Oghenekome Onokpise

Growing Up:: Tony Joins the System (Playaway Children) Oghenekome Onokpise

This book is about the importantrole family members play in the growth and developmentof a young man named Tony.¿ Theautobiographical treatise is set in Nigeria, West Africa.¿ Thecountry gained independence in 1960 and was eager to train young professionalsfor the country's rapid development.¿Thus, it became clear that a high quality education was the way togo.¿ Yet there were only a limited numberof places at the top secondary and postsecondary institutions.¿ Many ambitious young men including Tony,encouraged by their families worked very hard to acquire higher education thatwill enable them to become part of the middle class.¿ But each time Tony and people of hisgeneration were reminded that they had to join the system in order to be verysuccessful.¿ Even after traveling to Canadato obtain a Master's degree in his chosen profession, he was still constantlyreminded about his place in Nigeria.¿ His friend reminds him of what the system isall about. Tony enjoyed his service to thenation as a member of the National Youth Service Corps.¿ All the optimism generated by the service forclean and uncorrupted middle class, Tony's disappointment comes in the manymilitary coups that changed many of the initial goals set at independence in1960.¿ But Tony is resolved to succeedand shifts to where the potential is greatest for achieving his goals andmaking his parents happy.