Sunday Ehigiator
I
t was a vibrant display of excellence, emotion, and inspiration as Hillcroft Nursery and Primary School held its 2024/2025 graduation ceremony recently in Lagos.
The school celebrated the academic advancement of its pupils and reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and raising responsible and well-rounded future leaders.
The event, attended by dignitaries, military veterans, parents, teachers, and well-wishers, was a colourful blend of joy, prayers, reflections, and powerful messages of hope directed at not just the graduating pupils, but also to their parents and the Nigerian society at large.
Speaking with THISDAY, the school proprietress, Mrs. Solape Ademulegun-Agbi explained that Hillcroft was born out of a deep desire to give children a better start in life.
“We may not have skyscraper buildings, but what we offer is far beyond that. Our children speak impeccable English, they read fluently from age three, and they are instilled with good manners, academic excellence, and global awareness.”
She added that the school previously organised international tours to London and Canada, helping students broaden their horizons.
“I hope that our graduates will carry the torch of this school with pride. They must remember their roots, make their mark in secondary school, and become ambassadors of the Hillcroft values wherever they go.”
The graduation saw 14 pupils move on to secondary school while 24 transitioned from nursery to primary school, all of whom were praised for their brilliance and discipline.
Also speaking, a special guest at the event, Brigadier General Shola Ayovon (rtd), admonished the pupils to remain grounded in the values imparted to them by the school and their families.
According to him, “You have been given legs now, learn to walk,” he charged the young graduates.
“When we graduate, we sometimes think we’ve arrived. But life is just beginning. You must build on the strong foundation you have received here and strive for excellence.”
General Ayovon commended the proprietress of the school, Ademulegun-Agbi, for her deep-rooted passion for education, which, he noted, was borne out of personal life experiences.
“The passion began when she served as a youth corps member and was deployed to the Institute of Journalism in Benin as a registrar. She lost her parents at six, and that experience instilled in her a compassion for children. This school was not built for profit alone but as a place to shape young lives.”
In a deeply stirring spiritual charge, the Chairman of the Day, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, closed the ceremony with four key life lessons for the children as they embark on a new phase of their academic journey.
“Fear of God; the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Love Him with all your heart, and let that be your compass. Also, honour your parents; it is the first commandment with a blessing. By honouring your parents, you will prosper and live long.
“Also, love your neighbour. The world is broken because we do not love one another. Let love and empathy guide you. Lastly, be determined to fulfill your destiny. God has a plan for each of you. Be determined to fulfill your destiny, walk in excellence, and aim for greatness in everything you do.”
Also speaking, a Patron of the school, Admiral Folabi Macaulay (rtd), praised the dedication and progress made by the staff and management of Hillcroft School.
“We are proud to be associated with this school. The proprietress and her team have done exceptional work. These children are our children, and we hope to see them become independent, impactful citizens. The potential in them is vast, and we will continue to support this vision.”
Similarly, His wife, Mrs. Ayokunle Macaulay, shared glowing remarks about the school’s mission.
“The proprietress is truly committed to ensuring every child here leaves with a broadened mind and solid foundation,” she said. “My prayer is that these children continue to excel and build upon the great foundation laid here.”
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Agbi encouraged parents to remain consistent in their support and involvement in their children’s education.
“Parents must not move their children from grass to grass,” she said. “Don’t rely on schools alone; you have a duty at home to reinforce learning, teach morals, and model excellence.
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