The Ilorin Emirate Students Union (National Headquarters) has launched a series of career talks and mentorship sessions for senior secondary school students across more than 100 summer classes in the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the Ilorin Emirate.
The initiative will involve 20 first-class graduates from various fields who will share their experiences and provide guidance to the students.
In a statement signed by the Union’s National President, Sheikh Nurul-Akeem Raji Akorede, the student body stated that the event aims to expose students to career opportunities while instilling important societal values. The program, which covers the LGAs of Ilorin East, Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Asa, and Moro, is designed to shape young minds for both academic success and their future roles as responsible and value-driven members of society.
Nurul-Akeem also revealed that the Saliu Mustapha Foundation, a non-governmental organization founded by Senator Saliu Mustapha, is providing essential support for the project. Senator Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District, has been a strong advocate for youth empowerment and education. The Foundation, known for its community development efforts, plays a crucial role in the program’s success.
“The ‘Summer Lessons Catch Them Young’ initiative will provide participants with mentorship from Ilorin’s top scholars and professionals—first-class graduates in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and the social sciences. These mentors will share their academic journeys and emphasize the perseverance, discipline, and dedication needed to excel,” he stated.
The career talks will cover a wide range of topics, including career choices, personal development, and goal setting. Students will also receive guidance on how to overcome academic and professional challenges while maintaining strong ethical values.
Educational consultant to the student body, Hajia Fatimoh Dikko, highlighted the long-term benefits of early mentorship for students.
“This is a chance to shape our community’s future. By introducing these students to role models who have achieved success in their respective fields, we’re not only inspiring them but also offering them a roadmap for their own success,” she said.
For Senator Saliu Mustapha, the project aligns with his commitment to supporting the Kwara State Government’s efforts to foster sustainable development through education.
In his remarks, Barrister Alabi Abdulkareem, an aide to Senator Mustapha, emphasized that “the future of our community rests in the hands of these young individuals. By investing in their development, we are ensuring the prosperity of Kwara and Nigeria as a whole.”
