Billionaire and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu has shared his educational experience with his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC days and photo.
Elumelu, who chairs Heirs Holdings and Transcorp, on Friday via a Facebook post said he did his service in Sokoto State and promised to stand out even in the midst of a storm.
The founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation said his grade, second class (lower division), what is referred to today as 2:2 did not stop him from getting a state job that was meant for those with first class and second class (first division) or 2:1.
Elumelu’s post reads in full…
Circa 1985.
I recall my Youth Service days in Sokoto, a young man, fresh out of school, enjoying the drinks we could afford (lol) and unsure about the next steps.
In my uncertainty, I was sure of one thing, I will stand out wherever I found myself, through hard work and resilience.
I had always admired the banking profession, for one, I loved that the guys in the profession were always impeccably dressed… suspenders were a huge thing then, and I wanted to look like them.
A few years later, after my Masters, I saw the application for graduates with a minimum of 2:1 in All States Trust Bank, this aligned with what I wanted for my life, but my 2:2 grade did not make me qualified, still, I applied, because I identified what I wanted in life and I was going to work towards it. I put in my application and said “Even though I do not meet these requirements if you give me the chance, I will prove myself”. I got this job and spent every day proving myself and earning my luck in the bank.
Do it afraid and do it unsure! To the young ones out there, especially those who just passed out of NYSC yesterday, this is my message to you. The world needs your courage.
