For their professional accomplishments and uncommon services to their alma mater, members of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA) recently honoured 13 of their members.

Speaking at this year’s reunion dinner in Lagos, the president, Akintunji Fatunke, urged the awardees to continuously pursue excellence.
On the criteria used to select the awardees, Fatunke said the association asked for excellence from class sets, who have served without blemish and left lasting legacies.

“Secondly, we look for those who have been able to assist in pulling others out of misery and failure, especially in academics. They are first among equals and have not disappointed us.”

Notable among the recipients are Anthony Ofulue, Oladapo Sowunmi, Sylvester Adebomi, Jerry IIimezekhe, Olugbenga Onasanya and Omotola Ifafore.

Others include Prof. Wole Alakija; Jones Usen, Wale Soyingbe, Babatunde Adelaja, Adewale Ajayi and Dr Olugbenga Duroshola; while integrity in public service went to Olusola Shodipo.

Usen, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, called for a shift from certificate-centric approach to education, urging a focus on substance over credentials.

He called for a return to emphasising values in education, where parents guide their wards against shortcuts in academic pursuits.