Your brother is about to enter secondary school. Write a letter to him, stating at least three problems he is likely to face in school and suggesting way s of solving them.

How are you and the people at home? I hope everything is rosy. The news has got to me that you have been offered admission to Opu Model College. Congratulations. I really rejoice with you over your brilliant performance in the entrance examination to the famous college which has been the exclusive preserve of only the exceptionally brilliant students. Once more, accept my appreciation.

I would seize this opportunity to intimate you of the possible problems that you may encounter in the college. First of all, you need to know that you have to be up and doing as regards you academics. Since you are aware that Opu Model College (OMC) boasts of the best brains in our state, you must work extra hard to make a positive mark amidst your mates. This feat requires burning the night candle always.

Furthermore, bullies are very many in OMC. SO expect their unpleasant treatment of new students in the school. They will surely attempt to snuff life out of you through their endless punishment and errands they will send you. You dare not disobey any of their orders!

Moreover, the financial requirements of being boarder are greater than those of a day-student. As you know that our mother who is now the breadwinner of the family may not be able to cope with the huge bills you are likely to be given. I therefore appeal to you to guard you loins and be prepared to do some menial jobs which could augment whatever she gives you.

Another problem you may face in OMC is frequent rioting of students. There is hardly any term that students of this college don’t go on one form of demonstration or rioting or another. This at times leads to occasional closure of the college or the disruption of their academic programmes. At the end of the day, a whole session may be lost to the riots and demonstrations thereby causing students to lag behind in their academic pursuits.

Dele, the only way to overcome this problem is to always pray to God for his intervention so that the six years you are to spend in the college will be crisis-free.

May God help you. I will be with you next week. Do not join bad gangs. Instead, I want you to regularly attend the activities of the students’ fellowship union.