Great Standard Montessori Model School (GSM), Abeokuta, on Wednesday, hosted its annual graduation and prize-giving ceremony in a vibrant display of academic excellence, cultural heritage, and strong advocacy for holistic child development.
The event, held at the school’s premises, was attended by parents, education stakeholders, and special guests, who witnessed performances that highlighted the school’s emphasis on quality education, character formation, and extracurricular engagement.
In her welcome address, the Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Nofisat Akingbade, reiterated the school’s unwavering commitment to raising confident, skilled, and morally upright pupils.
She stressed the role of strategic sporting activities in developing children, noting the inclusion of soccer, swimming, and Taekwondo in the curriculum.
“Sports, strategy, and self-defense are not optional at GSM; they are deliberate tools of empowerment,” Akingbade said.
“We’ve introduced Taekwondo not as an act of aggression but as a way to build discipline, courage, and resilience. We’re not raising victims; we’re nurturing champions.”
She added that every aspect of learning at GSM is designed to meet global standards, supported by passionate teachers and state-of-the-art facilities.
According to her, field trips, such as the pupils’ recent excursion to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, are aimed at exposing learners to real-world experiences that inspire ambition and curiosity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the school, Aare Tiwalade Akingbade, condemned the growing sentiment among some young Nigerians that “education is a scam.”
He stressed that despite economic challenges, quality education remains the greatest legacy parents can give their children.
“Wherever you find yourself, education sets you apart. Let’s not give up. We must invest in our children’s future,” he urged.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Occasion, Lion Amusa Shafih, described anyone who downplays the value of education as “a walking corpse,” quoting Benjamin Franklin to assert that “an investment in education pays the highest returns.”
Shafih, who admitted to once being skeptical about graduation ceremonies for young pupils, expressed admiration for the confidence and eloquence displayed by GSM pupils, particularly in their public speaking and cultural presentations.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and clarity of their performances. It reflects the quality of training they’ve received,” he said.
He advised parents to complement the school’s efforts by upholding strong moral values in the home, stressing that academic success must go hand in hand with character development.
Cash prizes were awarded to outstanding pupils in academics and behaviour, while guests were treated to cultural performances including Yoruba “Ami Ohun,” Igbo dance, and the energetic Bolojo display, celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and awards to graduating pupils, marking yet another milestone in the school’s mission to produce well-rounded future leaders.
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