By Tajudeen Balogun

It's very accurate and appropriate to start this piece with one of the Yoruba all-time deep and rich proverbial maxims - “Omo ajanaku ki ya ara, Omo ti eya ba bi, eya ni jo”. Summarily put: (a child is the replica of his/her parents).

Those who have one time or the other, passed through the former Rector of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, either as students, colleagues in office, associates in professional circle, or members of the Muslim communities, he had once superintendent, or still oversees, won't mince words in their response, upon being asked, that Tpl. Kadiri represents all that is positive.

The astute professional and erudite academia, is down-to-earth, blunt, diligent, highly resourceful, productive and to cap it all, a devoted Muslim personality and team player. Also, his unassuming nature and character is very inspirational and motivational.

It's for these indisputable facts that it's nothing unprecedented to see the younger Kadiris - breaking grounds and attaining success in all fronts, either in the professional practice or academic field.

Among many of Alhaji Kadiri’s outstanding wards, is his another replica, the young, energetic, vibrant and cerebral, Prof. Khadijah Kehinde Kadiri, the founder of “The Grassroot Aid Initiative” - a pet project and not profit - making organisation of the young and dynamic scholar.

Just like her father, Prof. Kadiri navigated through the tortous and rigorous trip of academics with focus, determination, resilience, endurance and perseverance - from the grass and finally to the crest!

It's definitely not in doubt that all the sacrifices she made in the past were not in vain! Her tertiary education journey started in MAPOLY, where she studied and obtained a National Diploma ND in Mass Communications.

Her crave for knowledge and academic excellence was certainly insatiable. On leaving MAPOLY, the triple ‘K’ scholar forged ahead in her adventure.

Today, Khadijah Kehinde Kadiri is a communications expert and teacher. She is an alumna, University of Lagos (B.Sc), University of Ghana (M.A), Pan-Atlantic University, University Utara, Malaysia (Ph.D) and a Professor of Mass Communications, specialising in “Health Communications” in University of Ilorin.

On one hand, Prof. Kadiri’s story is another milestone for her, as an individual and her family as whole. So, congratulations to KKK; also, our mentor, father, teacher and confidant - her father, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, as well as his ever supportive wife, our mother, Alhaja Fatima Kadiri on this enviable feat!

On the other hand, the academic journey of Prof. Kadiri is an open lesson to all graduates of Polytechnic, old, fresh and the undergraduates still in this stratum of Nigeria's higher education - that being a Polytechnic product or student is not, and can never be the end of one's academic exploits.

Instead, the facts be told that attaining a greater height or achieving a life dream is a matter of being conscious of the direction of where you're heading, focus with determination, growing and developing the zeal to trudge on, without hesitation.

Those who hit success don't pay attention to the deafening noise ravaging the market, rather, focus on their targets, until the goal set is achieved.

The Polytechnic students in Nigeria, despite not being found wanting, in some instances, regarding delivery in various fields, are regrettably faced with the challenges of trust, confidence by many employers of labour; disparity - evident in ranking, assigning of job responsibilities and fixing of workers’ remunerations.

KKK is not the first celebrated story of Polytechnic graduates advancing and excelling in their academics. In the past, MAPAMA has recorded a long list of equally thoughtful and motivational stories, among its members.

Surely, KKK and others who have risen to the same level, cannot be the last. In any case, there are several MAPOLY and other Polytechnic (HND or ND) graduates who have either finished or are still pursuing different degrees - Masters and Doctorates, in different courses of study, in different Universities, across the country.

Therefore, no one should limit the extent he could venture and fly to the peak of his/her career - professional, academic and business aspirations. Again, it's about focus and determination.

Once again, the MAPAMA National President, Prince Taofeek Oyeniyi, on behalf of the entire members, at home and in diaspora rejoice with, and congratulate our own, Prof. K. K. Kadiri on her gallant academic success, her inspiring parents and the entire Kadiri’s family. Wishing you more wins in life, our dear KKK!

 

Tajudeen Balogun, is the Head, MAPAMA Media and Publicity Committee.