Why did Chinua's family urge him to accept the offer from the Government College as noted in the memoir, There Was a Country?

Although the Government College was in an area remote to his hometown, Chinua was urged to accept that offer by both his older brother and his parents. Its reputation as a government college gave it an elevated status and it was felt that attending the school would be a positive step toward a successful future. The school was considered the Eton of the East and Chinua was eager to attend because he believed he would be the benefactor of an education on par with the royals.