Meet Malik Jubril Olalekan, A Teacher, Writer, Minister And More
TODAY on SUI, our guest is a multifaceted individual who wears many hats: teacher, writer, minister, and coordinator of the Creative Writers’ Association of Nigeria (CWAN) Lagos State Chapter. With a passion for imparting knowledge and reforming society through his work, his journey is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work.
Question:
Please, can you briefly tell us about yourself?
Answer:
I’m Malik Jubril Olalekan (Lekan Malik). I’m the first child of my parents. I am from Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State. I’m a Christian, married with two kids. I’m a teacher serving under Oyo State Teaching Service Commission. I am also a writer.
Question:
You have been an active member and State chapter (Lagos) coordinator of CWAN, a minister, number one figure at the Citadel of Literature, please, can you give us brief challenges, success etc. trying to couple it with your career, family etc.?
Answer:
Well, let me just say that I am coat of many colors. And these colors are beautiful. Being a writer, teacher and minister of God are simply the actualizations of my dreams. Looking at these three areas of my life, they work synchronously. Every delivery comes from the heart for the building and benefits of humanity. What I’m trying to say is, every individual that is one of these is meant to impart, reform, reshape, build, educate, inform and preserve the world. It’s been a great adventure for me. And I glorify the Almighty God. It’s been going wonderfully well. At least, I have students who are now published authors, and I’m acknowledged in every of their literary works. All of these are tremendously elating.
Though, my quiet time to ruminate and brainstorm either spiritually or literarily are often done at home, and being a husband and father, my home must be put in place. So, other aspects of life will be put aside to attend to my family and then go back to the former for justification and balancing.
Question:
Can you share a brief overview of your journey as a teacher and writer, highlighting your areas of expertise and interests?
Answer:
Actually, my intent was initially not on the teaching profession. Being a barrister at law was my childhood dream but this was not just God’s plan for me. Even my dad didn’t really like the fact that I turned out to be a teacher. We both discussed law. But here I am today. I am a registered teacher that has also undergone the professional examination for teachers, (TRCN) Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
Since I left secondary school, I so much desired to always see my pen dancing on any available paper, scribbling anything that was in my mind. I started with the writing of quotes. My dad was my reviewer. Later, Citadel of the Literati came to existence when I was in year three at the Lagos State University, LASU. The publication of ‘It Happened that Night and other Stories’ in 2012 was my debut. Now, Citadel of the Literati is a name functioning as a publishing firm and tutorial center in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Question:
What was a defining moment in your life that set you on your current path, and how did it shape your career and writing?
Answer:
The actualization and realization of of my first book was an unforgettable experience. Its birth paved way for me to start seeing myself just the way I’m now, literarily. A proprietor of a prominent secondary school in Ikorodu, Lagos State, instantaneously wanted me to be a teacher in his school after he caught of glimpse of a copy of my book. Funnily, I was once a pupil of this school.
At present, colleagues and students enjoy drinking from my reservoir of writing.
Question:
How did your upbringing and background influence your values, interests, and career choices?
Answer:
Honestly speaking, I am a proud product of my home. My background has really shaped me positively. Who I am today is as a result of the orchestration and configuration in my upbringing.
Question:
What was the most significant challenge you faced in your career or writing journey, and how did you overcome it?
Answer:
My dad’s death in October 2023 was so demoralizing. It affected my writing career and teaching profession simultaneously. Everything started when I was compiling a one hundred poems collection in April that year. The shock I got after the unbearable phone call from my younger sister gave me a block. After the death of my dad in October, I abandoned everything I was writing because I couldn’t think straight. A week after my dad’s death, I returned to work because I travelled to Lagos unexpectedly due to my dad’s death, education inspectors summoned me to the zonal office of the Tutor General for interrogations on why I was absent for a week.
Question:
What achievement or milestone are you most proud of, and what did you learn from the experience?
Answer:
Well, making Citadel of the Literati of registered publishing firm. I have learnt that truly, a journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step. Gradually, we are growing in the grace of the Almighty God.
Question:
What drives your passion for teaching and writing, and how do you see your work making a positive impact?
Answer:
My experience and the society. And to make impact, one needs to study his or her audience. Know how they feel, and know what they desire. With that, you would be able to know how your delivery will be impactful. The responses and feedbacks are the person’s evaluation. Criticism should not be detested, especially when they are constructive. It is part of the journey. So, the responses I have gotten so far in my teaching and literary voyage are crystal clear that the world around me is positively metamorphosing.
Question:
What core value do you hold dear, and how do you incorporate it into your work and daily life?
Answer:
Hope. I so much propagate this. I believe with hope, everything is achievable. Even my students know, I do tell them to always hope for the best.
Question:
What exciting projects or goals do you have upcoming, and how do you see them aligning with your passions and values?
Answer:
Recently, I have picked up my pen where I dropped it since 2023. The leaves of my books are now flipping. I am currently working on a book titled ‘The Fire Within’ it’s a play, and it’s about boy who finally became a teacher and writer. The book is a combination of fiction and nonfiction. It is a hybrid genre book. Watch out for it.
Question:
What message would you like to share with our audience through this interview, and what hope or inspiration do you wish to impart?
Answer:
I really want to appreciate you all for embarking on this expedition with us. The experience will be memorable, certainly.
You are who you are. Let the fire within you burn greatly. Don’t be discouraged, don’t relent and hope for the best.
Thank you, and remain blessed in the mighty name of Jesus.
