Ferscoat International School, Ipaja, Lagos, recently celebrated its set of exceptional students in both the 2025 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Guardian learnt that at least 79 students set new records by erasing the earlier ones set by their predecessors in 2012 and 2015.
Adeniyi Damifayo scored 369 in the UTME, believed to be the second-highest in Lagos State this year, while two other students, Idowu Oluwadarasimi (361) and Ogunjinmi Ayowande (360), also surpassed the school’s previous best of 345, set in 2024.
Similarly, Asede Prudence recorded eight A1 and one B in the WASSCE.
They were honoured at the 24th graduation ceremony and valedictory service, which attracted top education officials, parents, and dignitaries, who joined the school community in honouring the exceptional students.
The Director of Studies, Felix Opata, attributed the exemplary performance of the students to hard work, dedication and perseverance.
Opata recalled that in 2024, 10 of its students scored between four and seven A1, while this year, 25 of them scored between four and eight A1.
“For the first time in our history, the top 19 UTME scores by our graduating students were all above 300,” he added.
Opata enjoined the graduating students to pursue their passion with integrity, resilience and continuous thirst for knowledge.
The Zonal Director, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Alimosho, Lagos State, and keynote speaker, Mr Abdulazeez Babalola, commended the graduating students for their perseverance through challenges, which has led to growth and maturity.
Babalola enjoined them to be wary of bad association as they proceed in their education, and let the religious belief imparted in them by their parents and school guide their steps.
Babalola also urged them to see graduation not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of greater responsibility.
He encouraged them to seek significance beyond success, remain connected to their teachers, and value the prayers and sacrifices of their parents, whom he commended for their unwavering support.
In his remarks, the Principal, Frederick Opata, lauded the graduating students for their resilience and urged them to uphold the values of integrity, service, and lifelong learning.
“The Nigeria of today needs young individuals who are not only academically sound, but also morally upright,” he said.
Outgoing Head Boy, Oke Oluwadarasimi, described his leadership journey as one of growth and service, stressing that “leadership is not about perfection but about presence, choosing to show up, serve, and lift others.”
The ceremony ended with awards to outstanding students and prayers for their future success.
