Former education commissioner tasks youths on reputation, character

A FORMER Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye, has advised youths in the country to guard their character jealously, noting that such would determine how far they progress in their chosen profession. Oladunjoye, who spoke at the 2015 graduation ceremony of Halifield School, Lagos, counselled the graduating students to aspire for greater heights in life.

She also encouraged them to always strive to give back to the school that produced them. She also emphasised the need for decent attitude and healthy character from the outgoing students, to excel in life, adding that they should continue to shine, as they were the trailblazers.

The head of school, Mrs. Y. O. Awofuwa stated clearly that the trailblazers would be attending schools of their first choice in countries such as Canada, the United States and other countries across the globe.

While wishing them manifold successes as they become alumni, she expressed her desire and prayer that the graduating Halifield pupils would keep in touch with the school’s activities through their space on the website. She admonished them to strive to step up the ladder and continue in their quest for knowledge, as learning is a continuous process.

Awofuwa extended a warm appreciation to the staff; parents and all others who have in so many positive ways helped bring the children to their enviable position. Also speaking, a technologist entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Andela, Mr. Iyin Aboyeji counselled the graduating students on self-discovery.

“You should take time to know who you are, discover your true identity, be honest with yourself and never indulge yourself in fantasies,” Aboyeji advised. “To be successful, you need to follow your passion and work harder than the average minds. While pursuing your personal goals in life, you should always remember that there would never be true success in life without service to others.

Your talents, skills, training and experience must be channeled towards lifting the less-privileged out of their predicaments,” he said. The peak of the event was the exceptional display of the pupils, which added colour to the occasion.