CRITICAL THINKING: A SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF THE BENEFITS OF THE AIYEKU FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP TO ME AS A MEDICAL STUDENT

Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal transformation, fostering progress, innovation, and leadership. However, in many developing countries like Nigeria, access to quality education remains an elusive dream for many due to high costs, limited infrastructure, and socioeconomic challenges. For students from underprivileged backgrounds, the costs associated with higher education can be prohibitive, and as a result, many promising students struggle to pursue their academic ambitions. I, Kolade Titus Fagbemigun, a 400-level medical student at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria, have been a beneficiary of financial support from the Aiyeku Foundation, which has allowed me to continue my medical education without the constant worry of financial burden. This scholarship provided significant financial relief and reaffirmed my sense of responsibility to give back to my community once I became a qualified medical doctor. In this essay, I will critically evaluate the impact of the Aiyeku Foundation’s scholarship on my life by examining it through the lens of Marcus Cicero’s timeless wisdom, addressing Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges, and discussing my commitment to contribute to my community in Igbodigo, Okitipupa, Ondo State.

Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman statesman, lawyer, philosopher, orator, was one of the most influential figures of his time. His observations on society, power, and responsibility continue to resonate today, even though they were made in 43 BC. Cicero’s analysis of the roles of various societal groups, such as the poor, the rich, the soldier, the taxpayer, the banker, the lawyer, and the politician, provides a clear and genuine understanding of the power dynamics that continue to exist in modern societies. His famous reflections on the societal pyramid reveal the nature of exploitation, where those at the top often thrive at the expense of those below them.

Cicero observed that the poor “work and work” while the rich “exploit the poor,” and the soldier “protects both.” The taxpayer, according to Cicero, “pays for all three,” while the banker “robs all four,” the lawyer “misleads all five,” and the politician “lives happily on account of all eight.” These words might have been written over two millennia ago, but they still bear striking relevance in today’s world, particularly in Nigerian society. The entrenched socioeconomic disparities Cicero described persist in contemporary Nigeria, where economic inequality remains pervasive, and one’s social class and financial background often dictate access to opportunities.

In Nigeria, people with low incomes continue to labor tirelessly, often engaging in low-paying jobs or menial work that provides little opportunity for upward mobility. Meanwhile, the wealthy have access to resources and connections that allow them to expand their wealth, often exploiting the people who work under them. This economic stratification creates a cycle of poverty, with many families unable to break free from the constraints imposed by their limited financial means. The cost of education, particularly in professional fields like medicine, reflects this inequality, as only a tiny fraction of the population can afford the tuition and expenses associated with higher education. My family, for example, faced significant financial challenges as they worked to support my medical education despite limited resources.

However, while Cicero’s reflections highlight the exploitation and manipulation that often occur within societal hierarchies, they also offer a glimpse of hope. Just as society can be shaped by those who exploit others for personal gain, it can also be shaped by individuals and organizations who dedicate themselves to helping others. In Nigeria, where the government’s capacity to support education is often limited, philanthropists like Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku and Chief Mrs. Janet Aiyeku exemplify individuals who use their resources to uplift others. The Aiyeku Foundation serves as a counterpoint to the exploitative systems Cicero described, providing opportunities for students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue their academic dreams without the overwhelming burden of financial hardship.

The scholarship I received from the Aiyeku Foundation has been nothing short of transformative. As a medical student, my journey has been intellectually rewarding and financially demanding. The cost of pursuing a degree in medicine is notoriously high, with tuition fees, textbooks, medical supplies, and other academic expenses placing significant strain on students and their families. For students from modest backgrounds, such as myself, these financial demands can create overwhelming stress and even threaten our educational aspirations.

Before receiving the scholarship, my family has always put in every possible effort to meet the costs of my medical education, with school fees totalling over one million naira per academic year,. My father, a retiree, and my mother, a primary school headteacher, were doing everything they could to support my dreams. Still, the expenses were stretching their financial resources to the limit. When I learned I had been selected as a recipient of the Aiyeku Foundation’s scholarship, I felt immense relief and gratitude. The scholarship, which amounted to 350,000 naira—the highest awarded to any recipient that year—covered a significant portion of my 300-level tuition fees. This support alleviated the financial pressure on my family and allowed me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of how we would manage to pay for my education.

The emotional and mental impact of this scholarship cannot be overstated. Financial stress can be debilitating, particularly in a field as demanding as medicine, where focus and dedication are essential for success. Before receiving the scholarship, I often found myself distracted by the uncertainty of how we would afford the next semester’s fees, which affected my ability to concentrate fully on my studies. The Aiyeku Foundation’s support lifted this burden from my shoulders, allowing me to devote my full attention to my education and clinical training. With this newfound sense of security, I was able to excel academically and immerse myself in the learning opportunities that medical school provides.

Philanthropy plays a crucial role in addressing societal inequalities, particularly in education. In Nigeria, where government funding for education is often insufficient and unevenly distributed, philanthropic organizations like the Aiyeku Foundation help to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for students who might otherwise be left behind. By offering scholarships to indigent students, the foundation alleviates immediate financial pressures and creates pathways for long-term success and social mobility.

The impact of philanthropy goes beyond the individual recipients of scholarships; it extends to the broader community and society as a whole. Education is a powerful tool for change, and by investing in the education of underprivileged students, philanthropists like Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku and Chief Mrs. Janet Aiyeku are contributing to developing Nigeria’s future leaders, professionals, and innovators. These students, in turn, will use their education to make meaningful contributions to society, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire nation.

Cicero’s reflections on the roles of bankers, lawyers, and politicians—who often prioritize personal gain over the public good—highlight the negative impact that certain professions can have when they exploit the vulnerabilities of others. However, philanthropy offers a different path, one rooted in compassion, generosity, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. The Aiyeku Foundation embodies these values, using its resources to uplift students like myself and invest in the future of Nigeria.

As a beneficiary of the Aiyeku Foundation’s generosity, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to pay this kindness forward. Hailing from Igbodigo, Okitipupa, in Ondo State—the same town as Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku—I am deeply connected to my roots and committed to using my education and skills to serve my community. Upon qualifying as a medical doctor, I plan to return to my hometown and contribute to developing healthcare services in Okitipupa and other underserved areas. The healthcare challenges in rural communities like mine are significant. Many people in these areas lack access to essential medical services, leading to preventable illnesses, suffering, and even death. I am determined to change this reality by providing free medical consultations, health screenings, and treatments to those who cannot afford them. In addition to offering direct medical care, I hope to work with other healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to improve healthcare infrastructure in these rural communities. By ensuring that quality medical care is accessible to all, regardless of their financial background, I aim to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of my community.

Furthermore, I am committed to mentoring young students from underprivileged backgrounds, particularly those who aspire to enter the medical field. I know firsthand the challenges they face, and I believe that they can overcome these obstacles and achieve their dreams with the right support and encouragement. By sharing my experiences, providing guidance, and offering mentorship, I hope to inspire and empower the next generation of medical professionals in Nigeria. This, in turn, will help create a network of healthcare providers dedicated to serving underserved communities and improving the nation’s overall health.

Reflecting on the profound impact that the Aiyeku Foundation has had on my life, I am filled with immense gratitude. I extend my deepest thanks to Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku and Chief Mrs. Janet Aiyeku for their generosity, thoughtfulness, and unwavering commitment to the education of underprivileged students. Their support has not only eased the financial burden on my family but has also renewed my belief in the power of community and the transformative potential of education.

I also pray that the Aiyeku Foundation continues to flourish in its mission of supporting students in need. May Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku and Chief Mrs. Janet Aiyeku be blessed abundantly for their selflessness and compassion. Their work is a shining example of what it means to give back to society, and I urge others to follow in their footsteps. Philanthropy is not limited to large donations; even small acts of kindness can make a world of difference in the lives of others. Whether through financial contributions, mentorship, or simply offering words of encouragement, we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, the scholarship I received from the Aiyeku Foundation has had a life-changing impact on my academic journey and personal development. It has provided me with the financial relief, emotional support, and motivation I needed to continue my studies and pursue my dream of becoming a medical doctor. Marcus Cicero’s ancient wisdom reminds us that while society may be structured in ways that perpetuate inequality, individuals always rise above these systems to help others. Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku and Chief Mrs. Janet Aiyeku are among those who are using their resources to empower students like myself and invest in the future of Nigeria.

As I advance in my studies and eventually into my medical career, I am committed to giving back to my community and contributing to developing healthcare in Nigeria. The Aiyeku Foundation’s generosity has not onlyanged my life but has inspired me to be a force for good in my community and beyond, carrying forward the values of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility. In this way, I hope to honor the foundation’s mission by ensuring that the opportunities they he given me are multiplied in the lives of others.

Kolade Titus Fagbemigun,

400L Medicine and Surgery Department,

University of Medical Sciences,

Ondo, Ondo State,

Nigeria.