Chinedum Treasure
Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Chinyere Onyekesi has called on Nigerian students to prioritize character above certificate.
Onyekesi gave the advice on Wednesday during the occasion of 2026 Independence Day celebration of Laphils International Academy, Awka.
She said grades might open doors for them, but character they exhibit would sustain them thereafter.
The Commissioner further urged them to own their future by not waiting for government or their parents to empower them.
She said, “I am the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, and children are central to my mandate. Wherever children gather, I am always happy to be part of it.
“I have a few words of advice for our students: Put character before certificate. Your grades may open doors for you, but it is your character that will keep you there.
“Learn at least one skill outside your course of study – be it computer skills, writing, trading, or public speaking. That skill will sustain you even before your certificate does.
“Choose your friends wisely. Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are. Your friends will shape your future even more than your textbooks.
“Stay close to people who discuss ideas, growth and goals, not just gossip and pleasure. Stay close to God and stay focused.
“Avoid cultism, drugs, quick money and shortcut lifestyles. A shortcut often cuts life short. There is dignity in honesty and patience. If you do these things, the sky will be your limit.
Appreciating the school’s management and teachers for their dedication, Onyekesi urged them to up the ante, adding, “this is the kind of initiative we appreciate.
“Children learn fast, and they learn more from what they see. Please continue to guide them well,” she added.
Earlier, Proprietor of the school, Mrs Phina Mefor pledged management’s commitment to providing conducive environment for children to learn with confidence, discover their ability and develop good character.
She also promised an atmosphere for the students to appreciate that leadership is not simply about position, but about responsibility and service.
According to her, each time the students learn something new, kindness, solve solve a problem, help one one another, or do the right thing, they are already contributing to Nigeria they dream of.
“Our theme, the Nigeria we dream of, is very meaningful to us because every better tomorrow begins with a dream. But dreams alone are not enough.
“They must be nurtured through education, through good character, creativity, responsibility, and service.
“At Lafee International Academy, we believe that education should go beyond academic knowledge.
“We want our scholars to be to become young people who can think for themselves. Ask questions, solve problems, respect others, take responsibility, and use their ability to make a positive difference.
“And that is why today is not only about celebrating Nigeria Independence, it is also about listening to the dreams of our children. What kind of Nigeria do we hope to inherit?
“What kind of citizen do we hope to become? And what can each of us do today to help build the Nigeria we want tomorrow? As a school, we may be young, but we are building with a clear purpose,” she added.
Mefor appreciated parents for trusting the school with their children, and for believing in what they were building, just as she thanked teachers and staff for their dedication to the growth and development of our scholars.
Highpoints of the event were inspection tour of the school’s facilities led by the Principal, Chukwuebuka Nelson, cutting of the independence cake, special presentation by the students, among others.
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