Start-Rite Schools, Abuja Celebrate Graduation with Memorable Ceremonies

The grounds of Start-Rite Schools buzzed with excitement and pride as the institution held a series of vibrant graduation ceremonies, celebrating students from Early Years, Primary, and Secondary schools. Each event, held between the 9th and 13th of July, featured unique themes that encapsulated the spirit of achievement and growth fostered at the school.

The celebrations began on Tuesday, 9th July, with the Early Years graduation ceremony. The theme, “Rhythms of Success,” was brought to life as the youngest graduates, adorned in radiant dresses, took the stage. Proud parents and teachers watched as the children performed and received their certificates, marking their first significant educational milestone. The event was a joyous occasion, highlighting the foundational years of learning and development at Start-Rite Schools.

On Thursday, 11th July, the Primary School graduation ceremony took place, with the theme “Symphony of Success.” The well-attended event saw students, teachers, and parents come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the primary school graduates. The ceremony featured a variety of performances, speeches, and awards, showcasing the students’ academic and extracurricular achievements. Worthy of note is the fact that the Year 6 students had staged a musical play titled “Ipitombi.” Following its success, the students donated part of their proceeds to the Victor and Amaka Ndoma-Egba Foundation (VANEF) during the graduation ceremony as part of their commitment to ensuring that less privileged children can get an education. The graduation ceremony was indeed a day of pride and reflection, as the young students prepared to transition to the next phase of their educational journey.

The grand finale of the graduation week was held on Saturday, 13th July, with the Secondary School graduation ceremony under the theme “Refined for Impact, Calibrated for Excellence.” Having been found worthy in character and learning, twenty-two students proudly processed into the auditorium adorned in the blue and yellow graduation gowns. The Principal, Mr. Femi Akinlade, delivered a heartfelt speech, extolling the students for their dedication and encouraged them to remain ambassadors of the values instilled at Start-Rite. Immediately following his speech, Mr. Akinlade facilitated the investiture of new prefects. Dr. Akin Akinpelu, a Forbes Certified Coach, addressed the students about leadership, urging them to embrace their new roles with dedication and integrity. The new prefects then took the oath of office, administered by Barrister Nafisa Haliru, Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, SAN, in his address to the graduates, emphasised the importance of making a positive impact. In his words, “graduates, as you embark on this new journey, remember that success is not defined by the accolades you receive, but by the positive impact you make on the world. Strive to be the best version of yourself, and in doing so, inspire others to do the same. Your journey has just begun, and the world awaits your brilliance.”

The keynote speaker, Professor Lilian Imuetinyan Salami, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, ably represented by Professor O.K. Omoroguiwa, Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Benin, inspired the graduates to subscribe to continuous learning in order to maintain excellence. He added that learning becomes valuable only when it is put into practice. He also stressed the importance of respecting constituted authorities and maintaining mutual respect for all individuals, regardless of status.

The ceremony was graced by several special guests, including Senator Kabiru Gaya, Ambassador Maurice Ekpang, Ambassador Bassey Archibong, Ambassador Martins Cobham, and representatives of Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja among others. Their presence underscored the importance of the occasion and the achievements of the graduates.

Students were recognised for their scholastic, behavioural, leadership, and sporting achievements. Teachers received awards for excellent performance and long service, while parents were honoured for their loyalty to the Start-Rite brand. The valedictorian, Abdulganiyy Olalekan Mahdi Abolade, delivered a moving speech, recounting his fond memories of the school and expressing deep gratitude to his parents and the school management. He encouraged his peers to view graduation as a window into new beginnings and to stay focused on achieving their goals.

A reflection on the graduation ceremonies points to the fact that there is a burning desire to keep standards improving and as mentioned by Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba OFR, CON, SAN, in his address, steps are being taken to obtain ISO Certification, which will further enhance quality management systems and operational efficiency towards ensuring that the highest quality education is consistently delivered to the students, preparing them to excel in an ever-changing world.

In her closing remarks, Vice-Principal Academics Mrs. Gloria Okolie thanked all guests for their presence and inspired the graduates to embrace the challenges ahead. Noting that some of them had received offers from prestigious universities both within Nigeria and abroad, including the United States and the United Kingdom, she said, “step up to the new challenge of becoming thinkers, problem solvers, and change agents.” This concluded a week of celebrations that not only marked the end of an era for the students but also heralded the beginning of their bright futures.