By Tunde Adebayo
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
In a time when many choose to criticize from the sidelines, Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi has demonstrated that true leadership is defined by action and foresight. In the face of dwindling educational standards in Oyo State, particularly following the tenure of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Sanusi made a decisive move to bridge the widening gap in the state’s education sector by establishing the International College of Arts, Science, and Technology (ICAST).
A man with a clear vision for the future, Sanusi recognized that the falling rankings of Oyo State in national examinations such as the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) were not just statistics but a reflection of the declining quality of education that would ultimately impact the state’s development. Rather than joining the chorus of voices condemning the government for these poor performances, Sanusi opted for a proactive approach, focusing on creating a solution that would yield tangible, long-term benefits.
ICAST was conceived as more than just a school; it was envisioned as a beacon of educational excellence that would set a new standard for secondary education in Oyo State. With its state-of-the-art boarding facilities and modern teaching methods, ICAST was designed to offer students an environment conducive to learning, personal growth, and academic success.
Understanding the financial challenges that many families face, Sanusi made the bold decision to subsidize the fees for students enrolled at ICAST. In an era where schools of comparable standards charge between N3 million and N4 million per session, ICAST’s fees were set remarkably lower, between N200,000 and N300,000 per student. This decision was not merely a gesture of goodwill; it was a deliberate strategy to make quality education accessible to a broader segment of society, ensuring that financial constraints would not be a barrier to academic excellence.
The results speak for themselves. Since its establishment, ICAST has consistently recorded outstanding performance in national examinations, with a remarkable 95-98% of its students achieving excellent grades. This success has not only elevated the reputation of the school but has also contributed to a significant improvement in Oyo State’s overall examination ratings. The impact of ICAST has been so profound that it has become a model of educational reform, demonstrating that with the right vision and commitment, the standards of education in the state can be uplifted.
Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s efforts with ICAST have gone beyond merely establishing a school; he has created a legacy that underscores the importance of education in human development. His approach is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and strategic investment in the future of the youth. By making quality education accessible and affordable, Sanusi has not only bridged the gap in Oyo’s education sector but has also laid a foundation for a brighter future for the state.
In an era where educational disparities continue to widen across the country, the example set by Jubril Dotun Sanusi through ICAST is a clarion call for more leaders to take responsibility and create solutions that can uplift society as a whole. His work is a reminder that real change begins with a vision, followed by action, and sustained by a commitment to the greater good.
Through ICAST, Sanusi has not only empowered a generation of students to achieve academic excellence but has also provided a blueprint for how education can be leveraged to drive sustainable development. As Oyo State continues to climb in national educational rankings, the contribution of ICAST and the visionary behind it, Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi, will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the state’s educational history.
Tunde Adebayo writes from Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
