On July 21, 2024, Sohaba Nursery and Primary School held its annual Prize-Giving Day and Graduation Ceremony at Ile-Omi, Ijede in Ikorodu.
The event, celebrated at the end of every third term, aims to recognize and celebrate the students’ achievements throughout the academic year.
Among the notable attendees were Sheik Iberu Muhammad (Guest Lecturer), Mr. Ishola Oladimeji (P.T.A Chairman), Mr. Ayinde Billiamin Olabode (CEO/Proprietor of Sohaba School), Mrs. Ayinde Risikat (Proprietress of Sohaba Nursery and Primary School), along with teachers, students, and guests.
The event was a milestone for the school, as it marked the PTA Committee’s inaugural involvement in such a celebration. This unprecedented participation demonstrates the growing role of parents and guardians in supporting and enhancing school activities.
The PTA Committee’s engagement not only brought a new dimension to the event but also underscored the strengthening collaboration between the school administration and the community.
Mr. Ishola Oladimeji, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairman of Sohaba School, welcomed everyone to the End of the Academic Session celebration.
In his speech, Mr. Oladimeji expressed gratitude for the honour of serving as the PTA Chairman. He detailed the significance of parental involvement in the educational process, emphasizing the importance of strong interactions between parents and the school.
He praised the dedication of the teaching and non-teaching staff, recognizing their efforts in ensuring that pupils excel in both curricular and extracurricular activities.
“Our parents’ passion for Sohaba School is embedded in the fact that ours is an environment where people identify themselves as a family, eliminating divisions brought about by tribalism, racism, bullying, and religious differences,” he said.
On behalf of the parents and pupils, Mr. Oladimeji called for further improvements in several key areas: academic excellence and Quranic studies, excursions and visits to corporate organizations, facility upgrades, staff welfare, security and safety of pupils, and school bus services.
He stressed that education at Sohaba is a joint venture, urging parents to bring their professional experience, knowledge, and skills to help build a solid educational foundation for the children.
He applauded the parents for their understanding and encouraged them to continue investing in their children’s education, explaining that it is a long-term investment with transformative power for both children and parents.
Adding to the festive occasion, Mr. Oladimeji announced that the PTA would be presenting awards to students, urging all students to strive to be among the beneficiaries. He also extended his gratitude to the PTA Committee, management, staff, pupils, and parents for their support in making the 2024 End of Session Party a resounding success.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Oladimeji thanked everyone for their contributions and invited suggestions for further improving the educational standards at Sohaba School. He also called on parents to help promote the school to their friends for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Mrs. Raji Kausar, the Director and Head of Studies, commended the students for their outstanding academic performance throughout the academic session.
In a heartfelt address during the graduation ceremony, Mrs. Kausar expressed her pride and excitement for the pupils graduating that day, many of whom she had taught from kindergarten.
“I’m so excited and overwhelmed with the pupils graduating. I taught them right from KG, and I am so much impressed,” Mrs. Kausar remarked, her voice filled with emotion.
She praised the students for their hard work and dedication, emphasizing their exceptional academic achievements. “These children have come out with flying colors in their academics; they are very brilliant,” she added.
Mrs. Kausar took the opportunity to urge parents to take an active role in their children’s education. “Teaching is not for the teacher alone. The teacher will work, and the parents will also work,” she stated, highlighting the importance of a collaborative effort between educators and parents to ensure the best outcomes for the students.
The school also recognized outstanding students with prizes for their exemplary performance. Malik Mazeedah from Primary 5 and Yunusa Muhammad from Nursery 2 were honoured for securing the best positions in their respective classes.
In addition, seven pupils received double promotions from Nursery 1 to Primary 1 due to their improvement and excellence in class. The promoted students are Asia Gbadebo, Adebayo Muzeeh, Bakare Fawas, Abdulkareem Abdul Rasaq, Onibon Muhammad Awal, Abdullateef Bilal, and Gafaar Fuad
Mrs. Kausar’s commendation and encouragement serve as an inspiration for the entire school community to continue striving for academic excellence.
Sheikh Muhammad Iberu captivated the audience with his insightful discourse on the holistic approach to nurturing children. Combining both academic and spiritual elements, Sheikh Iberu explained the need for a balanced education system that integrates Western knowledge values with spiritual principles.
Sheikh Iberu pointed out the growing disconnect between academic achievement and ethical behaviour in contemporary society.
“Today, we see many individuals with numerous certificates engaging in unethical practices and fraud,” he stated. “This discrepancy underscores the necessity of incorporating spiritual teachings into our educational framework to ensure a well-rounded and morally grounded upbringing.”
He stressed that while academic knowledge prepares individuals for success in this world, spiritual education provides the foundation for moral integrity and lasting fulfilment beyond this life.
“Academic knowledge is essential for our worldly pursuits, but when we leave this world, the spiritual knowledge remains with us,” Sheikh Iberu explained. “For us to manage our aspirations effectively, a balance between these two dimensions is crucial.”
Sheikh Iberu outlined four key principles for nurturing children: admonition, nurturing, punishment, and role modelling.
He elaborated on the importance of each pillar, emphasizing that they collectively contribute to a child’s overall development.
“By integrating these principles, we can cultivate individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also ethically and spiritually sound,” Sheikh Iberu concluded.
Mr. Ayinde Billiamin Olabode, the esteemed proprietor of Sohaba School, expressed gratitude to parents, guardians, teachers, and students for their unwavering support and dedication over the past 13 years.
“I mean, it’s nothing but what God’s doing. I’m so excited to see that our children are doing so well,” he remarked, highlighting the divine blessings and collective efforts that have contributed to the school’s success.
Mr. Ayinde explained the importance of student dedication to their studies, urging them to remain focused and diligent. He also called on parents to play an active role in their children’s education by reinforcing what they learn at school through regular revision.
“When parents, students, and teachers work hand in hand, progress is very fast,” he stated, conoting the collaborative spirit that drives academic excellence at Sohaba School.
Mr. Ayinde announced the commencement of summer coaching lessons, set to begin on July 27, 2024.
The program will span three weeks and will feature special coding and robotics classes. These classes aim to introduce students to the world of technology, a field that is increasingly gaining global prominence.
By offering these courses, Sohaba School hopes to equip its students with valuable skills from a young age, preparing them for the future.
Malik Mazida, a graduating student, appreciated the teachers, parents, and school management for their dedication and sacrifices, promising that the graduates would make them proud.
The event was a memorable celebration of the student’s hard work and achievements, setting a positive tone for the upcoming academic year.
INN-HOUSE☆ 