The Proprietress,Dr(Mrs) Olufunke Darda reading her address at the occasion.
The joy of purposeful parenthood and the pride of accomplished students came alive in a vibrant celebration filled with unforgettable moments on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Some parents and the graduands dancing.
The electrifying occasion was the 9th Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony/Graduation Programme of KAYFUND INTERNATIONAL School, Zango, Lokoja, where parents and students converged in a colourful display of unity and achievement to honour the academic strides of their children and the school.
Some graduands.
Parents could hardly contain their excitement, as they joyfully took to the dance floor, swaying and stepping to evergreen tunes like “Sweet Mother” in a moment of pure celebration. It was not just about music and movement,it was a heartfelt tribute to the academic excellence of their children and the school’s inspiring leadership in shaping young minds.
Members of Staff of the school putting heads together for the success of the occasion.
In her address of welcome , the school’s Proprietress, Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunke Darda, proudly declared the 2024/2025 academic session a landmark year of progress and transformation for the school and the students.
Pupils of the school entertaining the audience.
Highlighting the school’s rising profile, Dr. Darda celebrated the achievement of one of the school’s brilliant students who clinched a prestigious award in an external competition, bringing not just honour to themselves but national recognition to KAYFUND as a whole.
“This is a testament to the intelligence of our learners and the tireless commitment of our dedicated staff,” she affirmed.
Some ‘queen” who also entertained audience at the event.
In a further milestone, she announced with pride:
“KAYFUND International School has been officially recognized and approved by both WAEC and NECO. For the first time, our second set of SS3 students sat for their external examinations right here within our premises.”
Members of the high table.
This accomplishment, she noted, cements the school’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence and underscores the high standards it upholds daily.
While honouring achievements, the event also bore a tone of reflection as the school remembered its late Director, Pastor Kayde Darda, whose vision and spiritual guidance laid the foundation of the school’s success.
“In our grief, we choose to honour his legacy in a lasting way by launching the Kayode Darda Educational Foundation. “This initiative is more than a tribute; it is a light to guide future generations and a continuation of his passion for purposeful education,”she announced.
One of the graduates in high spirit dancing to a melodious son
Dr. Darda also revealed that the school has significantly enhanced its Vocational Skills Acquisition Programme, ensuring students graduate with practical skills alongside academic knowledge.
“From tailoring and culinary arts to ICT and bag-making, our students are learning that education goes beyond textbooks,it’s about creativity, independence, and building a future with their hands,” she said.
Looking to the future, she revealed that Life Skills Learning would be introduced into the curriculum next session, encompassing emotional intelligence, financial literacy, civic values, and problem-solving skills,essentials for thriving in today’s fast-changing world.
Turning to the graduates, Dr. Darda beamed with pride:
“You are the stars of today’s celebration. As you step into the next chapter, carry with you the values of hard work, humility, and integrity.”
She expressed profound gratitude to parents for their trust and continued support, which she said fuels the school’s journey of impact and excellence.
She also praised the teachers, describing them as the backbone of the institution, and offered a heartfelt prayer:
“May your choice of KAYFUND for your children’s education continue to light the path for generations to come. May KAYFUND International School shine ever brighter as a lighthouse of knowledge, character, and innovation,”she prayed.
Parents who spoke with our correspondent could not hide their admiration for the school’s holistic approach to education. They lauded the management’s efforts in combining academics with vocational and life-enriching skills, equipping students to be self-reliant and future-ready.
They also applauded ongoing infrastructural upgrades and encouraged the school to fast-track development efforts to further improve the learning environment.
The colourful event featured:
Awards to outstanding graduands,Nursery One presentation,Health Talk by Lower Basic,Health Playlet by Basic 3 & 4,Gbagi Cultural Dance,Parent Games and Choreography by Nursery 2,
Current Affairs Presentation by Middle Basic 3 & 4 and Unveiling of the Kayode Darda Educational Foundation
Others include;Koroso Dance Display,Secondary School Debate,Vocational Exhibition & Presentations,Basic 5 Presentation and a Drama by Junior Secondary,Valedictory Speech by the Head Boy and
Graduation Cake Cutting & Prayers for the Graduands.
Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
