By correspondent .
Dr Mike Fatukasi, Principal, Adedokun International Schools, has emphasised the importance of celebrating academic excellence in Nigeria as a means to achieve national development.
Fatukasi gave the advice during the celebration of Icons and award winning students of the school on Monday in Ijoko, Ogun.
He also emphasised the need to acknowledge and appreciate the achievements of students who had consistently excelled in external competitions.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate success of our children who have been representing us and winning laurels in various external competitions.
“Some of the external competitions are Science Teachers Association of Nigeria competition (STAN), Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cowbelldia, Our Generation Foundation Mathematics competition (OGF),
“Others are Interswitch Mathematics Competition, Adekunle Science Competition, Prof. Wole Soyinka Competition, Ogun State and Government Essay Competition among others,” he said.
The educationist, who highlighted the vital role that parents play in the growth and development of the school.
Fatukasi expressed gratitude for their continuous support and for entrusting their children, friends, and family members to the school over the years.
He said that academic excellence should be granted to students whose performances demonstrate remarkable consistency and outstanding achievements.
According to him, this holds great value in shaping the state and society at large.
“The nation needs to encourage and celebrate academic excellence, which is of greater value to birth the state and the society in general.
“It is only in Nigeria that we don’t appreciate academic excellence,” he said.
The principal also said that education remained fundamental to achieving sustainable national development and called for increased investment in the sector.
He condemned the tendency to prioritise and celebrate entertainment competitions, while overlooking academic excellence, a step he described as “greater significance for the nation’s progress”.
Fatukasi noted that celebrating academic achievements would foster healthy competition among students and enhance their intellectual capacity, ultimately contributing to national development.
In her remark, Alhaja Romoke Adedokun, the school’s proprietress, thanked the students for making the school proud by winning laurels prices from various external competitions.
Adedokun also commended the parents for their contributions to the school’s development.
She applauded the teachers for their dedication, commitment, and cooperation in providing quality education and training to the students.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 40 students and 16 parents were recognised and celebrated by the management of Adedokun International Schools.
The students were given special identify cards, certificates, customised T-shirts and caps as well as plaques.
The students also displayed cultural dances in Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa, to entertain the guests at the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
