By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
The 1994/2000 set of Christ School, Ado Ekiti, has awarded scholarships worth several millions of naira to outstanding students as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary and reunion of the class.
Some selected students drawn from the Junior and Senior Secondary Schools across both the boys’ and girls’ sections of the institution emerged beneficiaries of the gesture. Each student received a cheque of either N300,000, N250,000, or N200,000, depending on performance and category.
The former Principal of Christ School and erstwhile Commissioner for Education in Ekiti State, Hon. Kehinde Ojo, presented the cheques to the beneficiaries, commending the alumni for their commitment to educational development and for returning to invest directly in the next generation.
Ojo expressed delight at the progress members of the set have made in their respective fields, noting that their successes reflect the values and discipline instilled in them by the school, urging the beneficiaries to emulate the exemplary path set by the alumni.
He encouraged the students to view the scholarships not merely as financial support but as motivation to remain focused and build meaningful futures for themselves. According to him, academic discipline, strong morals, and personal vision remain the surest pathways to success.
Earlier, the anniversary opened with an engaging symposium led by reproductive health expert, Prof. Babatunde Olofinbiyi. The lecture, titled “Living Well and Strong: Understanding Reproductive Health for a Quality Life,” drew attention to the importance of responsible lifestyle choices among adolescents.
Prof. Olofinbiyi presented a comprehensive breakdown of twelve key factors that define reproductive health, advising students to embrace absolute abstinence from premarital sex as a protective measure. He emphasised that young people who hope to thrive in a competitive world must prioritise education and informed decision-making.
Through relatable examples and personal experiences, the professor explored themes such as family planning, infertility, sexuality, and behavioural choices that influence long-term wellbeing. He applauded the alumni for investing in the intellectual development of current students.
The Chairman of the 1994/2000 set, Mr. Tosin Ayorinde, represented by the Vice Chairman, reflected on the strong moral and spiritual foundation they received while in school, saying those formative influences shaped their lives and contributed to the successes they enjoy today.
Ayorinde also expressed appreciation to members of the set across different branches for supporting the anniversary initiatives and urged them to sustain their contributions to the school and pledged that the scholarship scheme would remain a continuous intervention.
He further encouraged students who did not benefit from this year’s scholarships to strive for academic excellence and upright behaviour, noting that future opportunities would reward diligence and character.
The reunion activities, already underway, have featured symposiums and interactive sessions designed to guide and inspire students of the Anglican-founded institution. The events, held together for boys and girls, offered safe spaces for young learners to seek clarity on education, health, and personal development.
Some of the students who spoke with reporters expressed admiration for the alumni group as they described the reunion as inspiring and said it helped them understand the long-term value of discipline and focus.
They pledged to work harder academically and morally so that they too can one day return to support the school, just as the alumni are doing, expressing confidence that such alumni-driven interventions will contribute to enhancing academic excellence and moral discipline in the institution.
In the lead-up to the event, the 1994/2000 set had embarked on a media tour of major broadcast houses in Ekiti State. During the engagements, they reiterated the importance of alumni associations in complementing government’s efforts to reposition education in the state.
The Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Mr. Fatai Tiamiyu, commended the media for consistently promoting the values of information, education, and public enlightenment. He said their role remains central to preserving social cohesion and community development.
Tiamiyu and the secretary of the Planning Committee Ayokunle Osakinle outlined the programmes lined up for the month-long celebration, including awards to teachers and principals, expanded scholarship presentations, a dinner event, and a thanksgiving service, noting that the anniversary was not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity for the set to reflect on their collective journey and renew their commitment to giving back.
The events, they added, are designed to strengthen their bond as classmates while also reinforcing their responsibility to the school that helped shape their formative years.
Photos By Ahmed Balogun