Gbolahan Balogun -
An educationist and first indigenous principal of Queen’s School, Ilorin, Alhaja Raliat Oyenike Sanni, has called on Nigerian youths to shun distractions and remain steadfast in their academic pursuits.
She made this appeal during the annual Pinnacle Resource Centre Schools Debate held in Igbonna, Oyun Local Government area Kwara State, over the weekend.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Alhaja Sanni, a community leader in Offa who was also the pioneer chairman of the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, emphasised the importance of hard work and discipline among students. She noted that such qualities are essential for achieving academic and personal success.
“Youths should strive to be future leaders by remaining focused, working diligently, and avoiding actions that could derail their aspirations,” she said.
“When faced with challenges, they should seek guidance from parents and teachers and use corrections as stepping stones to success.”
The debate competition, which featured 16 participants from eight schools, culminated in a thrilling finale between Federal Polytechnic Offa International School and Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School. Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School emerged victorious, receiving various prizes designed to encourage academic excellence.
Alhaja Sanni highlighted the role of Pinnacle Resource Centre in fostering educational growth within the Offa and the neighbouring communities. “This initiative is geared toward promoting academic excellence and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the development of our state and nation,” she said.
The Manager of Training and Events at Pinnacle Resource Centre, Miss Ololade Ologbosere, described the debate as the second in a series aimed at engaging students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in Offa.
“This year’s edition faced some challenges due to schools conducting examinations, but we are grateful for the participation and outcomes,” Ologbosere said.
“The event spanned two weeks, and we are proud of the platform it provides to inspire academic growth and leadership skills among students.”
“The only snag about this edition, as in the previous year is that we noticed that the schools’ representatives were dominated by the girls and we wondered what the boys were doing “
She revealed that future editions would include university students to further broaden the scope of the competition.
The debate, Ologbosere added, underscores the centre’s commitment to nurturing young minds and equipping them for future academic achievements. She urged students to remain diligent and focused on their education, stating, “Through hard work and dedication, you can become a shining light for the community and beyond.”
She promised that the Pinnacle Resource Centre's Schools Debate will continue to serve as a beacon of academic inspiration, providing students with the opportunity to excel and prepare for leadership roles in society.
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