The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Ilorin, Professor Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, has urged parents and guardians to prioritise saving for their children’s education, describing it as a more meaningful investment than accumulating material assets.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 End of Session Programme of the University School on Thursday, Professor Bakare-Odunola emphasised the lifelong value of education, asserting that money spent on a child’s schooling is never wasted.
“Education is life; nothing can be achieved without it,” she said. “It pays more to save for a child’s education than to build mansions.”
She congratulated the graduating pupils, calling the ceremony a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and advised parents to support their female children equally, warning against gender-based discrimination. She also appealed to parents to ensure the timely payment of school fees to prevent psychological distress among pupils.
Also addressing the audience, the Director of the Institute of Education, Professor A. A. Yusuf represented by Dr. Ridwanullahi Kolapo Oniye, encouraged the pupils to prepare for the transition into secondary school.
“You are leaving the orientation stage and stepping into the real world,” he said. “Take your education seriously and avoid bad company.”
Professor Yusuf further urged parents to monitor their children’s friendships and digital behaviour, stressing the importance of creating time to provide support and guidance.
In her goodwill message, Pastor (Mrs) Seyi Aboyeji, represented by Mrs Moyinoluwa Julianah Owolabi commended the teachers for their dedication and encouraged them to continue treating their pupils with care and compassion. She advised the students to remain focused on their studies and called on the school management to sustain its development efforts.
Earlier in the programme, the Head Teacher of the University School, Mr. Mas’ud Ibrahim Salihu, outlined some of the school’s recent achievements, including infrastructural renovations and performance in competitions. He also noted challenges such as staff shortages and the need for solar-powered lighting.
Mr. Salihu appealed to parents to settle outstanding school fees and expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the university’s management for their continued support.
The ceremony featured cultural performances, prize presentations to outstanding pupils, and donation segments.
Dignitaries in attendance included the University Bursar, Mr. Abiodun Lawal; the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mr. Naheem Falowo; and the Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Mr. S. H. Ibrahim, represented by Mr. Alata, along with parents, families, friends, and well-wishers of the graduating pupils.
