Diary of a woman’s journey through Nigeria’s Education system

Title: Thorns of Success: Reminiscences of an Educationist
Author: Lami Amodu, PhD
Publisher: Bloom Media Network Ltd
Year: 2019
Pages: 268
Reviewer: Theophilus Abbah, PhD

Introduction

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Thorns of Success: Reminiscences of an Educationist is the autobiography of Dr. Lami Amodu, who served in Nigeria’s civil service for thirty-three years, from 1986 to 2019. Throughout her career, she played a critical role in shaping educational policies and implementing strategies that significantly influenced Nigeria’s Basic Education system. Upon retiring at the mandatory age of 60, she had become a symbol of dedication to the country’s educational development.

Dr. Amodu’s autobiography is a powerful account of a woman whose courage, enthusiasm, determination, and faith helped transform Nigeria’s education sector. The book is structured chronologically, providing insights into her birth, family background, early education, marriage, and her determination to overcome cultural limitations to pursue higher education. Her journey resonates with the biblical principle: “Nothing shall be impossible to them that believe”, reflecting her resilience against formidable challenges.

The first six chapters, of the 18-chapter book, offer a glimpse into her upbringing in a traditional African setting, where the education of female children was often discouraged. Girls were expected to attain secondary education before transitioning into family life. Young Lami, however, defied these societal expectations by pursuing tertiary education at the University of Lagos while managing the responsibilities of motherhood.

Career in the Civil Service

Dr. Amodu joined the Ministry of Education in 1986 and was immediately assigned to a challenging role—Popularization of Technology and Science—a precursor to the expansion of science education in Nigeria. She worked alongside esteemed scholars such as Professor Grace Alele-Williams and Professor Peter Okebukola to develop foundational policy documents, formulate curricula for science education, and facilitate the establishment of JETS Clubs in secondary schools across the country.

Her contributions went far beyond science education. Thorns of Success provides in-depth details about her involvement in developing primary education curricula, implementing home-grown school feeding programs, spearheading Universal Basic Education (UBE) projects, and reviving the Federal Inspectorate Services, which later evolved into the Quality Assurance framework. As principal of three federal secondary schools, she played a pivotal role in secondary education reforms.

One of her significant contributions was leading the committee responsible for improving teachers’ welfare, which resulted in the introduction of a special salary scale and allowances, as well as the extension of the retirement age to 65 for educators in the basic education sector.

Challenges and Controversies

Dr. Amodu’s tenure as Principal of Queen’s College, Lagos (2015–2017) was marked by intense challenges, including conspiracies, misinformation, and political intrigues. Media coverage, both traditional and social, fueled misinformation about her administration, leaving her unable to publicly counter these narratives due to civil service regulations. However, Thorns of Success provides documentary evidence of how investigations conducted by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Senate Committee on Education vindicated her.

Her autobiography also sheds light on the broader struggles of secondary school administrators in Nigeria, advocating for systemic reforms to reduce undue pressures on principals. In reflecting on her experiences, she writes:

“In spite of the turbulent moments, my contributions to the college were recognized by several bodies…God delivered me from the fowler’s snare and prepared for me a table in the presence of my enemies. If not for God, some Old Girls were all out to ruin my career, which they themselves admitted as rich and fascinating.” (p.211)

Lessons from the Civil Service

For civil servants, Thorns of Success serves as an insightful exposé on the politics of governance. Despite its noble objectives, the civil service is often tainted by internal intrigues and corruption, leading to the truncation of promising careers. Many hardworking professionals face manipulations that prevent them from making lasting contributions to national development.

Dr. Amodu uses a storytelling approach to communicate valuable lessons about the civil service. Her eloquent prose, rich with literary and creative writing techniques, ensures that even complex administrative and educational policies are engagingly discussed. Rather than overwhelming readers with bureaucratic jargon, she delivers an accessible narrative that keeps them turning pages.

Conclusion

The Nigerian civil service, rooted in British administrative traditions, serves as the backbone of governance and policy formulation. Dr. Amodu’s autobiography portrays the civil service as both a platform for national development and a battleground of bureaucratic challenges. Thorns of Success is an inspiring account of a woman’s journey through the education sector, demonstrating resilience, leadership, and integrity.

This book is a must-read for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of Nigeria’s educational system and civil service.