Graduating students of Oluyole Extension High School, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, have been urged to embrace entrepreneurship, acquire practical skills and cultivate the habit of lifelong learning as they prepare for life beyond the classroom.
The charge was given on Thursday by a former Oyo State governorship candidate of the Advanced Allied Party in the 2019 election and President of the Ultimate Total Life Concept Initiative, Rev. Dr. Adenike Victor-Tade, popularly known as Mama Empowerment, during the 41st Valedictory Service of the school for the 2020/2026 graduating set, held under the theme, “From Foundation to Flight.”
Speaking on the topic, “What Next After Leaving School? Preparing for Life Beyond the Classroom,” Victor-Tade said graduating from secondary school marked the beginning of a new phase of life that requires vision, resilience, discipline and continuous self-development.
Victor-Tade, who is also an alumna of the school, noted that while academic qualifications could create opportunities, character, competence, integrity and perseverance would ultimately determine success in life.
According to her, students should not stop learning after leaving secondary school but should continue to improve themselves through higher education, vocational training, seminars and personal development while embracing entrepreneurship and practical skills that would make them productive and self-reliant.
“The world today rewards people who can solve problems. Academic certificates are important, but practical skills make you more employable and productive. Learn technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, fashion design, graphic design, catering, photography or any other useful skill. Never think you are too educated to learn a trade,” she said.
Victor-Tade also cautioned the graduates against drug abuse, cultism, examination malpractice, internet fraud, gambling and other social vices, urging them to choose their friends wisely and remain focused on their goals despite peer pressure.
She further encouraged the students to cultivate financial discipline, take good care of their health, honour their parents and teachers, use technology responsibly and put God first in all their endeavours.
As an alumna of the school, Victor-Tade also appealed to the Oluyole community, residents of the surrounding areas, members of the Oluyole Extension High School Old Students’ Association and other well-meaning individuals to support the school’s infrastructural development. She noted that government could not shoulder the responsibility alone and stressed that collective efforts were needed to provide more facilities that would enhance teaching and learning.
“Your certificate may introduce you, but your character will sustain you. Dream big, work hard, pray always, learn continuously, build good character, respect people and never give up,” she advised.
Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mr. Adejimi Iyiola, congratulated the graduating Class of 2026 on successfully completing six years of secondary education despite the challenges they encountered, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other disruptions.
Describing the graduates as a resilient set, Iyiola said they had distinguished themselves in academics, sports and other extracurricular activities, adding that the school management was proud of their achievements.
“You began this journey in 2020 amid uncertainty, but today you stand as proof that resilience and determination produce success. Today is not an end but a commissioning. The foundation has been laid; now take flight,” he said.
The principal appreciated the Chairman of the School Governing Board, Prof. Rasheed Bakare, for his commitment to the growth of the school, while also commending Chief Mrs. Mojisola Ladipo and members of the Oluyole Extension High School Old Students’ Association for their continuous support towards the institution’s development.
He equally lauded the dedication of teachers, non-teaching staff, parents and guardians for their sacrifices in nurturing the graduating students.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Rev. Clement Omidiora, described Oluyole Extension High School as an institution that has contributed immensely to the development of its host community.
He noted that the school serves as a major gathering point for residents and disclosed that the community had continued to support its infrastructural development.
Omidiora advised the graduates to remain true to themselves as they proceed to universities, polytechnics and other institutions of higher learning, warning them against negative peer influence.
“Be yourself wherever you find yourself. Remain diligent and put into practice the knowledge and skills you have acquired here. That is how you will become responsible and useful members of society,” he said.
The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Oluyole Extension High School Old Students’ Association, represented by Oladimeji Mohammed, while the Head Girl, Ajangidi Adeola, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the graduating students, expressing appreciation to the school management, teachers, parents and guardians for their unwavering support throughout their secondary school education.
