Great Standard Montessori Model School on Wednesday held its annual graduation ceremony with a display of excellence, culture, and resounding calls for quality education as a foundation for national development.
In her welcome address, the Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Nofisat Akingbade, highlighted the institution’s intentional approach to child development, with a strong emphasis on sports, strategy, and self-defense.
She further emphasized the importance of courage and self-protection in today’s world, introducing Taekwondo not as a tool of aggression, but one of empowerment.
Her words “ Sports, Strategy, and Self-Defense Sports are an integral part of our curriculum - and we do it with purpose.We've introduced soccer not just as fun, but as a pathway to greatness. The global football industry is worth over $700 billion. Why not catch talents young ?
“In today's world, every child needs courage and self-protection. Enter Taekwondo not as aggression, but empowerment. It teaches discipline, balance, and self-defense. We urge all parents to encourage participation. We're not raising victims - we're nurturing champions.Swimming and other sports are thriving too. Every muscle stretched is a mind activated.”
Mrs. Akingbade also shared insights on the school’s exceptional facilities, passionate teachers, and the continuous training provided to staff to meet and exceed global standards.
“At GSM, excellence is not optional , it is the air we breathe,” she affirmed.
Beyond the classroom, she praised the school’s innovative extracurricular programs which sparked curiosity in pupils throughout the academic year.
A highlight was a field trip to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where pupils had the unforgettable experience of boarding an aircraft , lsome even playfully asking to be flown straight to London.
Speaking at the events , the Chairman of the school, Aare Tiwalade Akingbade, took a strong stand against the growing notion that “education is a scam.”
“Education is not a scam. No matter where you find yourself, if you have good education, there will be a clear difference between you and your peers,” he said.
He acknowledged the economic challenges facing many families but insisted that the best legacy remains sound education and solid moral upbringing.
“Let us train our children. The foundation of education is crucial. We must also train our families to avoid the social vices we see in today’s society.”
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Occasion, Lion Amusa Shafih said that whoever believes that education is a scam is a walking corpse,” quoting Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in education pays the highest returns.”
Shafih admitted he was previously skeptical about graduations for young pupils but was deeply impressed by the quality of presentations and confidence shown by the pupils.
“Even for adults, public speaking can be difficult, yet these young pupils delivered excellently,” he said.
He therefore encouraged parents to remember that education is both academic and moral and that homes are the cradle of values.
He urged them to support schools by modeling the right attitude and behavior at home.
As a gesture of encouragement, the Chairman of the Occasion presented cash prizes to the most outstanding and well-behaved students.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to the best graduating pupils, as well as vibrant cultural displays, including the Bolojo Dance, Igbo traditional dance, and Yoruba presentation titled “Ami Ohun” among others showcasing the diversity and unity in Nigerian culture.