NIGERIA: Happy Moment As Students Of Distinct Polytechnic Ekosin Surprises Lecturer With Gifts As ‘Best Lecturer’

By Munyal Manunyi

It was a beautiful moment of joy and laughter, last week Friday, when the students of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) department, ND 1 second semester of Distinct Polytechnic Ekosin, a private tertiary institution in Osun state, surprised their lecturer, Mr Orinya Paul Agbaji, with gift items for being the “best lecturer” in the school.

In a video which made rounds on the internet, the students were seen jubilating and giving accolades to their lecturer, while presenting him with different gifts.

When contacted, the lecturer told African Culture TV that the students took him totally unaware with these gift packages because he least expected them.

He said: “It was all their idea to surprise me, because according to them, they might not be around for my birthday in May, as they’ll be going for their SIWES and they needed to do something for me.”

Agbaji said the surprise packages met him in the lecture hall last week Friday, after he finished lecturing the students.

He said he had lectures with them from 12pm to 2pm, and towards the end of the class, he noticed the students giving each other eye contact.

“I didn’t really understand what was happening. I was too tired because I had been teaching from 7a.m and their class was the third I was taking.

“As I wanted to leave, they closed the door and started singing and coming out with gifts. Sincerely I was just doing my job and didn’t expect it. I’m passionate about teaching. To others, it’s just a job, but to me, it’s a calling. It’s more like that was what I was created for.

“I try my best to push them (the students) to do better and to make sure they work hard. I see them as my younger brothers and sisters, and I love them as such,” he said.

The lecturer also shared with African Culture TV, a message sent by one of the students in appreciation for his selfless dedication to the teaching profession.

The text read: “Dear sir. I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your insightful lectures and dedication to teaching. I cannot thank you enough for what you’ve done for our class. In the midst of this up and down, you still placed our learning and experience as a top priority. I’m amazed at your ability to do so.

“I particularly appreciated the way you explained (MTH 113) last semester, upon that, students do hate maths, yet almost everyone benefited from it. It was because of the way you handled the course effortlessly sir.

“You’re such a genius. I’m grateful for the knowledge and skills I’ve gained in your classes sir. Thank you for everything. I wish you all the good tidings in this life and hereafter. May the Lord’s mercy be with you now and forever.”

Meanwhile, from individual chats with some of the students of SLT, African Culture TV gathered that students hardly fail the lecturer’s courses.

One of the students, Olanipekun Deborah Olamiposi said: “Students rarely fail his course because he goes the extra mile to ensure everyone understands and passes with flying colors.

“Master Paul is dedicated to his students’ success, and he works tirelessly to ensure that everyone grasps the material and excels.

“The reason behind the celebration is that Master Paul is the best lecturer in Distinct Polytechnic. He is not just a lecturer, but also a brother to us. He teaches morals, and advises us like his younger ones. He is nice, kind and intelligent.”

The student went ahead to highlight that:

“He is the best among all, that is why we need to show appreciation to him by celebrating him. He deserves the celebration. Once again he is the best. Celebrating Master Paul is the best way to show appreciation for his dedication and hard work.”

Another student, Fasola Opeyemi, explained that she never liked mathematics, but because of Agbaji, she started liking the course.

In her words: “I used to be a student that doesn’t like anything related to mathematics, but this man made me love it because he’s always ready to explain over and again with the simplest method.

“I’d like to say this; he’s making great impacts in students’ lives. He’s one of a kind. My best lecture so far. He’s selfless, caring, determined and focus driven. He’s a man of his words. He treats his students like his siblings and his teaching is top notch.

“Due to his wonderful impact in our department and the school as a whole, my fellow students and I came up with an idea of surprising him after the class and we’re glad we were able to put a genuine smile on his face.

“Only students who are not always in class, disobedient or not attentive will fail his course.”

Opeyemi explained that although the gifts (which they bought individually) were not expensive, it meant so much to them seeing that it put a smile on their lecturer’s face. “And thank God it was a success,” she noted.

Agbaji’s resilience as a lecturer is a testament to hard work and dedication, an example other lecturers across the country are encouraged to emulate.

According to the lecturer, despite the workload of lecturing multiple courses (about 12 to 14) from the departments of SLT, Electrical Electronics Engineering and Business Management, for students of ND 1, ND 2, HND 1, HND, he still find time to give his best to his students, ensuring they learn well.

Agbaji said he lectures courses like Logic and Linear Algebra, Calculus, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Electrical Power, Electrical Machines, and Biochemistry.

Others are: Business Mathematics and Business Statistics for Accountancy and Business Administration and Management department

He attributed his success as a lecturer to his brother, Dr Agbaji Orinya, a veterinary doctor living in Abuja.

In a WhatsApp message sent to Orinya, he said: “Thank you so much for making me who I am today. People look at me and wonder why I’m different. Little do they know that I have the best elder brother anyone could ever ask.”