Pastor Emmanuel Alabi, a former spokesman of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, has credited the free education programme introduced by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1955 with transforming his life.
Alabi, who recently marked his 80th birthday, recalled growing up in rural Okeho, Oyo State, in an environment without electricity, pipe-borne water or tarred roads.
He said he was among the few children in his community who had the opportunity to receive Western education because of the free education policy introduced in the then Western Region.
According to him, the opportunity shaped his subsequent career in journalism, public relations, education administration and Christian ministry.
Alabi studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and graduated in 1972. He later worked with NBC-TV, now NTA, before serving as a public relations officer with the Nigerian Produce Marketing Company and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
In May 1981, he joined JAMB as Principal Assistant Registrar, Information, Publications and Statistics. He later became Director of Admissions before voluntarily retiring in July 2006.
Reflecting on his years at JAMB, Alabi said he was nicknamed “Baba JAMB” by colleagues and “Mr Cut-Off Point” by education reporters because of his role in communicating with applicants and the public.
He said his greatest fulfilment was helping applicants navigate the admission process and witnessing many of them eventually become professionals.
Alabi said the values of discipline, perseverance, service and faith acquired during his early education continued to guide him throughout his life.
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