The Lagos State government has called on students of Vetland Junior Grammar School (VJGS) to maintain the school’s strong academic record in the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This appeal was made during a pep talk organized for Junior Secondary School 3 students at the school premises in Ikeja.
Government Officials Encourage Excellence
Dr. Olufunke Oyetola, the Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District I, delivered the message through Mrs. Maria Ojo, the district’s Director of Schools Administration. Oyetola commended the Parents Forum for initiating the event and urged the students to remain focused and intentional in their exam preparation. She highlighted VJGS’s excellent academic history and stressed the need for the current cohort to uphold this legacy.
Bridging the Gap Between Public and Private Schools
Alhaji Taofik Salako, Chairman of the occasion and Group Deputy Business Editor of The Nation newspaper, encouraged students to understand their interests and strengths. He emphasized that mindset is crucial for success and that public school students are not inferior to their private school counterparts. Salako stated, “Strive to give your best in whichever field you belong to. In today’s tough economy, professionals who are focused, creative, and resilient will thrive.”
Principles for Academic Success
Facilitator Dominion Esechie, Chief Learning Officer of Innovative Network of Etiquette Teachers, introduced three reading principles: “I prepare at the level of my expectation,” “I practise at the level of my preparation,” and “I perform at the level of my practice.” He urged students to raise their expectations, as higher expectations lead to better preparation and performance. Esechie also identified four personality types—action-oriented, communication-gifted, analytical, and those suited for teaching—to help students discover their strengths.
The Role of Arts in Modern Careers
Principal of VJGS and arts facilitator Mrs. A.M. Latunde-Dada encouraged students to consider passion, talents, academic strengths, values, and opportunities when choosing careers. She dismissed the notion that arts students are lazy or less important, noting that arts professionals are among the most influential in society. She highlighted emerging opportunities such as content creation, digital marketing, branding, advertising, and chartered secretariat practice, alongside traditional careers like law, mass communication, and public relations.
Science Perspective on Self-Discovery
Mrs. Dorcas Ogundipe, Assistant Chief Education Officer in the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, advised students that senior secondary school is a crucial stage for self-discovery. She urged them to build on strengths, improve weaknesses, and seek guidance from teachers and parents. Ogundipe emphasized that strengths extend beyond academics to include good character.
Call for Determination
In closing remarks, Parents Forum Chairman Tajudeen Balogun, Deputy Editor of The Eagle Online, expressed hope that the session would help students become the most focused and determined set in the school’s history. He urged them to apply the lessons learned. The event was attended by the Principal of Vetland Senior Secondary School, Dr. Maria Eko, senior school Parents Forum Chairperson Mrs. Adeyemi Egburedi, VJGS staff, and planning committee members.
