Make education affordable for children, ‘One Day Principal’ appeals to government

Anuoluwapo Osinibi last week became Bishop Howells Memorial Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos State ‘One Day Principal’. The post occupied by male students since inception, saw her became the first female student to fill the position and directed the affairs of the school for a day.

Osinibi was adjudged the overall best aggregate top student in the entire Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) class, and had the privilege of conducting the school’s assembly as the principal among other things.

According to the school’s principal, Tunde Oduwole, the lucky student must be an all-rounder, someone who knows a bit about everything, who is able to aggregate knowledge in every sphere of learning and a number of other things go into that. Quoting the Duke of Wellington, he said, “Education without sound character is useless.”An indigene of Ogun State and now in Junior Secondary School Three, Osinibi said adherence to school’s instructions gave her the honour.

“I got here through my education excellence, couple with previous attitude to educational affairs and submission to teachers’ instructions,” she said, adding that she would want to be a teacher when she grows up in order to impart knowledge.

I want to become a teacher when I grow up so that I can impart lives. I wish people could be like me because I want to make impact in the society through teaching. That is why I want the government to provide more schools, and reduce school fees for children so that knowledge can be made available to them,” she said.

Oduwole, described the event as an unusual one with a female student occupying the principal’s office. “Today is a memorable one in the annals of the school. History is being made because a female is the ‘One Day Principal’. The idea was to foster healthier academic rivalry, build confidence, mentor leadership, and prepare the students for leadership in life.

“Wherever our children are, it is our desire to encourage them to always standout in the crowd. When you talk of Christians, the word Church is translated from Ecclesiae, which means call out those who have been set apart… for special purpose.

“It is a worthy investment on a child having spent so much and you get a return on investment. It is particularly pleasing and pleasurable but we owe everything to God and that is why we must thank God for the outcome of the result in the one day principal event,” he said.

Meanwhile, the proud parents, Rev. Olufunto and Mr. Olufunmilayo Osinibi were all smiles, as their daughter broke the jinx as the first female to occupy the school’s principal office.

“We are the proudest parents in the world right now. Fortunately, the principal, who is like a big brother to me, told me to always encourage and support my children in everything they desire to do, as they will eventually turn out to be the best of it. My advice to parents is to do likewise and continue to support them regardless of their performance in their studies,” Rev. Olufunto stated.