Grange school pupils thrill guests at founder’s day

The recent celebration of the diamond jubilee of Grange School, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, afforded students the opportunity to showcase their mastery of musical instruments and talents, as the school orchestra dished out soulful, scintillating songs, during the school’s Founder’s day gig.

Many dignitaries graced the colourful event, among who was the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Laure Beaufils. She was conducted round to see some of the students’ creative artworks on display.

Speaking as the Guest of honour, Mrs. Beaufils said 60 years of consistency in excellence and capacity building is a remarkable feat for any institution. She noted that the best gift any government could give to its citizens is investing in education, especially girls’ education.

Regretting that not all children of school age have access to education, Beaufils said 20 per cent of the world’s out-of-school children are Nigerians, a situation that is bad for the country with its huge population.“While education is a right, it is also a privilege. It is a right, so that we can be heroes, but it does not happen systematically. This is why I will implore you to always think of those without access to education,” she said.

She urged government to also focus on other developmental goals, since it was not certain there would be jobs for graduated students. She explained that education is not just about knowledge, but creativity, confidence and not being afraid to express one’s belief.Mrs. Awuneba Ajumogobia, Chairperson, Grange School Governing Council said the school would continue to contribute its quota towards reducing the number of out-of-school children.

“The school management will do this through award of scholarships and other projects yet to kick off,” she said.The ceremony, which was the second in the schedule of events to mark the school’s 60th year, attracted dignitaries from the educational sector, the diplomatic corps, parents, staff and the school’s alumni.