Peace Obi
The recent curriculum review which saw the introduction of some vocational and technical subjects into the country’s secondary schools has been described as a right step in the right direction.
However, identifying lack of funds and infrastructure to be the bane of its implementation, the Principal, Holy Saviour’s College, Lagos, Mr. AlobaOlaniran, has called on the government to support schools in the country with the needed resources to achieve the desired objectives for the review.
Olaniran, who made this known during the school’s valedictory/prize- giving day ceremony recently, hinted that if well implemented, the newly introduced subjects have the capacity to diversify the economy, tackle youth unemployment, among other socio-economic challenges facing the country.
“Despite knowing the huge benefits students stand to derive from these new subjects, you find out that many schools are not actually implementing this change in the curriculum because of lack of funds. So, if government can assist secondary schools in this regard, secondary school graduates will be equipped for better and brighter future.”
“Looking at where Nigeria is going now, if you don’t have skills, you won’t be able to stand on your own. And we need people who can stand on their own, not waiting for government to employ them. So, Nigerian youths need to have skills that can enable them earn a living even while waiting for admission.”
Charging the outgoing students to be good ambassadors of the school, Olaniran said: “My dear students, you have received teachings good enough to make you soar like an eagle and be great elites to your society, as well as good ambassadors and citizens of Nigeria. Write on your hearts the knowledge you received in Holy Saviour’s College, for they will serve as lubricant to the frictions in your life journey if wisely applied.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. TemitopeOlowu, congratulated the graduands, the school management for a successful academic session. Sharing his story as an old student of the school some 31 years ago, he said God and hard work have been the secret of his success and advised the students to imbibe the attitude of hard work.
Olowu stressed that hard work and the quantum of knowledge one possesses are major qualifications needed for anyone to be relevant in the changing world the youths have found themselves in.
“One thing that remains timeless is hard work. I urge you don’t relegate hard work; there is no substitute to it. I urge you today to continue to work hard and pursue your goals in life.
“I am not going to deceive you that it is easy out there. You know the stories you have been hearing about unemployment, changes in economic variables and all the rest. But the fact remains that the brave will always get to the top; the courageous will always get to their destination. So be courageous, be brave and be focused. Don’t stop learning; read with passion.”
Speaking on behalf of the school’s alumni association of 1984, 1985 and 1986 set, also known as ‘HOSACO 84, 85 and 86’, the Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Lola Adeniyi, said as part of the association’s commitment towards nurturing, modeling and mentoring younger HOSACOites in the area of hard work, integrity and becoming great people in diverse fields, who the Nigerian society and the world will be proud of, it rewards hard work through various categories of awards.
Standing tall in the auditorium with loud ovation was the 2016 valedictorian and Head Boy, Master Aroh Christian, who scooped seven awards with a cash prize of N10,000 attached to each; and the outgoing head girl, who won five awards with the accompanying cash prize.
On the teachers’ category, the Animal Husbandry teacher, Mrs. AdesokunOyindaramola clinched the HOSACO best teacher award for 2016. Oyindaramola, who won a generating set for her hard work, was full of gratitude to the alumni for their kind gesture.
