Nigerian chess champion and Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya, has opened up about how his ambition to become a lawyer was discouraged during his secondary school years by teachers who promoted rigid academic stereotypes.
In a post shared on Thursday via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Onakoya recalled that his teachers strongly believed Science students were the most intelligent, while Arts students were often labelled as inferior. He said this mindset influenced important decisions about students’ academic paths, including his own.
According to Onakoya, he had a natural love for words, excelled in debates, and clearly envisioned a future in law. However, despite his interests and abilities, he was compelled to join the Science class because his teachers insisted it was the only option suitable for “bright” students.
Reflecting on the experience, he described it as one of his biggest regrets, noting that the choice was made for him before he was old enough to fully understand its long-term implications.
He explained that this practice was common in many Nigerian schools and may have altered the life paths of countless children who were denied the freedom to pursue their true passions.
Onakoya’s reflection has since sparked conversations about outdated educational stereotypes and the importance of allowing young people to explore careers aligned with their talents and interests.
