The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, is one of the most accomplished journalists in Nigeria.
But he recently embarked on a scholarly visit to China to attend a Seminar on National Governance for Presidential Advisers of Developing countries, holding in Beijing, China.
At the end of the seminar, he wrote:
‘I DON PASS O’ – By Femi Adesina
Eleven days ago, Eze went to school. And today, Eze has graduated.
Thank you all for the good wishes and counsel when I posted the pictures of my ‘adult education’ at the beginning of the Seminar on National Governance for Presidential Advisers of Developing countries, holding in Beijing, China. There was over 100 reactions. Most people advised me to face my studies, make sure my school uniform and sandals were always clean, and also ensure that I am like the Warri man, ‘wey no dey carry last.’
My friend, Emeka Oparah, of Ethelbert’s, was specific, urging me to ensure that I don’t come first from the bottom of the class.. So, to honour him on this my ‘graduation day,’ I decided to wear a shirt made for me by his clothing line.
Well, I am glad to report that ‘I don pass o.’ I was even chosen along the line to make a presentation on behalf of the class, which had delegates from 12 countries, drawn from four continents.
When we were small boys, in primary school, we had one song for those who failed at the end of term or session: “Iya mo paasi, eran lo fi kaadi mi je.’ Translated freely, it means, “My mother, I passed o. But a goat snatched my report card on the way, and ate it.” Lol. I have my report card, and won’t let any fictive goat snatch and devour it. My qualification is GGSCASS. I will explain the meaning in a bit, so that he who reads can understand.
I think each time I write my name now, I should list all my titles and qualifications, academic, secular, professional, and spiritual. At the end of the long list, you will then see GGSCASS, which means Graduate of Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Don’t you like it? And if anybody introduces me at any public event, and does not put my new title, I will just refuse to answer. Will simply stay planted in my chair, filled with self-righteous indignation. When he now corrects himself, I will then rise up majestically, with my shoulders hunched, as proud as a peacock. Not easy to go to school at old age o.
Meanwhile, I have a right to now sing: Holiday is coming, holiday is coming, no more morning bells, no more teacher’s call, goodbye teachers, goodbye students, while I go to spend, a jolly holiday…
See photos:
