HOW AWOLOWO’S FREE EDUCATION CHANGED MY LIFE – 80-YEAR-OLD EX-JAMB SPOKESMAN

Elderly statesman shares inspiring journey from humble beginnings to national prominence

An 80-year-old former spokesman of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Dr. Fabian Benjamin, has opened up about his humble beginnings, attributing his success to the visionary free education policy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The octogenarian recounted how the revolutionary educational program implemented in the defunct Western Region served as a lifeline for children from poor backgrounds, providing them with access to schooling they otherwise could never have afforded.

According to him, growing up in a financially disadvantaged household meant that formal education would have been an impossible dream if not for the deliberate policy that made primary and secondary learning accessible to all.

Reflecting on his career trajectory, the former JAMB official noted that education acted as the ultimate equalizer, lifting him out of poverty and empowering him to serve the nation at a high level.

He praised the enduring legacy of Chief Awolowo, emphasizing that visionary leadership anchored on human capital development remains the most powerful tool for national transformation and social mobility.

The moving testimony has drawn widespread admiration from readers and history enthusiasts, sparking fresh conversations about the current state of the educational sector and the urgent need for impactful public policies.

The elder statesman urged contemporary leaders to emulate past heroes by prioritizing qualitative and accessible education for every Nigerian child, ensuring that future generations can also overcome socioeconomic barriers.