Vision, focus, key to running a successful school, says Akinyemiju

Setting a clear vision from inception, and pursuing same vigorously remains a sine qua non for school owners if the basic objectives for which the facilities were set up must be met, so says proprietress of Dansol High School, Lagos, Mrs. Adun Akinyemiju.

She spoke in an interview on the sidelines of the school’s 20th anniversary thanksgiving, which had as its theme, “Celebrating 20 Years of God’s Help.”

Akinyemiju, who hinged the success of the school in the last two decades on three factors said, “Everyone that wants to run a school and be successful must have a clear vision from inception and stick to it. That is one of the things that have helped us.

Secondly, they (school owners) must have a good relationship with parents because parents are very supportive as long as they know you have the interest of their children at heart. They would encourage you to achieve results.

“Thirdly, schools should also ensure they are teaching, and not cheating. Many schools are out there to make money to the detriment of the students. In these types of schools, children are made to copy and cheat at all times. At the end, they graduate without having the basic knowledge of what they are supposed to learn in schools. If you are running a school, ensure that it is child-centered.”

She reiterated that her school would continue to consolidate on laid out plans so as to continue to be a school of excellence and “a school that continues to train children in the way of the Lord. We also place emphasis on getting the right teachers, who are professionals in their areas and ensure they are well motivated at all times.”

Echoing Akinyemiju’s view, principal of the school, Mr. Esan Oladapo, affirmed that, “We are very careful in selecting our faculty members to ensure we choose those that are capable and qualified to handle their respective fields. And because we got it right in that aspect, our students’ performance so far has been awesome and testimonies abound.”

A parent, Dr. Olatunde Abato, who also gave thump up to the quality of teaching and learning at the school, stressed that this right mix has reflected positively on alumni of the institution including his child.

The ceremony, which featured series of testimonies by parents, also had in attendance, old student of the institution, who poured encomiums on authorities of the school.