Lagos State Scholarship Board has renewed its appeal to residents, particularly indigenes, to fully utilize the scholarship scheme to ensure quality education and a brighter future for their wards.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Abdulrahman Lekki, made this call during the Valedictory and Haflah program held by At-Tanzeel Schools at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Represented by Abdulganiyu Omobola Coker, Lekki emphasized the board’s role in providing support to many indigent students in the state’s tertiary institutions.
He highlighted that students are eligible for scholarships if their parents are indigenes who fulfill their civic duties to the state.
He also mentioned that non-indigenes could benefit from the Spelling Bee competition, sports, and provisions for those with special needs.
Lekki outlined the various opportunities, prospects, and benefits of scholarships and bursaries, noting that these are available to students based on high academic performance at both federal and local government levels.
He further reminded parents and graduates to leverage the NELFUND initiative by the federal government, pointing out that the majority of applicants so far have been from the northern regions of the country.
Emphasizing the broader value of education, Lekki stated that it goes beyond merely attending school and involves preparing students’ minds for greater opportunities.
He also cautioned that while social media can be a helpful study tool, it can also consume a significant amount of students’ time, about 90%, if not properly managed.
He commended At-Tanzeel Schools for their commitment to raising the future leaders of the country.
Delivering the second lecture, the Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, Hajia Omodolapo Zainab Dosunmu, urged the graduating students to have confidence in themselves and be proud of their identity.
She encouraged them to become role models for the younger generation, emphasizing that they have been well-prepared through their academic journey.
On his part, the Board Chairman of At-Tanzeel Schools, Alhaji Saheed Bashir, expressed concern over the dangers of unregulated access to the internet and gadgets by students, stating that the school applies disciplinary measures against those who violate such rules.
He disclosed that the school places a high premium on academics and the teaching of Islam, along with extracurricular activities.
Saheed Bashir noted that At-Tanzeel is now certified by Cambridge International Education, which allows them to offer a curriculum aligned with that standard and prepare students for exchange programs.
According to him, the school has invested in state-of-the-art equipment to enhance logistics and maintain the integrity of examinations, noting that 94% of their students scored over 300 in the last JAMB exams.
The board chairman insists that the school is determined to nurture the leaders of tomorrow for the nation.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Kamaldeen Shonibare, urged parents to strive to give their children both formal and Islamic education.
He expressed pride in the achievements of the school in molding young, talented students who are ready to contribute to the growth of the nation.
Kamaldeen Shonibare also encouraged the students to use the knowledge they have acquired to positively impact the environment in which they find themselves.
The Head Teacher of the school, Ibrahim Sonola, said the event was a milestone and a testament to the students’ resilience and academic dedication.
He thanked the management and board of the school for their support in providing a conducive environment for learning and other activities.
Ibrahim Sonola congratulated the students and prayed that their graduation would be a stepping stone to greater heights and a source of inspiration.
He acknowledged that the journey was challenging but was overcome through collective determination, adding that the students demonstrated perseverance during their studies.
The Head Teacher urged the students to continue seeking knowledge in order to remain relevant in the ever-changing world.
He expressed gratitude for the inspiring partnership with the parents, saying the school is proud of the Elites Class of 2024.
Thirty-eight students graduated in the 2024 session from At-Tanzeel School, Igbogbo-Ikorodu, which was established in 2010. Among them, six have memorized the Holy Quran and were certified by external assessors.
