The Rotary Club of Ibadan Bodija Estate has organised a career talk and donated exercise books to students of Command Secondary School, Odogbo Military Barracks, Ibadan, as part of its efforts to promote basic education, literacy and youth development.
The programme, held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the school hall, attracted more than 260 Senior Secondary School students who participated actively in the career guidance programme and interactive session.
The initiative was organised in line with Rotary International’s September focus on Basic Education and Literacy, with the club using the occasion to encourage students to take their education seriously, develop positive character and prepare themselves for future careers.
Speaking at the event, President of the Rotary Club of Ibadan Bodija Estate, Rotarian Anya Chukwu, said the programme was part of the club’s commitment to supporting education and empowering young people to become responsible and productive members of society.
Chukwu explained that Rotary International was a global humanitarian organisation committed to making positive contributions to communities through projects in areas including education, healthcare, peace-building and humanitarian services.
He also used the occasion to educate the students on Rotary International’s activities, particularly its contribution to the global campaign to eradicate polio, as well as its humanitarian interventions around the world.
He urged the students to take their studies seriously, keep learning and develop themselves academically.
“Keep learning and continue to develop yourselves academically. What you learn today will contribute significantly to the kind of future you will have tomorrow,” he told the students.
Chukwu encouraged them to remain focused on their studies and develop the discipline and determination required to achieve their ambitions.
Olabiran urges students to shun peer pressure
The President-Elect of the club, Rotarian Olalere Olabiran, challenged the students to uphold honesty, obedience and respect for their parents and teachers.
Olabiran told the students that the transition from secondary school to university would bring greater independence and responsibility, stressing that the values they acquired at home and in school would continue to guide them when they eventually leave their parents’ homes.
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He said, “Very soon, you will have to face the four walls of the university. You will leave your parents’ homes and begin to make many decisions on your own. What you have learnt at home and in school will help you at that stage of your life.”
He advised the students to be careful about the company they keep and resist peer pressure that could negatively influence their decisions and future.
Olabiran urged them to listen to good advice, respect their parents and teachers and remain disciplined as they pursue their educational and career goals.
Ofole highlights opportunities in emerging careers
The guest lecturer, Associate Professor Ndidi Ofole of the University of Ibadan, challenged the students to prepare themselves adequately for the changing world of work and remain open to learning throughout their lives.
Speaking during the career talk, Ofole said passion, personal strengths and courage were among the factors that should guide students when making career choices.
She encouraged the students to identify their interests and abilities while also paying attention to emerging opportunities in the modern economy.
According to her, students should not restrict themselves to only traditional career paths but should explore new areas of study and professions that are becoming increasingly relevant in today’s world.
She specifically drew their attention to fields such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, computer science and information technology, urging them to consider courses and careers that align with their passion while also offering opportunities in the evolving global economy.
“Passion, strength and courage help to determine your choice of career,” she said.
Ofole, however, cautioned that career choice should not be based solely on the popularity of a particular course or profession.
She stressed that academic excellence alone was not enough to guarantee success in life, saying students must also develop good character, maintain a positive reputation, cultivate discipline and be prepared to work hard with determination.
“Being academically sound is not the only ingredient for success. You must also build good character and a good reputation, and you must be ready to work hard with full determination to succeed in life, whatever field you choose,” she said.
She further urged the students to remain law-abiding, listen to good advice and strive to become useful members of their families and communities.
Students commend career talk
The students expressed appreciation for the programme, with some of them saying they had benefited immensely from the career talk.
They said the interaction with the speakers had exposed them to career opportunities they previously knew little about and helped them understand the importance of combining academic excellence with good character, discipline and hard work.
The interactive session also gave the students an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on career choices, university education, emerging professions and the challenges they could encounter as they progress in their academic journey.
The students’ active participation throughout the programme demonstrated their interest in the issues discussed and their desire to gain more knowledge about opportunities available to them.
School appreciates Rotary Club
The school authorities expressed appreciation to the Rotary Club of Ibadan Bodija Estate for organising the programme and donating exercise books to the students.
The school thanked the organisers for investing their time and resources in the students and for exposing them to useful information that could assist them in making informed decisions about their education and future careers.
The exercise books donated by the Rotary Club were also presented to the students as part of the club’s support for basic education and literacy.
The gesture was aimed at complementing the career guidance programme with practical educational support for the students.
Rotary reaffirms commitment to education
Present at the event was the Chartered President of the Rotary Club of Ibadan Bodija Estate, Rotarian Kayode Odeleye, alongside members of the club and representatives of the school.
The event ended with renewed calls for the students to remain focused on their education, make responsible choices, develop good character and prepare themselves for a future in which they can contribute meaningfully to society.
The Rotary Club of Ibadan Bodija Estate said the initiative formed part of its commitment to promoting education, literacy and youth development, while providing young people with the knowledge and encouragement needed to make informed decisions about their academic and career futures.
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