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ENGLISH ESSAY WRITING:

(VERSION I)

(1)

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ 21 Belewa Estate,
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ Ijegun, Lagos State.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ 28th June, 2015.

Dearest Clint,

As I sit here with pen in hand, memories flood my mind. The memories of our childhood dreams under the mango tree, of the ambitious plans we sketched in the dust with sticks, of the countless times we encouraged each other through life’s challenges. That’s why Femi’s news about you considering dropping out of school hit me like a physical blow. I have spent three sleepless nights wrestling with what to say, how to make you see what I see when I look at you, not just the friend who shares my jokes, but the brilliant mind that could change our community.

Let me take you back to Mr. Adebayo’s physics class in SS2. Remember how you were the only one who could explain electrical circuits in a way even the weakest students understood? That’s when I realized you have a rare gift, the ability to simplify complex concepts, to make knowledge accessible. This world desperately needs teachers like you, Chuka. But first, you need to complete your own education. I have watched multinational companies recruit from our university, offering salaries that could lift your entire family out of poverty within months. Without that certificate, those doors remain firmly shut.

I know the financial strain must feel unbearable right now. Last week, I visited your mother at the market and saw how she now sits in the scorching sun all day because she can’t afford the shaded stall anymore. When I offered to help carry her goods, I felt how much lighter her load has become, not because she’s selling more, but because she’s eating less to save for your school fees. Your father’s hands, once so steady when fixing our bicycles, now tremble from exhaustion after working double shifts at the factory. They’re pouring their very lives into your education, not because they expect immediate returns, but because they believe in the man you are becoming.

Remember our cousin Emeka who dropped out in 2019? He swore he’d start a business and show everyone. Last month, I found him at the motor park, unrecognizably aged, begging to carry luggage for fifty naira a trip. The shame in his eyes when he saw me haunts me still. He whispered, “Tell Chuka to stay in school, pride won’t feed him.” The painful truth is that without education, the world gives you heavy burdens to carry instead of opportunities to create.

But what gives me hope is that this isn’t just about avoiding failure, it’s about claiming the extraordinary future meant for you. That scholarship application we worked on last semester? The committee reached out to me last week, they were impressed by your essay and want to reconsider if you maintain your grades this term. The engineering department is starting a mentorship program with Shell Petroleum, and Professor Okon mentioned your name specifically. Opportunities are circling, my brother, we just need to keep you in position to catch them.

I have arranged with three other friends to contribute part of our allowance each month to support you. We are not rich, but we believe in you too much to watch you drown. Mr. Bello at the computer center has offered you a part-time assistant position that won’t interfere with classes. These lifelines exist because people see your light, even when clouds make it hard for you to see it yourself.

When we were boys, you once carried me two kilometers on your back when I broke my ankle playing football. Now it is my turn to carry you, if only with words and whatever small help we can muster. Your current struggles aren’t signs to quit, they are the birth pangs of the greatness being formed in you. That certificate isn’t just paper – it’s armor against a world that fights hard to keep people like us down.

I will be home next weekend. Let’s sit under our mango tree again and make new plans, proper ones, with your graduation as the foundation. Until then, know that however dark the night, morning always comes. And when your morning comes, as it surely will, you’ll look back at this moment and whisper, “Thank God I didn’t quit.”

(VERSION II)

(1)
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ 41 Davidson Street,
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ Ikeja, Lagos State.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ 28th June, 2025.

Dear Akin,
I hope this letter meets you in good health and high spirits. I was deeply surprised and concerned when I heard from Ade that you intend to drop out of school. My first reaction was disbelief, but when I realized it was true, I felt compelled to write you this letter as your friend who truly cares about your future.

Akin, I know life can be tough and sometimes we feel overwhelmed, but dropping out of school is not the solution. I want to share with you five solid reasons why I strongly believe you should stay in school.

Firstly, education is the key to a better future. Without it, your options in life become very limited. School equips you with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to survive and thrive in today’s world. Whether you want to be a doctor, engineer, lawyer, teacher, or even a businessman, education is the foundation upon which you can build those dreams. Without completing school, those dreams may remain unfulfilled.

Secondly, staying in school improves your chances of getting a good job. In Nigeria today, most reputable companies and organizations require at least a secondary school certificate before considering anyone for employment. Even for self-employment or starting a business, school teaches important life skills such as communication, critical thinking, and financial literacy which are essential for success.

Thirdly, education helps you gain respect and recognition in society. People who are educated are more likely to be respected and listened to, both in their families and in the community. With education, you can influence others positively and become a role model to your younger siblings and other children in the neighbourhood.

Another important reason is that school is a place where you build lasting relationships. The friends you make in school can become valuable contacts in the future. Some may help you with job opportunities, business partnerships, or even personal support in times of need. Imagine how much you will miss out on if you quit now and lose those connections.

Finally, staying in school gives you a chance to discover your talents and interests. Through various school activities like debates, sports, writing, or science exhibitions, you may discover what you’re truly good at and develop it into a lifelong passion or career. Dropping out of school will rob you of this opportunity to grow and explore.

Akin, I understand that you may be going through financial or emotional stress, but I want you to know that you’re not alone. You can always talk to your teachers, parents, or even friends like me. There are also scholarships, grants, and support programs available in many schools. Giving up now will only bring temporary relief but lasting regrets.

Please, my dear friend, I urge you with all sincerity, don’t throw away your future. Stay strong and hold on. Remember, many great Nigerians we admire today faced challenges too but stayed in school and came out victorious. You can do it too.

I believe in you, Akin. I know you’re destined for greatness. Don’t let this rough patch stop you. I look forward to hearing good news from you soon.

(VERSION III)

(1)
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ 23 John Wale Street,
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ Okota, Lagos State.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ 28th June, 2025.

Dear Musa,

I greet you warmly and hope you are keeping well. It came as a big shock to me when I heard that you are planning to drop out of school. I could hardly believe my ears because I know how serious and intelligent you are. That is why I decided to write you this letter, not to judge you, but to advise you as a good friend who truly cares about your future.

Musa, no matter what the situation may be, dropping out of school is not the way forward. I want to share with you five strong reasons why you should reconsider your decision and stay in school.

First of all, education is a powerful tool for success. No matter how poor a person is, if he is educated, he has the potential to rise in life. School prepares you for opportunities that can change your life forever. In Nigeria today, having good education can open doors to jobs, scholarships, and even international opportunities.

Furthermore, education gives you the knowledge and confidence to face the world. It sharpens your thinking and helps you understand how to solve problems and make wise decisions. You cannot compare someone who went to school with someone who did not. The level of understanding is very different. Staying in school will help you think smarter and plan better for your future.

Additionally, I want you to consider your family. You are the hope of your parents, especially your mother who always prays for your success. If you drop out now, it will break her heart. Completing your education will make your parents proud and give them joy, especially after all the sacrifices they’ve made to keep you in school so far.

Another important thing is that education is a lifelong investment. Whatever you learn today will remain with you forever. If you stop now, you may regret it later in life when your mates are graduating or getting employed in good places. You don’t want to be left behind or feel inferior in future because of a decision you made in haste.

Lastly, being in school gives you structure and purpose. It keeps you busy and focused, away from negative habits and bad influence. Most youths who drop out of school often fall into wrong company, d***s, or crime. But staying in school surrounds you with positive people and encourages discipline and growth.

Musa, I understand that things may be hard at the moment. Maybe you are tired, or you are facing financial stress. But believe me, there is always a way out. Speak to your teachers, your principal, or any trusted adult. I believe help will come. You can even work during holidays to support yourself, but don’t give up on education.

Please, take this advice from my heart. The future is bright for you, but you must stay in school to achieve it. I am confident that you will make the right choice.

OBJECTIVES