24/10/2025
THE POWER OF WORDS.......
Years back, while in the University, I went to check my 200L results in the office of my level adviser. My level adviser shares his office with another lecturer in the department.
I remembered that day like yesterday, I went in with a course mate. Unfortunately for both of us, our CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) was at one point something. You will agree with me that it was low for any course not to talk of Engineering. My level adviser was being diplomatic as he was trying to rebuke and encourage us at the same time. This lecturer from nowhere, just jumped into the discussion, looked at both of us and said we had family problems. He went on to say we were not serious with our studies bla bla bla....
Maybe I may have my own issues but I could vouch for my course mate because I knew how brilliant he was. This was someone who used to correct 400L students that were taking us tutorials during Remedial ( Pre-degree course). What went wrong with him, I may not be able to say but the lecturer's approach was so wrong.
Recently, I saw the said lecturer on Facebook as people I may know. Immediately I saw his picture, that incident came to mind. Then I asked myself, even if I send him a friend's request, wetin we wan dey talk sef?
Educators and other child handlers need to be very careful of our use of words to children. It stays in their memories for a long time. If not well handled, it can affect their self-esteem for life.
Please be mindful of your words. Are your words soothing or do they harm others?
Check yourself!
PHOTO CREDIT: Yours truly, 18 years after my lecturer said I was not serious.
I didn't have any family problems after all. Na me no understand myself 😄