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By Kleod Olekanma
It was a joyous and memorable day as Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos, held its valedictory service and prize-giving ceremony recently.
The principal of the school, Deacon G.E. Abodunrin, expressed appreciation to the school’s advisory committee, the parents and guardians and the directorate of Baptist mission schools for the prompt attention to their requests and quality directives for proper and effective guidance on the vision and mission of the school.
Abodunrin described the graduation as another epoch-making event in the history of the school.
He said during the event the school would celebrate the achievements recorded by the students through the award of prizes: “We are delighted to declare publicly that the graduating class of 2022 are generally peaceful, respectful, focused and forward-looking. Little wonder that they are leaving behind, a legacy of excellence in the life of the school.
“Among the graduating class are the statewide known athletes who won numerous medals for the school in 4×400 metres relay. The likes of Nodebe Ebubechukwu, Oni Igbagbogbemi, Gbadegesin Emmanuel and Emordi Precious will be difficult to forget in a hurry.”
Abodunrin also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing school prefects, especially the head boy, Adole David, and his assistant, Amun Awwal, for their capacity to combine effectively their official responsibilities as prefects and personal study as students.
He disclosed that both emerged, respectively, as second-best graduating student with eight A1’s and 1B and the best graduating student with nine A1’s in the May/June 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, stating, “this is leadership par excellence.”
The chaplain of the school, Rev. Ezekiel Akinwande, charged the graduating students to remain grateful to God, their parents and guardians, and urged them not to join bad groups.
He tasked the graduating students to be prayerful and desist from the lure of dangers to be successful in life.
Amuni Awwal Oladapo, the deputy senior prefect, who emerged the best graduating student, explained that the journey was not easy but with determination and motivation he made it through
“I started my preparation for WASSCE in the first term and I also practiced a lot of past questions in order to be familiar with similar questions. The journey was not an easy one. I want to study Economics at Lagos State University (LASU). But I also applied to some universities abroad for scholarships. In WAEC I came out with 9A1’s and in UTME I scored 351.”
The senior prefect, Adole Enencheje David, who was the second-best graduating student expressed gratitude to the principal, teachers, and the management of the school for giving him the platform to excel.
“I read every morning and evening before and during the examinations. Most times I burn the midnight candle because I knew what was at stake. I have not been able to have access to my UTME score yet due to some misconduct that happened in my center. I want to study Computer Engineering at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).
“I also appreciate the staff and management of the school. Mr. Ayandeji, Mrs. Kola-Alade, Mrs. Babalola, Mr. Ojoawo, Mrs. Oyelekan, Mrs. Olufunmilayo, and Mr. Odeseye, just to mention a few, l appreciate your teachings, your prayers, and even your spanking. We prayed that the good Lord would continually bless you and uplift you.
“I am enthused, I am grateful, I am highly favoured to be graduating from this great Academy. My earnest prayer and desire are that we continue to make our mark as proud students of this school. I salute you all my fellow graduates, I wish you all the best in everything in life.”
