By Vivian Onyebukwa
Laureates College, Lagos, in a valedictory service, celebrated the graduating class of 2024. This remarkable event, which took place at the school hall, marked the end of a very important chapter for the graduating students.
In a keynote address with the theme “Courage and Resilience Tools for Achieving Academic Goals and Aspirations”, the speaker, Ezekiel Adugan, lauded the graduating students and also encouraged them to work harder in order to attain greatness in life. “Never stop learning; embrace challenges and remain true to your values and passions. You are the future leaders, innovators and change makers.’’
Speaking, the outgoing principal of Laureates Collage, Lagos, Sadiq Ibrahim, advised the students to shun negative use of the internet and concentrate on their studies so as to excel in their academic pursuits.
Ibrahim regretted the impact of social media on youths by spending more time on the phone browsing negative information and images that will expose them to life dangers.
He said: “The impact of social media on the youths is grievous. It has eroded away morals and values from the lives of the young ones. They no longer read their books. They can spend a whole day on the internet, chatting and viewing images that are detrimental to their souls.”
He advised parents and guardians to wake up and ensure proper monitoring of their wards’ activities to checkmate any negative activities.
He further commended the graduating students, urging them not to lose focus on the sound, true and meaningful education, which has been bestowed to them: “We have given you all it takes to enjoy the dividends of education as a channel to attain future greatness and relevance to your environment and the various situations that may present themselves in your pilgrimage on earth.”
He then commended the Federal Government’s decision on 18 years as the entry age requirement into tertiary institutions in the country, saying that such decisions would discourage parents from sending their underage children to higher institutions of learning. He noted that children who were under 18 years were easily lured into cultism, robbery and other vices, but if they are mature, it would be difficult for anyone to deceive them.
In his valedictorian speech, Victor Udonsi, the head boy, applauded teachers of the school for their dedication and passion for educating them, adding that the teachers have given them tools to succeed, and confidence to pursue their dreams.