Stella Ogadi
LAGOS — Grandmates Schools, Okota, Lagos, has celebrated its 2026 graduating students with a colourful valedictory ceremony, as the school’s principal urged the graduates to build strong character, work diligently and remain focused as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
The ceremony, held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Zion Hall, Isolo, Lagos, brought together students, parents and guardians, members of the school’s Board, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) executives, teachers, management and other invited guests.
The event marked the successful completion of the 2025/2026 academic session.
In her valedictory address, the Principal,Mrs Ijeoma Toluwase congratulated the graduating students and reminded them that graduation was not the end of their educational journey but the beginning of a new phase filled with opportunities, responsibilities and challenges.
She charged the students to set clear goals, develop a vision for their future and remain committed to achieving their ambitions through hard work, discipline and perseverance.
The Principal also warned the graduates against distractions and negative influences that could derail their dreams, urging them to choose their friends carefully.
She encouraged the students to continue acquiring knowledge and developing new skills even after leaving the school.
According to her, acquiring practical skills could increase the students’ confidence, create opportunities and equip them to provide solutions to problems within their communities.
The Principal stressed that there was no shortcut to lasting success, noting that meaningful achievements were built through discipline, consistency, sacrifice and perseverance.
She further encouraged the students to measure their progress by comparing themselves with who they were yesterday rather than engaging in unhealthy competition with others.
The ceremony featured the presentation of prizes and special awards to students and teachers who distinguished themselves through academic excellence, good conduct, punctuality, neatness and dedication.
Odinaka Ogidi and Rhema Ugbo, winners of the Ose Brain Quest Periodic Table Quiz, received awards and a cash prize of N35,000.
Dibie Christabel was also honoured with a N100,000 cash award from Purvey Limited after emerging as the student with the highest IQ.
The PTA, led by Comrade Uche Ohaji, also recognised teachers and students who demonstrated outstanding performance and commitment.
He urged the graduates not to be discouraged by failure or setbacks, but to learn from their experiences, make necessary corrections and continue working towards their goals.
Miss Ataiku Helen and Mr. Egonu Alex were honoured as the Most Outstanding Teachers for their dedication to teaching and the academic and character development of the students.
Special PTA cash awards were also presented to outstanding graduating students, including Ugochukwu Mirabel, who emerged as the Best Graduating Student (Female).
Amobi Great was recognised as the Best Graduating Student (Male) and the male student with the highest JAMB score, while Blessing Obiozor recorded the highest JAMB score among the female students.
The award presentation provided one of the major highlights of the ceremony, with parents, teachers and fellow students celebrating the achievements of the recipients.
The Director of Grandmates Schools, Mr. O.O. Adepoju while speaking with newsmen congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies.
Adepoju urged the graduates to make responsible decisions and preserve the values they had acquired during their years at Grandmates Schools.
He appreciated parents and guardians for their sacrifices, prayers and continued support, while commending the teachers and members of staff for their dedication to the education and development of the students.
The Director expressed confidence that the graduates would excel in their chosen fields and become responsible citizens who would contribute positively to their families, communities and Nigeria.
The valedictory ceremony featured several activities, including Bible reading, prayers, a word of exhortation, drama presentation, cutting of the cake and cultural dance performances.
One of the memorable moments of the event was a special dance performance by SS3 students alongside their parents, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.
The ceremony ended with words of encouragement and prayers for the graduating students, who were urged to dream boldly, work hard, remain focused, continue learning and uphold the values instilled in them by Grandmates Schools.
