Chrisland Schools Awards Scholarships to 14 Top-Performing Pupils for Academic Excellence
In a significant recognition of academic brilliance, Chrisland Primary Schools have awarded full-tuition scholarships to 14 exceptional pupils who distinguished themselves in the secondary school entrance examination. The awards, presented annually to outstanding learners, cover the complete tuition fees for the first three academic years of secondary education. Beneficiaries may have the scholarship extended for the remaining three years of secondary school, subject to sustained academic performance and continued demonstration of excellence.
Celebrating Achievement and Encouraging Future Success
While presenting the scholarship letters and certificates to the students at Chrisland School in Opebi, Lagos, the Managing Director, Mrs. Ibironke Adeyemi, expressed immense delight that this initiative has positively impacted numerous students since its inception over three decades ago. She urged the awardees to maintain their impressive academic track records as they transition into secondary school, noting that secondary education would present new challenges and subjects that require increased effort and dedication.
"The examination has been very competitive. That is why we introduced the scholarship test. After excelling in the main entrance examination, the students sit for the scholarship examination," Adeyemi stated. She commended parents for their unwavering support and motivation, and also lauded the teachers for pushing and encouraging the pupils to study hard, fostering an environment conducive to learning.
A Legacy of Giving Back and Promoting Excellence
The Executive Head of Schools, Dr. Olajide Onigbogi, emphasized that the scholarship initiative is a way of giving back to society and promoting academic excellence. He explained that the programme has been running for over 30 years and provides opportunities for learners who have excelled academically as they enter secondary school.
"We have always given scholarships to an average of 15 to 17 learners every year. This year, we awarded scholarships to 14 of them," Onigbogi said. Highlighting the rigorous selection process, he added: "Every year, we have between 500 and 700 entries for our secondary school entrance examinations. From this number, we shortlist about 20 pupils for the scholarship examination, and from that group, we select the final awardees."
Onigbogi disclosed that the initiative, estimated to be worth millions of naira, covers the first three years of secondary school. "It is extended for the remaining three years when beneficiaries continue to demonstrate academic prowess." On the motivation for the initiative, Onigbogi noted, "What we actually stand for is academic excellence, and that is what we are trying to promote by doing this."
Parental Insights and Advice for Success
Mrs. Chidera Okonkwo, whose four children are recipients of the Chrisland Schools Scholarship, attributed the achievement to God and to her children for their cooperation and hard work. Stressing the importance of a solid foundation, Okonkwo advised parents to ensure their wards complete primary education without shortcuts.
"There is no shortcut. Parents should allow their wards to complete their primary education. Sometimes, parents are tempted to skip Primary Six when a child is naturally brilliant, but the discipline, the routine, and what the Primary Six educators instil in those children cannot be bought in the market," she said. Okonkwo identified technology as one of the major distractions children face today and emphasised the need for parents to find a way of balancing its use to avert distractions and maintain focus on academic goals.
