Students of Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, have been urged to build the skills, character and knowledge required to exceed the achievements of previous generations of the institution.

The charge was given by the President of the 1976–1981 Set of the Christ Apostolic Grammar School Old Students’ Association (CAGSOSA), Dr Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, during a career talk organised as part of activities marking the set’s 45th anniversary reunion.

Madein, Nigeria’s first female Accountant-General of the Federation and immediate past occupant of the position, advised the students to identify their abilities early and remain deliberate about their academic and career choices.

She particularly encouraged them to take advantage of guidance and counselling services when selecting subjects for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, noting that appropriate subject combinations could influence their chances of gaining admission to higher institutions and pursuing their desired careers.

“What you know how to do is what will lead you to where you want to go,” she told the students, while expressing confidence that they could achieve more than her generation.

Vice President of the set, Abiodun Okuyemi, who teaches Computer Science in the United Kingdom, also encouraged the students to consider teaching among their career options, describing the profession as one that had brought her significant fulfilment.

She urged them to develop what she described as the PRIDE qualities: passion, resilience, integrity, determination and empathy, saying the attributes were important for navigating both career and personal challenges.

Chairman of the reunion planning committee, Dayo Akerele, focused on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, advising the students to acquire AI-related knowledge regardless of their chosen professions.

He said emerging technology would increasingly influence fields ranging from medicine and law to engineering, education, business and hospitality, making digital competence an important advantage for young people.

The career session also featured presentations by Prince Abdulqadri Gbadebo on discovering purpose and choosing career paths, and Ajibola Sorungbe, who addressed the importance of selecting subjects that align with students’ career ambitions.

The Principal of the Junior School, Babafemi Lawal, urged the students to pay attention during lessons and cultivate regular revision, stressing that knowledge must first be understood and retained before it can be effectively applied.

The reunion also provided an opportunity for members of the 1976–1981 set to reconnect with their former community. They held a rally through Iperu-Remo, visited the palace of the Alaperu of Iperu-Remo and paid a visit to Iperu General Hospital.

At the hospital, Madein recalled how members of the set participated in community service as students by clearing overgrown vegetation around the facility during its early development.

The reunion activities also included a novelty football match, a Jumat service at the Iperu Central Mosque and a gala night, where members reflected on their 45 years of friendship, shared experiences and contributions to society.

The anniversary programme also featured projects commissioning, recognition of former teachers, the launch of an anniversary compendium, fundraising and a thanksgiving service at Christ Apostolic Church, Iperu-Remo.