The Betti-O School Of Fashion (BOSOF) graduation ceremony for this year was one of a kind, as the school graduated both 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 sets as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sixth edition graduation ceremony was celebrated with friends, families and well wishers of graduating students who were made to join the procession via ZOOM and other online platforms in adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.
Organised in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) at the Ruff ‘n’ Tumble outlet in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, the school awarded three best-graduating students of each set respectively.
The first place best graduating students for each set got N100,000 and industrial sewing machines each, the second received N75, 000 and industrial sewing machines each, while the third best graduating students were awarded N50, 000 and industrial sewing machines each.
Special Project Coordinator Ebele Okpako who is also one of the facilitators of BOSOF, spoke on the peculiarity of this year’s graduation and the challenges faced by the fashion school.
“This year’s graduation is quite different from the previous years because we are celebrating two sessions. We couldn’t graduate our students last session due to the COVID-19 pandemic; so, we had to merge the two sessions 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. Also, over the years, we’ve done our graduation physically, but for us to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols, we had to celebrate this year’s graduation online.”
On the 6-month BOSOF training programme entry criterion, she said: “The only requirement needed is an O’ Level result and students must be between ages 18-30. The idea is to have students who can learn without hassle.”
Director of Projects ITF-NECA TSDP, Mrs. Celine Oni who addressed the school via zoom encouraged the students to make the best of the opportunities given. Also, the Director of Training ITF Mr. Fanope J.A admonished the fresh graduates to continue being ambassadors of BOSOF.
The 2019/2020 first place best graduating student, Oluwatosin Akinwale said she plans on pushing her brand, working harder and becoming a better person.
“I feel so excited and grateful to BOSOF; I didn’t think I could make first place. Also, this is the second time the school is giving me a sewing machine.”
