‎In just three years at the National Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman Alani, popularly known as L&K, has made unbeatable records in transforming the educational landscape of his constituency representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. L&K has sponsored 262 students across the three local governments on full scholarships into tertiary institutions such as the Federal College of Education, Iwo, and Thomas Adewumi University. His initiative, which has no precedent in the history of the constituency, has rekindled hope among indigent but brilliant students, setting a new standard for people-oriented representation.
‎In this exclusive interview with BEYOND AFRICA, Hon. L&K speaks on the motivation behind his scholarship scheme, the selection process, and his vision for the future of education in his constituency. Excerpt
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‎Can we know you, sir?
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‎Answer: I am Hon. Mudashiru Lukman Alani, popularly and politically known as L&K, the member representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.
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‎We’ve heard about your scholarship initiative through which you’ve sponsored students from your constituency to tertiary institutions like the Federal College of Education, Ahman Patigi University, and Thomas Adewumi University. What inspired you to embark on this project, which appears to be the first of its kind in your constituency?
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‎Answer: My reason is not far-fetched. While growing up, I was a very brilliant student particularly good in Mathematics. In fact, up to my tertiary education, no one among my peers has broken my record in that subject. However, despite my parents’ love for education, they could not afford to sponsor me through tertiary education. I spent several years at home before I could finally struggle on my own to further my studies. That experience motivated me deeply; I made up my mind that whenever I had the opportunity, I would assist brilliant but indigent students so that lack of funds would never stop them from achieving their dreams.
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‎Another reason is that, over time, I realized that our constituency has been backward in many aspects due to a lack of focus on education. My exposure made me understand that education is the key to advancement. I want to see people from my constituency contesting for positions like President, Governor, or Minister in the nearest future and that cannot happen without sound education.
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‎How did you select the beneficiaries of your scholarship scheme?
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‎Answer: To be honest, I do not know about 90% of these students personally. I deliberately structured the process to be fair and transparent. I appointed people of high integrity and educational background to serve as members of the Education Committee. They conducted qualifying examinations for applicants, and the successful candidates were selected strictly on merit, not on political affiliation or personal connections.
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‎What informed your choice of schools for the scholarship program?

‎Answer: Initially, the late proprietor of Ahman Patigi University was a senior colleague of mine at the National Assembly. When I conceived the scholarship idea, I discussed it with my education committee and directed them to visit the university for assessment. After confirming its credibility, I enrolled the first 75 students there on full scholarships. Unfortunately, after the proprietor’s demise, I received several complaints from the students about the school, which led me to withdraw all of them and relocate them to another institution even though I had already paid their full tuition.
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‎For the Federal College of Education, Iwo, my decision was motivated by my desire to support the growth of the newly established institution, given that I played a key role in its establishment. I enrolled 110 students in the first year and another 50 in the second.
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‎As for Thomas Adewumi University, it is a school of high academic standards. The 27 students I sponsored there have made me very proud, about 10 of them are currently on first-class grades. I also transferred the students I earlier enrolled at Ahman Patigi University to Thomas Adewumi and paid their fees afresh because I strongly believe that anything worth doing is worth doing well.
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‎How have the students performed so far, and do you think your education committee selected the right candidates?
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‎Answer: If you ask me what gives me the most joy as a member of the House of Representatives, it is this scholarship scheme. Seeing about 70% of the students doing excellently well in their academic pursuits gives me immense satisfaction. It reassures me that the selection committee did a great job in choosing truly deserving candidates.
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‎What are your expectations for these students after graduation?
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‎Answer: Even if you didn’t ask this question, I would have mentioned it. My expectation for these students is the same as what I expect from my biological children, to see them doing well and making a positive impact in society. I have never prayed to be a parent who depends on his children for survival in old age. Whatever they bring to me in the future should only be to bless their endeavors, not to sustain me. I’m a hardworking person; even as a Representative, I’ve not abandoned my personal business. So, my only desire is to see these young ones become successful professionals, leaders, and nation builders who will, in turn, uplift others.
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