……As Grandmates School Celebrates Excellence.
Felix Ogbazi
LAGOS — Grandmates Schools, Okota, Lagos, has celebrated its 2026 graduating students in a colourful ceremony marked by academic excellence, awards, cultural displays and inspiring messages on discipline, integrity and perseverance.
The ceremony, held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Zion Hall, Isolo, Lagos, brought together students, parents and guardians, teachers, members of the school’s Board, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), management and other distinguished guests to celebrate the successful completion of the 2025/2026 academic session.
A total of 64 students progressed from Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) to Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1), while 54 students graduated from the school.
Speaking at the occasion, the Principal,Mrs Ijeoma Toluwase congratulated the graduating students and urged them to see graduation as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of their educational journey.
The Principal charged the students to remain focused, set clear goals and work diligently towards their aspirations, stressing that lasting success requires discipline, sacrifice, consistency and perseverance.
She cautioned the graduates against examination malpractice, drug abuse, cultism, internet fraud, violence, dishonesty, laziness and other activities capable of destroying their future.
The Principal further encouraged the students to embrace lifelong learning and develop practical skills that could complement their academic qualifications.
Mrs Toluwase explained that acquiring practical skills could broaden the students’ opportunities, build their confidence and equip them to become problem-solvers and productive members of society.
The graduates were equally encouraged not to allow failure or setbacks to discourage them, but to learn from their experiences and continue striving for excellence.
The Principal emphasised that good character would remain an important foundation for success, urging the students to uphold honesty, integrity, humility, responsibility, respect and compassion.
The Director of Grandmates Schools, Mr. O.O. Adepoju, congratulated the graduating students and urged them to remain focused and disciplined as they proceed to the next stage of their education.
Adepoju encouraged them to make responsible choices and preserve the values they had acquired during their years at Grandmates Schools.
He also commended parents and guardians for their sacrifices and support, while appreciating teachers and members of staff for their dedication to the academic and moral development of the students.
The Director expressed confidence that the graduates would distinguish themselves in their chosen fields and become responsible citizens who would make positive contributions to society.
Lending his voice,the Chairman Parents Teachers Association, Comrade Uche Ohaji urge the students to choose their friends carefully and avoid negative influences that could compromise their values, academic progress and future ambitions.
Outstanding Students, Teachers Honoured
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of awards and prizes to students and teachers who distinguished themselves through academic excellence, good conduct 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 presented with a N100,000 cash award from Purvey Limited after emerging as the student with the highest IQ.
The PTA, under the leadership of Comrade Uche Ohaji, recognised outstanding teachers and students for their exceptional contributions and performances.
Miss Ataiku Helen and Mr. Egonu Alex were honoured as the Most Outstanding Teachers for their dedication to teaching and the development of the students.
Special PTA 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 generated excitement among parents, teachers and students, as the school community celebrated the achievements of the recipients.
Highlight of the event include bible reading, prayers, a word of exhortation, drama presentation and cultural dance performances.
A special dance presentation by SS3 students alongside their parents provided one of the memorable moments of the ceremony, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
The ceremony ended with prayers and words of encouragement for the graduating students, who were urged to remain disciplined, uphold their integrity, persevere in the face of challenges and continue pursuing excellence.
The celebration underscored Grandmates Schools’ commitment to combining academic achievement with character development, while preparing its students to become responsible, confident and productive members of society.
