Oborevwori: Accent On Scholarship -By Pius Mordi

Until his performance in far away China, Master Great Chinedu Okediachi was unknown to Nigerians. He is just 12 years old, not into showbiz or sports. But last week, he became N20 million rich. His story revolves around excellence in scholarship. He is a gold medal winner at the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China. He is a student of Madonna International College, Asaba. An elated Oborevwori could not hold back his delight. To him, it is proof that the state’s investments in education is worthwhile.

In an age and season where emerging the winner of Big Brother Naija show, and one is ongoing, is guaranteed over N160 million prize money, Oborevwori’s gesture is far louder and impactful than the sum given to Master Ikediachi. Among the younger generation, a dubious cliché inspired by the lifestyle of some in their generation who were living large, rap-speak and popular phrase that means living a rich, fancy, and very comfortable life has been trending. Education is a scam became a slang in some quarters. Some young ones, including those who are yet to finish tertiary education display so much wealth that unwary youths are tempted to buy into the faulty idea education is no longer the key to a life changing future. The perception was reinforced by the attitude of some political office holders who shortly after assumption of office begin demonstrating similar traits that the path to a better future lies in access to the public till.

That perception, wrong and dubious as it is, has gained currency amongst the younger generation. But the helmsman in Delta State is taking decisive steps not only to debunk it, but also change the narrative.

The sterling performance of Master Ikediachi is a validation of the state’s educational investments, national pride, and motivation for youth. It also shows that state funds going into education build a strong foundation, not just physical school buildings and encourages other young people in Delta State and across Nigeria to aim for global academic success.

In the BBN reality show that began a few days ago, up to N160 million is said to be up for grabs for the housemate that eventually emerges tops. That is a lot of money that could turn the head of youngsters. It is the sort of reward that fuels the notion that education is no longer the pathway to an assured future and certainly pays much less. Leaders are the greater culprits in failing to combat the narrative.

Why Oborevwori’s action holds greater significance is that in Delta State, as in the rest of the southern part of the country, education is still the greatest legacy and weapon parents arm their children with. The governor’s gesture aligns with the mindset of parents in the state and tells youngsters that contrary to what they may have been led to believe, education remains the path to a prosperous future.

“I believe this gesture will encourage our youths to be diligent and excel in their studies,” the Governor said, commending the parents, coach, and handlers of the youngster for their contributions to the victory. He insisted that education remains the most valuable legacy parents can give to their children.

Historically, young Nigerians have expressed frustration that reality television stars, musicians, and sports figures receive multi-million naira endorsements, while intellectual giants receive little to no recognition. By treating a global spelling bee victory with the same financial prestige typically reserved for entertainment, this gesture establishes a refreshing precedent for the youth.

It directly answers the long-standing youth demand to “make brains pay” by matching the financial scale of entertainment rewards. In an era where some youth succumb to the “school is a scam” mindset, this substantial monetary reward proves that rigorous studying can pave a path to wealth and honour.

It shows young scholars that they can travel the world—representing Nigeria on global stages like Shanghai, China—solely on the merit of their minds.

Nurtured at Madonna International School in Asaba, Okediachi’s success signals to everyday youth that world-class excellence is achievable within local Nigerian institutions

In the past five years, Delta State expanded the number of universities it funds to four after the pioneer Delta State University, Abraka. Now, there are universities in Asaba, Ozoro and Agbor. In addition to the seven model technical colleges across the state, Delta has set the stage for self sustainability in education for her younger generation.

Young students now see an attainable, celebrated hero in a 12-year-old peer, sparking a healthy academic rivalry in schools across the country.