Posted by By Mary Ekah on
For parents of the SS 3 students of the Yaba College of Technology (YCT) Secondary School who believe in the future of their children, it was a moment to witness the fruition of the sacrifices they have made in the past six years in the lives of their wards.
For parents of the SS 3 students of the Yaba College of Technology (YCT) Secondary School who believe in the future of their children, it was a moment to witness the fruition of the sacrifices they have made in the past six years in the lives of their wards.
For the Principal and teachers, it was time to witness the outcome of their conscientious dedication, hard work and unwavering believe in the ability of their students. And of course for the graduating students, it was another beginning of a long and sometimes, tortuous march to the goal of fulfilled adulthood.
No wonder, the guest speaker and former Principal, Queens College, Yaba, Mrs. Helen Marinho said it was an occasion filled with mixed emotions: 'emotion of nostalgia, of a few regrets, of triumph, of hope and expectation and share joy. It is an occasion for ponderous thought and self examination".
The event was the maiden valedictory ceremony of the YCT Secondary School, Yaba, Lagos and parents gathered in honour of the school pioneer out-going students; they were 66 in number, resplendent and gorgeously dressed promising young men and women in their all white lace garment with various shades of blues and yellow caps.
As the finished products of the rich ingredients of dedication, care and of world of class education, Marinho said the students were the hope of the nation, adding that so much would be expected of them.
'You have crossed the first milestone and as you take the first step to the next goal post, we hope you will begin by showing gratitude to those who nurtured you - your parents. Too often we take their sacrifices and giving for granted", she said.
The former principal said the valedictory ceremony was a unique one as the set of students were the first to have graduated from the institution, adding, 'And this carries with it the responsibility of leadership.
'We can not ignore the fact that you are the trail blazers of an institution of learning, which holds out promise of greatness in the year to come. Be forthcoming in rendering service to your alma mater.
Be proud of your heritage; sing its praises everywhere you go and support it with your heads, hearts and hands. This institution is your legacy to Nigeria.
That fact caries with it a momentous responsibility and at the same time prescribes for you, in a historical context, a leadership role, since others coming after you will want to emulate you", was the advise Marinho gave to the graduating students.
She advised them also to remember that every obstacle towards the next milestone was but a challenge to define who they were and to allow them to grow gracefully into maturity.
'We often think we are too young to take the lead and to set the pace. But leadership does not depend on age neither does it depend on training. It is determined by character", she noted.
The Principal, YCT, Secondary School, Mrs. A.O. Adio-Moses said the sixty-six graduating students were exceptionally special because they were directly connected to the fulfillment of her calling not only as a mother but also as a teacher and school administrator.
'With their tender hands and hearts, together we built this school from scratch and have experienced every phase this glorious school has passed through", Adio-Moses noted.
She advised the out-going students that in order for their dreams to be realized to the fullest and not be cut short, it was imperative that they watched and prayed.
She said: ‘Chose to do and be the best at all times. Remember that your best is always good enough for us. Make the best of the opportunity that come your way, bearing in mind that there would always be a day of reckoning".