By Saheed Ibrahim

Having a road map, self discovery, diligence, entrepreneurship skills and volunteering are needed to traverse the post-secondary school journey.

This was the charge of Prof. Folasade Ajayi of the University of Port-Harcourt, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye and the First Lady of Ondo State, Chief Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, among others to the graduating students of Mabest Academy at their 5th Valedictory Service.

In the Valedictory lecture titled “After Secondary School, What Next? Prof. Ajayi said graduating from secondary school is the beginning of the great journey ahead.

While highlighting that tertiary education helps students to be more intelligent and productive, she said they must be concerned about their passion, plans and mission to actualise their goals and never misuse the freedom to indulge in social vices, procrastination and social media addiction.

She also advised the students to be wary of peer influence, have road map of their journey, make best decisions, consider entrepreneurship for self-independence and job creation for others.

“Life is about making decision. Each decision you make changes who you are. Your choices can make or mar you. Discover your talents and potential and nurture them,” she said.

Speaking on forces that could hinder their journey, Prof. Ajayi emphasised the need for parents not to force certain courses on their children, saying this may have debilitating effects on their progression.

Giving his royal advice, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye said Mabest Academy is special in all ramifications with innovative ideas to transform the students, advising the graduating students to be diligent and committed to success.

His words: “You should not run after money, let money run after you. That is the essence of life. There are  problems facing Nigeria and the world. The essence of your education is to provide solutions to these problems and money will run after you.”

In her goodwill message, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu congratulated the students and the school for the ceremony, saying secondary school graduation is among the hallmark of every individual’s life.

She said the students must remember their source and eschew nefarious activities, discover their purposes, be exposed to innovative environments and take up entrepreneurial skills and volunteering.

She harped on the need for the girl-child education and development to be prioritised.

Earlier in her address, the Head of School, Mrs. Olajide said the event was significant in the history of the school as the 15 graduating students gave the school 100 percent record in every external examination sat for.

While giving kudos to teachers, the parents and the school Board of Directors for their efforts and contributions to the success of the students and the school,  Olajide advised the students to continue to strive for success and be good ambassadors of the school.

Best students in English and Mathematics in all the classes were honoured as Oluwabukola Ebitigha emerged the Best Graduating Student with As in Cambridge exam, 323 in UTME and eight distinctions in WAEC.

Other highlights of the event were inauguration of new prefects, cultural display, French presentation, foreign culture displays, award presentations to outstanding students, among others.