Class of 2018: Corona blazes the trail as two of its students pass ACCA foundation examinations

One of the foremost secondary schools in Nigeria, Corona Secondary School in Agbara, Ogun State opened its sprawling compound to celebrate the accomplishments of its students on Saturday June 2, 2018 during the graduation and valedictory ceremony for the Class of 2018.

The trio of Valedictorian, Oluwakorede Akande, Salutorian, Stephanie Agana and third Overall Best, Omobolanle Alashe, were the cynosure of all eyes as they walked tall among their peers due to their academic accomplishments.

In her speech titled: “The best is in you” principal of the renowned school, Mrs. Chinedum Oluwadamilola said she was elated at the amazing accomplishments of the Class of 2018.

“They gave us an inkling of what to expect by smashing the Standardised Aptitude Test (SAT) in December, 2017 and went on to give us the best IGCSE result in the school to date, where some of them made A’s in all the subjects they wrote.

The Class of 2018 ‘humbled’ UTME (JAMB) with 10 students scoring above 300, over 75 per cent of them making 250 and above and one of the students scoring the second highest in the country.

“I will not fail to congratulate this graduating class for being the class that produced the first and only secondary students in Nigeria to pass the foundation level of ACCA. The impressive university admissions and mouthwatering scholarships deserve our applause.”

Speaking further, Oluwadamilola implored them that given the practical, meaningful, invaluable and education they have received, they should find purpose in the insights they have gained-a veritable arsenal of knowledge with which they must stride to face the challenges of the times.

She, therefore, urged them to be worthy ambassadors of a school renowned for excellence, to go forth and blaze forth like stars that light the night.

“As agents of transformation, be sure to lead lives worthy of emulation and in all your future endeavours be guided by truth. Go and accomplish the extraordinary for only the very best is good enough for you.”

Talking about how life can be a success if one makes success out of it, she went philosophical. “Life is a gift that has been given to you.

It is in your hands to make the best out of it- dare to believe that you can. Through the ups and downs, you will find a lesson to learn that will make you a better person.

Every experience, good or bad, makes you grow. Get along with life and surely, things will become easier for you. Live with purpose and enjoy the harvests of your labours, for as Abraham Lincoln once said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.

It’s the life in your years.” Capture the best that life has to offer as you depend on God and harness your abilities.

In his short speech, the guest speaker and Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, thanked the school authority for the privilege to be the guest speakers for the leaders of tomorrow who are going to take care of the governance, finance etc.

Speaking on the topic “Nothing but the best” the erudite scholar attributed the sterling performance and successes recorded by the students to perseverance, determination and commitment to learn.

He went further to define success, which he said, “is about having positive impact in your environment.”

How do you realise success? Ogundipe asked rhetorically before he went further to enumerate different attributes.

He admonished the students that as they think, they must do more, learn to surround themselves with good people, learn to take small steps and should learn to embrace challenge.

“You must know that setback would come but use the stumbling stones to move to the next level.”

Throwing more light on how to achieve one’s goals and aspirations, he noted that the state of the mind counts.

“Speak positive things concerning your life, learn to implement ideas coming to your mind, know your purpose and nurse it, start thinking about your career whether you want to be a doctor, engineer, academic etc.

Also, increase your level of awareness and exposure, be willing to break new grounds, learn to take risks”.

While noting that success is not a day’s job, Ogundipe stressed that to achieve greater success, they must leave their comfort zone and make a decision to be a solution provider.”

Highlighting what makes great men unique, Ogundipe said people often say “think outside the box” but when there is no box, you think wider and this makes you a unique being.

Be dedicated to whatever you are doing, practice as much as you can and have mental preparation.

Also, it is important to decide on your success goal, don’t look at others and don’t run another person’s race.”

Rounding up his inspiring speech, Ogundipe advised them to learn from their mistakes and never give up in life even when they fail or fall.

“ Examine other people’s success and keep on learning because the journey is still very far.

Don’t act alone, believe in yourself so that you can fulfil your goal,” he concluded.

The Valedictorian, Oluwakorede Akande, who had the best result during Common Entrance Examination to Corona in 2012 and was on scholarship for six years, said he was able to maintain the lead due to hard work. To him, the school has had all-round impact on his life.

Akande said he had the potential to be a genius, but his academic prowess started manifesting while in primary five said he has never looked back. He advised the younger ones “to always give their best and never forget God.”

At the end of the ceremony, award of recognition were given to outstanding students while the duo of Anthony Ilobinso and Ademola Adelekan were bestowed with the outstanding teachers award of the 2018 set.

Dignitaries that graced the event were guestspeaker and Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, CEO, Corona School Trust Council, Mrs. Adeyoyin Adesina, Director of Education, Corona School Trust Council, Mrs. Amelia Dafeta, Executive Chairman, Agbara/Igbesa L.C.D.A, Hon. Ebenezer Oniyide, representatives of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Lagos and West, Abayomi Quassim, Ayoola Ademoye, parents and well wishers.