As conversations around the future of education continue, Ronik Group of Schools has showcased an example of how schools can blend academics with sports to raise a total child.

At a recent “meet and greet” for its athletics team, the school celebrated the achievements of Emmanuel Akolo, a standout student-athlete, and announced a full boarding scholarship for him for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Akolo, a senior secondary student, had represented the school at the MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Tournament, where he won silver in 100 metres, bronze in 200 metres, and another silver in the mixed 400 metres relay (under 20 category).

He also set a personal record of 11.13 seconds in the 100 metres.

During the event, the school leadership used the opportunity to encourage the role of sports in shaping discipline, resilience, and teamwork among young people.

The Principal, Ronik Comprehensive School, Mrs. Victoria Duru, commended the team and thanked MTN Nigeria for organising the championship. She noted that the event was not only a celebration of medals, but also of the effort and progress made by the students.

“Our students have shown what focus and hard work can achieve. At Ronik, we believe in developing the whole student’s mind, body and character.”
The highlight of the day was the formal announcement of Akolo’s scholarship.

The school presented a letter of award to his parents, outlining that the scholarship would cover his boarding for the next academic session, on the condition that he continues to meet academic and athletic expectations. Students on scholarship are required to maintain a minimum academic score of 70 per cent to keep their support.

The school’s founder and Executive Chairman, Dr Chris Alabi, reflected on Ronik’s early vision.

“When we started in 1988, we wanted more than just academics; we saw the value of sports and built facilities like a multi-purpose court and swimming pool. Learning should be balanced.” Alabi also spoke about the school’s hiring practices, emphasising that staff are selected based on merit to maintain quality.

The school’s Vice Chair, Dr Adebola Olubanjo, explained how the sports programme is managed. He said students in the sports academy work with trained coaches and follow a schedule that balances training with study.

Akolo’s mother expressed deep pride in her son’s achievements, describing his journey as one shaped by perseverance, discipline, and faith. She also emphasised the importance of believing in young people and creating environments that allow their talents to flourish. Grateful for the recognition her son received, she lauded the school’s commitment to combining academics with athletics and reaffirmed her confidence in Emmanuel’s potential to go even further.

An elated Akolo reflected on the many hours of training, early mornings, and moments of self-doubt that shaped his growth and performance. For Akolo, the recognition was not just about personal achievement, but also about the collective effort of everyone who believed in him.

“This is not just my win, it’s the result of everyone who helped me along the way,” he stated.