For their brilliance and exemplary performance, 14 exceptional pupils from Chrisland Primary Schools who distinguished themselves in the secondary school entrance examination have been offered scholarships.

The awards, presented yearly to outstanding pupils, cover full tuition for three academic years. Beneficiaries may have the scholarship extended for the remaining three years of secondary school, subject to sustained academic performance.

While presenting the scholarship letters and certificates to the students at Chrisland School, Opebi, the Managing Director, Mrs Ibironke Adeyemi, expressed delight that the initiative has positively impacted numerous students since its inception.

She urged the awardees to maintain their impressive academic track records as they transition into secondary school, noting that secondary education would present new challenges and subjects that require increased effort.

Adeyemi encouraged them to persevere and let their talents continue to shine.

“The examination has been very competitive. That is why we introduced the scholarship test. After excelling in the main entrance examination, the students sit for the scholarship examination,” Adeyemi stated. She commended parents for their support and motivation, and also lauded the teachers for pushing and encouraging the pupils to study hard. The Executive Head of Schools, Dr Olajide Onigbogi, said the scholarship initiative is a way of giving back to society.

He explained that the programme has been running for over 30 years and provides opportunities for learners who have excelled academically as they enter secondary school.

“We have always given scholarships to an average of 15 to 17 learners every year. This year, we awarded scholarships to 14 of them,” Onigbogi said.

Highlighting the rigorous selection process, he added: “Every year, we have between 500 and 700 entries for our secondary school entrance examinations. From this number, we shortlist about 20 pupils for the scholarship examination, and from that group, we select the final awardees.”

Onigbogi disclosed that the initiative, estimated to be worth millions of naira, covers the first three years of secondary school. “It is extended for the remaining three years when beneficiaries continue to demonstrate academic prowess”.

On the motivation for the initiative, Onigbogi noted, “What we actually stand for is academic excellence, and that is what we are trying to promote by doing this.”

Mrs Chidera Okonkwo, whose four children are recipients of the Chrisland Schools Scholarship, attributed the achievement to God and to her children for their cooperation and hard work.

Stressing the importance of a solid foundation, Okonkwo advised parents to ensure their wards complete primary education.

“There is no shortcut. Parents should allow their wards to complete their primary education. Sometimes, parents are tempted to skip Primary Six when a child is naturally brilliant, but the discipline, the routine, and what the Primary Six educators instil in those children cannot be bought in the market,” she said.

Okonkwo identified technology as one of the major distractions children face today and emphasised the need for parents to find a way of balancing its use to avert distractions.