amiss and wondered what could be causing his son's sudden decline.
Shopolu pondered the question, "How can I help this boy learn?" He realized that he needed to invest more time and effort into Obafemi's education. With a newfound determination, he decided to take a more hands-on approach.
Shopolu began to teach Obafemi how to read and write in Yoruba, starting with the basics. He worked closely with his son, guiding him through the lessons and providing encouragement along the way. To his delight, Obafemi proved to be a quick learner, rapidly mastering the first Yoruba primer and making impressive progress in the subsequent series.
As Obafemi's skills improved, Shopolu couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. "You see, it's not that difficult to learn if you set your mind to it," he said to Obafemi, beaming with pride.
Obafemi looked up at his father with a smile, his eyes shining with confidence. "No, I know it's not difficult, Daddy," he replied, his voice filled with a newfound assurance.
Shopolu's eyes locked onto Obafemi's, his expression serious and expectant. "Listen to me carefully, my son," he said, his voice low and urgent. "I want you to be the best in your class. I know it won't be easy, but I believe in you. You just need to work hard and focus on your studies. I'm confident that you can achieve this goal."
Obafemi nodded, determination etched on his face. He knew that his father's words were not just empty encouragement, but a challenge to strive for excellence.
However, the educational system in those days was far from ideal. Obafemi's school was severely understaffed, with a single teacher responsible for instructing around seven classes, comprising approximately seventy pupils. The teacher's task was daunting, to say the least.
To cope with this impossible workload, a makeshift method of imparting knowledge was devised. The teacher would often rely on the more advanced students to assist with teaching their peers, using a system of peer-to-peer instruction. Despite its limitations, this approach allowed the teacher to cover more ground and provide some level of education to the students.
The educational system in Obafemi's school was a far cry from the modern methods of teaching. Due to the acute shortage of teachers, a rather unorthodox approach was adopted. In the morning, the teacher would focus on instructing the senior classes, imparting knowledge and guiding them through their lessons.
In the afternoon, the roles were reversed. The senior pupils, who had received instruction in the morning, would take on the responsibility of teaching the junior classes. This peer-to-peer teaching method was a pragmatic solution to the shortage of teachers, but it also placed a significant burden on the senior pupils.
Furthermore, the teaching methodology employed in the school emphasized rote learning. Pupils were expected to commit vast amounts of information to memory, often without fully understanding the underlying concepts. To reinforce this learning, pupils were required to recite what they had learned loudly, a practice that was believed to aid retention and ensure that the information had been properly absorbed.
Thanks to his father's unwavering support and guidance, Obafemi began to excel in his studies. He consistently ranked as the top student in his class, a testament to his hard work and dedication. Shopolu was overjoyed by his son's progress, beaming with pride at every opportunity.
Shopolu continued to encourage Obafemi to strive for excellence, urging him to work even harder and push himself to new heights. He played a vital role in ensuring that Obafemi had everything he needed to succeed, paying his school fees on time and making sure he had all the necessary books and materials before the start of each term.
With his father's backing, Obafemi felt confident and motivated to continue achieving academic success. He knew that he could always count on his father's support and encouragement, and this knowledge gave him the strength and determination to keep pushing forward.
With his father's unwavering support, Obafemi had everything he needed to succeed, and he was determined to make the most of it.
In those days, school uniforms were not mandatory, and students wore whatever clothes they had. However, teachers were equipped with chalk, which they used to write on the blackboard. Obafemi, eager to practice his writing skills, asked his father to buy him some chalk. Shopolu happily obliged, and Obafemi was thrilled to have his own writing tools.
Like many enthusiastic students, Obafemi couldn't resist the urge to practice his newfound skills on any available surface. His father's walls soon became a canvas for his scribbles, as he wrote all sorts of words and phrases to demonstrate his knowledge.
One of the sentences he proudly wrote on the wall was: Obafemi's scribbles on the wall included the poignant adage: "To laugh at infirmity or deformity is enormity." Shopolu's eyes widened with approval as he read the sentence, and he took the opportunity to elaborate on its significance.
"My son," he began, "a person's infirmity or deformity is not something they have chosen for themselves. It is a circumstance beyond their control, a part of God's plan. And we must remember that we are all vulnerable to life's uncertainties. While we live, we never know what challenges or misfortunes may befall us."
Shopolu's words were laced with wisdom and compassion. "It is not only unwise but also sinful to mock or laugh at someone else's misfortune. We should instead strive to be empathetic and understanding, recognizing that we are all human beings, fragile and susceptible to life's ups and downs."
The adage and Shopolu's clarification offered a valuable lesson, not just for Obafemi, but for children and adults alike. It highlighted the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion, regardless of their circumstances.