By Michael Jegede
One of the leading citadels of learning in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Start-Rite International School, known for academic excellence, provision of value-based education and maintenance of high standards, recently organised a colourful graduation ceremony for its Year 12 Class of 2025 with the theme, ‘Poised For Excellence’.
The spectacular graduation event marked a milestone moment in the academic journey of the graduating students of the secondary section of Start-Rite Schools.
Held at the premises of the school in Abuja, the event was witnessed by eminent personalities including the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and one-time President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, and his wife, Justice Folashade Ojo of Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, a former Minister of Education and ex-Minister of Health..
Other prominent Nigerians present at the occasion were Senator Emmanuel Dangana Ocheja, Chairman Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Enugu, Acting Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Hajiya Aishatu Abubakar Baju, recently coronated as Gimbiyar Biu by the Emir of Borno, the Chief Host, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, Chairman Advisory Board of Start-Rite Schools and Pro-Chancellor/Chairman Governing Council of FUOYE, and the Guest Speaker, Prof. Sunday Ishaya of the Department of Environmental Management, University of Abuja.
Some members of the FUOYE Governing Council that also graced the occasion included Barrister Maxwell Gowon, Hajiya Nafisa Nahuche and Mr. Mathew Nganjiozor.
In his opening remarks, the principal of Start-Rite Schools, Mr. Femi Akinlade, expressed profound gratitude to the guests for making time out of their busy schedules to attend the graduation ceremony of the school’s Year 12 students, Class of 2025. He likewise thanked the parents for their wonderful support, while declaring that the school was proud of the achievements of the graduating students.
Mr. Akinlade stated that “Our theme, ‘Poised For Excellence’, reflects our commitment to nurturing students who excel academically, morally and socially. As you move forward, we encourage you to embody excellence, live with integrity and make a good positive impact in your community. We want to assure you graduating students that we are proud of your achievements. And this milestone marks the beginning of a bright future.”
Ndoma-Egba, an erstwhile Senate Leader and highly respected political figure in the country, in his speech, said: “When I assumed the role of Chairman of the Advisory Board at Start-Rite Schools in 2020, I made a clear and deliberate proclamation that the world will hear us. Each passing year, we get closer to that reality. This academic year, our theme, Sustaining Excellence through Collaborative Leadership and Strategic Community Engagement, guided our decisions and reaffirmed our commitment to higher standards. I charged the team with the idea that Start-Rite Schools should not be just another school but become The School, known not only for delivering academic success but for inspiring character, vision, and innovation.
“To us, becoming The School means: A clear purpose that transcends the classroom; An environment that enables growth, intellectually, emotionally, and socially; Educators who don’t just teach but lead with passion and creativity; A student-centred system that recognises individuality and nurtures potential; Strong values embedded in everyday learning; A curriculum that is relevant, rigorous, and responsive; Measurable outcomes that speak for themselves; Meaningful partnership with parents and the wider community; A culture of continuous improvement; A commitment to impact and legacy.
“That vision is no longer aspirational, it is taking root, visibly and measurably. Permit me to share a few examples:
“We partnered with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) to host the first-ever COBIS-TEDx event in Africa, right here in Abuja. Speakers from Japan, Luxembourg, Sierra Leone, Lagos, Minna, and Abuja stood on this stage. A small school, once founded with seven pupils in 2008, convened a global conversation about the future. That is vision realised.
“Start-Rite was one of only two schools in Abuja selected for the pilot of WAEC’s Computer-Based Testing (CBT) initiative, a vote of confidence in our infrastructure and the quality of our students. In fact, when the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa visited us during the CBT-based WASSCE, he described Start-Rite as a ‘model of what education in Nigeria can and should be.’
“A Year 10 student, Ogechi Ogbonna has her mind fixed on pursuing a career in astrophysics. Her goal is to contribute to technological advancements that will benefit society.
“Ethan Ogiehor, going to Year 12, is representing Start-Rite Schools on an international student council. He is currently involved in piloting a global research skills competition designed to foster critical thinking and collaboration among young people.
“Oluwadamilola Johnson Adesoro, another Year 10 student and a UNICEF Nigeria Influencer, advocates for child protection in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Aspiring to become both a lawyer and an actor, he was one of eight students globally, selected to speak at the 43rd COBIS Conference in London. His presentation highlighted the realities faced by teenagers in a technology-driven world and called on education leaders to better support and empower them.
“Chukwudubem Amasiani, also a Year 10 student and a tennis prodigy, continues to break records. He was recently selected for intensive professional training by an American tennis clinic and is on course to compete in the Junior ATPs. As some of you know, I am a great lover of tennis, and his growth excites me personally. And he is not the only one. We have other budding champions in swimming, football, handball, badminton and basketball.
“UNICEF recently visited our school to engage with a select group of our female students in conversations around adolescent development and empowerment. It was another moment of affirmation for our values-based, student-centred approach.
“On the alumni front, Oghenetanure Akpoke, now a university student, has already directed his first short film, an early testament to the strong creative foundation laid at Start-Rite. Zipporah Egenege, also in university, is actively using her platform to drive social change and empower the less privileged. She is proof that the Start-Rite experience doesn’t end at graduation, it evolves into a lifelong responsibility to lead, serve, and inspire. We are proud to have her with us here today.
“These are not isolated achievements; they are the outcomes of a system designed to nurture the full potential of every learner; and I remain fully committed to strengthening this school’s foundation; investing in digital education; expanding co-curricular opportunities; and building for longevity, generations ahead.”
Continuing, he added: “Dear graduands, as you go forward, understand that excellence is not a destination. It is an endless journey. It is how you think, how you act, how you treat others, and how you remain grounded even as you soar. Excellence is also a posture. It is how you plan, how you prepare, how you respond to failure, and how fiercely you guard your integrity in a world that will often test it.”
Delivering his keynote address, which he titled: “Poised For Excellence: Building Competence, Capacity and Character”, the Guest Speaker, Professor Ishaya, encouraged the outgoing students to endeavour to maintain and work with the positive values that have been inculcated in them at Start-Rite Schools as they move to a higher level of their educational pursuit.
The erudite professor and educationist of note told the graduating students that the three Cs of Competence, Capacity and Character are essential for achieving sustainable success in life. He urged them to focus on building character, which is crucial for achieving positive outcomes through competence and capacity.
The renowned scholar further advised the graduands to be mindful of the people they associate with as they go into the university. According to him, “When you get into the university, there are idiots. I don’t mean to insult anybody. But there are idiots everywhere. Therefore, as you go into the university, try to identify the idiots around you and avoid them. Instead, identify those who are eggheads. Those who are willing to learn and keep them around you. When you keep the idiots around you, they have a way of discouraging you from studying and influencing you negatively.”
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, the Acting FUOYE VC, Prof. Shittu, who ably represented the university at the Start-Rite’s graduation ceremony, applauded Ndoma-Egba and the school staff for providing quality teaching and sound training to the students.
Giving his impression about Start-Rite Schools, the distinguished professor of soil science, said: “I want to first of all congratulate our (FUOYE Council) Chairman who happens to be the Chairman of the board of this school for a job well done. We can see today that this school is moving from glory to glory. With all we have seen here today, the different performances and various presentations by the students, it’s certain that the school will be a force to reckon with in the future years to come.
“I really want to thank the chairman for the standard he has created here, the conducive environment and the quality teachers that have been doing this work that we are seeing today.
“My candid advice to the graduands is that they should strive to impact the society with the values that have been instilled in them here as they forge ahead in life. They should be able to impact the society and face the challenges that will come their way, with the training they have received here. Going by what I’ve seen here today, they should be able to also compete favourably with people in other climes of the world. The standard has been given to them here.
“I want to equally acknowledge the parents who have sacrificed their resources for their children to be able to acquire the sound and quality education that we are seeing in this school.
“No doubt, this school is one of the schools that can be reckoned with, not only in Abuja, even in Nigeria with the standard that we have seen here today.”
As they began their new journey, the graduating students were filled with pride, joy and excitement. Radiating confidence, they felt geared up for the challenges ahead, stepping out with fresh dreams and bigger aspirations.
Imani Marissa Bassi emerged the overall best graduating student, the Valedictorian. Ogechi Abaribe, the graduating Head Girl, was the Salutatorian, the second best, while Halima Bakari was the third best.
Cash prizes were presented to the graduands who won special awards as a result of their excellent academic performances. Some parents and teachers were also honoured at the event.
The school had days earlier organised the graduation ceremony for Year 6, Primary Class of 2025 which was attended by ex-Senate President, Senator David Mark, Dr Eimonye, a traditional ruler from Benue State and Major General Garba Audu (Rtd), a lawyer and former Commander of 21 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army.
Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from Abuja