Ahead of its 30th-anniversary celebrations, the leadership of Trinity International College, Ofada, has issued a strong call for parents to actively partner with schools to improve the nation's educational standards and shape responsible future leaders.
Home Factor is Crucial for Education
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Trinity Group, Pastor Samuel Olatunji, emphasized the critical role parents must play during a media briefing held at the college in Ofada, Ogun State. He expressed deep concern over the failure of many parents to involve themselves in their children's academic and moral development.
"We blame the government for too many things in the country," Olatunji stated. "No doubt, the government has to provide leadership, but the home factor is also crucial to education standards." He highlighted alarming trends, noting that some parents do not even remember their children's resumption dates, let alone check their homework. He also condemned situations where parents confront teachers for disciplining their children, asking, "They send their children to school, but how prepared are the children for schooling?"
The anniversary celebration is scheduled to be held from November 21 to 23, 2025.
Schools Forced to Correct Parental Failings
Echoing these sentiments, the Chairman of the Board of Governors for Trinity International College, Engr. Bayo Kolade, revealed that schools are often forced to address problems stemming from poor parental upbringing and neglect.
"If you hear stories about the rot in some homes, you will weep for Nigeria," Kolade said. "If you hear of the level of neglect in some homes, you will wonder why God gave some parents children."
He provided stark examples of the challenges the institution faces, including admitting a 10-year-old child who had been practising masturbation from home, a case that led to the student's expulsion. The college also actively tracks issues like bullying and has even had to expel a student who was in the middle of writing the Senior School Certificate Examination.
Commitment to Holistic Education and Anniversary Plans
Despite these challenges, the college reaffirmed its commitment to excellence. The Director of Education, Mrs Oluponmile Adeyemo, restated the college's mission to provide first-class education by combining academic excellence with spiritual and moral uprightness.
She stated that the institution's goal is to be a first-class educational institution guided by strong Christian values in every decision and classroom experience.
Outlining the plans for the upcoming festivities, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Austin Omame, said the week-long event will honour pioneer staff, the pioneer principal, the longest-serving principal, and other staff with awards. The scheduled activities include:
- An alumni homecoming event
- Community service at the Ofada Health Centre
- Cultural displays and exhibition drama
- A variety showcase and novelty match
The anniversary lecture will be delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan.
In his concluding remarks, Pastor Olatunji assured that the Trinity Group would continue to reflect on its core values, striving to shape students who not only excel academically but also uphold strong character and positively impact society.
