Good grades may open doors, but character, leadership and resilience are what help young people thrive long after they leave school. That was the message as 52 students of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, graduated into a new chapter of their lives.
The graduation ceremony, held at the school’s campus in Ogun State, celebrated the Class of 2026, a group the school described as diverse in background and talent but united by excellence in academics, sports, the arts and community service.
Speaking at the event, the Principal, Innocent Oaikhena, said the theme of the ceremony, “Shaped by Diversity, Defined by Distinction,” reflected the journey of the graduating students.
“They came in here with so much diversity in very many areas—background, talents, academic credits, extra-curricular skills, interpersonal relations and music. Today they have come up with distinctions in so many areas, including some of the highest UTME scores in the country and other notable record-breaking feats,” he said.
According to the principal, members of the graduating class distinguished themselves in national art competitions, music exhibitions and sporting events, while also leading projects that benefited their communities.
These initiatives included raising funds to support underprivileged children, donating digital devices to public schools and providing books for libraries in underserved communities.
Delivering the keynote address, the Group Treasury Manager of CFAO Nigeria Plc, Adeyinka Ogunnubi, encouraged the graduates to embrace resilience, humility and continuous learning.
Drawing lessons from Eze Goes to School by Onuora Nzekwu, he reminded the students that success is built on perseverance rather than privilege.
“Do not wait for life to happen to you. Be at work, be learning, be building. When opportunity comes, it will meet you prepared,” he advised.
The ceremony also recognised Miss Chikaima Nsofor as the valedictorian of the Class of 2026 after an outstanding performance in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Describing her as an exceptional student, Oaikhena praised her academic excellence, sporting achievements and public speaking ability.
In her valedictory speech, Nsofor thanked her teachers, parents and classmates, saying the school’s supportive environment allowed students to learn from both success and failure.
Her mother, Mrs. Uchenna Nsofor, also commended the school for its commitment to discipline, academic excellence and character development.
The event featured musical performances, spoken word presentations and a documentary showcasing the graduating class’s community service projects. Awards were presented in academics, leadership, sports, music, visual arts and service.
Reaffirming the school’s vision, Oaikhena said Corona would continue investing in facilities, teacher development and programmes that expose students to technology, entrepreneurship and leadership.
“Education is not only about passing examinations. It is about producing young men and women who can think, who can create, who can lead, and who understand that they owe the society that invested in them,” he said.
With several members of the Class of 2026 already securing university admissions and scholarships in Nigeria and abroad, the graduates now leave Corona School carrying not just certificates, but experiences and values they hope will shape their future.
Credit: TheGuardian
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.