Mrs. Olaronke Rafiat Ola-Giwa (nee Olayiwola), a teacher at People’s Basic School I, Ibadan, clocks 50 today. Ronke Ola-Giwa, a deaconess at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), was born on March 13, 1971, she had her primary education at St. Teresa’s Primary School, Oke Ado Ibadan, and secondary education at Queen’s School, Apata, Ibadan (1983 – 1988). She later went to Seelphat Institution of Multi-Lingual Secretariat Cum Administrative Studies at Agbowo, opposite University of Ibadan to study Secretariat Science between 1990 – 1992. For her tertiary education, Olaronke attended Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo from 1993 – 1996 where she studied Secretarial Studies at NCE level. In her quest for more knowledge, she obtained a Bachelors Degree in Library and Information Studies at the University of Ibadan (2000 – 2005), and Masters Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies (2006 – 2008). She started her teaching career at Seventh Day Adventist School, Ibadan (2000 – 2005). She has also worked at People’s Basic School I (2006 – 2014), Sacred Heart Public School II (2014 – 2020) and she is presently at People’s Basic School I in Ibadan.
In an exclusive interview with GBENRO ADESINA, she shed light on her journey so far. Excerpt:
Q: At 50, how do you feel?
A: I feel great, cool and fulfilled. I am thankful to God for all He has done for me. I am fulfilled.
Q: How was life growing up?
A: Life growing up was full of ups and down. It was full of challenges but I thank God for uncommon blessing and His mercy over me.
Q: Did you set out to be a teacher?
A: No, I did not intend to be a teacher. I wanted to be a banker or a company Secretary but that changed when I did not get a job in that line. My brother – Alhaji Hakeem Olaide Olayiwola offered me a teaching appointment with the help of Rev. Fatoki at SUBEB in year 2000, which my husband was in full support of because he believed I will have more time for the family and fulfil my responsibilities as a wife and mother.
Q: You have a Masters Degree. Why are you teaching in Primary school?
A: Teaching in Primary school with Masters degree is due to the passion I have for the younger ones, that is the beginners. I believe in the saying: Catch them young. The foundation of the child is very important. If you will mould them from them early, our society will be a better place. I love training the children.
Q: What does it feel like teaching in public schools in Nigeria? What are the challenges you face?
A: I feel so great and fulfilled, although there are lots of challenges I faced and still facing in teaching. There are so numerous: lack of instructional materials, environmental problems, unfriendly government policy, parent not cooperating and lack of physical infrastructures. A lot of the times, the teachers have to go extra mile to provide these facilities by themselves if they really want to teach.
Q: What has been your experience with your pupils? How do you relate with them and how do they relate with you?
A: It has been a tremendous one. The children in all the schools I have taught are so loving and are always ready to learn and at times, they motivate me with their responses in class.
Q: We have spotted you dressed in school uniforms with your pupils, why do you do that?
A: Yes, it is true. Every school I am posted to, I always sew the school uniform. It is to identify with the pupils and to encourage the older ones among them that there is no age limit in academics. It has always helped in motivating them. A lot of them see me as a role model with that singular act. They aspire to be like me when they grow up (laughs…)
Q: What is your best and worst experience as a teacher?
A: I have had a lot of wonderful experiences. Most memorable ones are when I lead them on excursion to places like Agodi Gardens, Trans Amusement park and Zoological garden at the University of Ibadan. And also whenever we have practicals in class, they participate fully. But one of my worst experiences was when a pupil lied that I shaved his hair with razor blade and took the hair home and the parents hired hoodlums to come and attack me in the school but later realised it was all a cock and bull. They later apologised.
Q: What is your advice to teachers, pupils and the government?
A: My admonition to all teachers is to know that the way you lay your bed so you lie on it. It is a noble profession, so we should put in all our best and efforts to build a great and worthy nation. To the learners, no knowledge is a waste. The books in their hands today are worth millions and can take them to a greater height in future. With the book in their hands, they can fly in the sky, they can move on the sea and they can ask mountain to move. The government should ensure that teachers are comfortable, not only by paying their salary regularly, they can make loans available to all of them, build low cost estate accommodation for them, provide the teachers with opportunity of continuous training both home and abroad.
Q: What will you like to see changed in Nigeria’s educational system?
A: I will like to see a better structure to be put in place and competent hands at the top to see to the affairs of education.
Q: You buy books and other teaching aids for your pupils, why do you do that?
A: As I said earlier, most of these materials are not available in schools, so I do it just to encourage the less privileged ones and to make my work easier.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I love meeting people, talking, chatting and taking pictures, going to a social gatherings and also love to acquire more knowledge about everything around me.
Q: What are your aspirations for the next decade?
A: I will love to have an NGO catering for younger ones, the less privileged, and widows.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday Ronke