In a significant move to groom the next generation of leaders, Apearl Premier Private Schools in Kubwa, Abuja, has successfully conducted its 2025 prefectship elections. The school's Director, Mr. Livinus Ngele, has stated that the initiative is a core part of their strategy to prepare students for future leadership roles by building their confidence and skills.
Forging Future Leaders Through Democratic Practice
The 2025 prefectship election was purposefully designed to equip pupils and students with the charisma and capabilities required for responsible leadership. According to Mr. Ngele, this is a legacy initiative created to build leadership character and value for future development. He explained that the exercise serves as a crucial platform to instill essential leadership values in the learners.
The elections were held for both the primary and high school sections. In the primary school, seven officers were elected. The High School section, which was included for the first time this year, elected Senior Prefects, Deputy Senior Prefects, and several other officers.
A Transparent and Highly Contested Process
Mr. Ngele described the election as "highly contested, transparent, free, and fair." He emphasized that the school aims to achieve discipline both at home and in school, and to groom students who can serve as role models. The goal is for society to benefit from the values being built within the school's walls.
"We want parents to witness transparency, clarity, fairness, and proper organisation in an election process," Ngele added. "No sentiment, no partiality—just a genuine election. People should be free to vote for candidates of their choice. At the end, winners will be trained to provide quality leadership."
The Chairperson of the Electoral Committee, Miss Jimmy Ibiyeibim, confirmed that all necessary measures were implemented to ensure a smooth and credible election. She noted that candidates were allowed to campaign freely under adequate security, which was pivotal to the process's success and transparency.
Commendations and Broader Implications
The Head Teacher, Mrs. Victoria Innocent Ojomoh, commended the candidates for their responsible conduct during the campaigns and for adhering to all rules and guidelines. "They presented themselves well because they followed the manifesto thoroughly," she said.
The event drew positive reactions from parents in attendance. Mr. Sunday O. Amusa, Mrs. Florence Eribale, and Mrs. Afoma all expressed their satisfaction with the organisation and conduct of the election. They went a step further by advising the Nigerian government to emulate the school's election process to ensure free and fair elections across the nation.
Also speaking at the event, Barrister Promise Choko reminded everyone that leadership is not about superiority but about service. "Leadership is all about service. It is a privilege and nothing more," he stressed.
For his part, the Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), Mr. Agbugbaegbu Bright, noted that leadership is ordained by God. He commended the school for organising a meaningful electoral process to select student leaders and urged parents to rise to their responsibilities. He also encouraged the regular retraining of teachers to ensure they continue to impart the right knowledge and values to the children.
The newly elected prefects are expected to play an active role in the school's administration by providing suggestions, raising concerns on behalf of their peers, and contributing ideas that will help shape the school's progress. They will also participate in annual meetings with the school management.
