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By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
Crestgate Schools, Ishashi, Lagos, has celebrated another milestone with the graduation of its students, as the school’s proprietress, Mrs. Gloria Obi, called for a balanced approach to school graduation ceremonies while commending the Federal and Lagos State Government’s efforts to regulate excessive celebrations in schools.
Speaking during the school’s 18th graduation ceremony, which also coincided with the 20th anniversary of Crestgate Primary School, Obi said the government’s decision to curb extravagant graduation ceremonies was well intentioned because some schools had turned such events into lavish parties that no longer reflected the true purpose of education.
According to her, graduation ceremonies should remain modest and focused on celebrating academic achievements rather than becoming social events that encourage unhealthy competition among parents.
She observed that some schools had introduced practices that were inappropriate for young chi ldren, including elaborate parties and indecent dressing, adding that such trends were gradually eroding the moral values schools are expected to promote.
“Some schools have blown graduation ceremonies out of proportion. The government wants the best for learners because some of the activities no longer reflect the values we should be teaching children,” she said.
Despite supporting the government’s reforms, Obi maintained that academic excellence and major educational milestones deserved recognition. She stressed that celebrating hardworking students serves as motivation for others to strive for excellence and discourages laziness among learners.
“We have to celebrate success. If you don’t celebrate success, you are indirectly encouraging those who are lazy and not hardworking. Outstanding students deserve recognition because their achievements inspire others to work harder,” she noted.
Reflecting on the school’s journey, Obi described the anniversary as a significant achievement, noting that Crestgate Primary School began operations in 2006 with only a handful of pupils before growing into a thriving institution with an additional branch.
According to her, Crestgate alumni are studying in several universities across the country and overseas, while others have gained admission into prestigious institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy.
“I feel fulfilled whenever I see our former students succeeding in different fields. They are making us proud wherever they find themselves, and that is the greatest reward for every educator,” she said.
Obi explained that parents’ appreciation for the quality of education provided by the school continually motivates the management and teachers to improve their standards rather than settle for past achievements.
She noted that the institution places strong emphasis not only on academic excellence but also on communication skills, handwriting, mathematics, leadership, moral values and practical knowledge.
She revealed that Crestgate Schools has also introduced coding and computer programming into its curriculum to equip learners with digital skills needed in today’s technology-driven world.
According to her, the initiative has attracted increased interest from parents who specifically seek admission for their children because of the school’s emphasis on coding education.
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Obi recalled that when the school was established in Ishashi nearly two decades ago, the community had limited educational opportunities, making it necessary for the school to bridge the educational gap among children in the area.
She said many parents enrolled their children with the hope that they would enjoy better educational opportunities than previous generations.
One of the graduating students, Miss Victory Omisoro, expressed excitement at completing her secondary education and said she looked forward to beginning a new chapter at Ekiti State University, where she hopes to study Economics.
Omisoro said she had already written the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and was optimistic of securing admission to pursue the course because of her passion for economics.
Mrs. Elizabeth Omisoro, described her daughter’s graduation as one of the happiest moments of her life, saying the occasion reminded her of the day she gave birth and how quickly the years had passed.
She thanked God for preserving her family throughout her daughter’s educational journey and prayed for divine guidance as the young graduate prepares for university.
She revealed that because of her work schedule, she had missed several of her daughter’s school activities over the years, leaving her husband to represent the family at most school events.
Mrs. Omisoro urged parents to prioritize their children’s spiritual upbringing alongside academics, emphasizing that a strong relationship with God would help young people make sound decisions despite peer pressure.
She also supported the Lagos State Government’s position on extravagant school graduations, suggesting that milestone celebrations should be simple and meaningful rather than opportunities to impose excessive financial burdens on parents.
According to her, schools should focus on celebrating children’s progress instead of commercializing graduation ceremonies through unnecessary charges.
Another parent, Mr. Kingsley, whose daughter graduated from the primary section, described the occasion as a moment of pride and fulfillment.
He said parents should regard the challenges of raising children as learning experiences rather than obstacles, emphasizing that both fathers and mothers have vital roles in nurturing responsible children.
According to him, effective parenting requires teamwork, commitment and shared responsibility to ensure children receive proper guidance and support throughout their educational journey.
The ceremony featured presentations by graduating pupils and students, recognition of outstanding academic performers and expressions of gratitude from parents, teachers and school management.
