Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

A Catholic School, Caritas Secondary School, Ogbere, Ibadan is moving ahead of other educational institutions by combining training of hands with the training of the brain.

This excellent human development efforts in educational and vocational training was practically exhibited for all to see at the school’s graduation ceremony held in the school’s premises on Saturday, 2nd August 2025.

The graduation ceremony which had in attendance clergy, parents, guardians, motivational speakers, members of staff and students; including Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun, the parish priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Okonta, CSJ; ASP Lawrence Friday (representing the Divisional Police Officer of Ogbere Police Station) and Mr Abodunrin, who was the Chairman for the day, to mention but just a few; was kicked-off with an opening prayer said by Elder Rufus Adesokan.

After the stylish arrival of the graduating students from JSS3 and SSS3, the Principal of Caritas Secondary School, Ibadan, Rev. Sr. Mary Emmanuella Ibeawuchi, SJS read her welcome address where she appreciated God, clergy, parents, guardians, distinguished guests, friends, respected teachers and the graduating students 2024/2025 set of the school.

“It is with immense joy and gratitude that I welcome you all to this momentous occasion, the graduation ceremony of our noble citadel of learning. Today marks not just culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance in this trying time, but the beginning of new journeys, opportunities and challenges for our graduands.”

The Principal further challenged the graduating students to stay curious and keep learning, be resilient and practice integrity; even as she appealed to the stakeholders to continue to invest in education and empower the children to build a brighter future. “We solicit support for the school; our dear guests in upgrading of our library and ICT lab to maximum standard. This will enhance academic performance of the students.”

A lecture on power of education at embracing a new future was also delivered by Mr Dare Adeoye. The lecturer explained that education is a driver for personal development and further highlighted power of education to be transformative, brings confidence and the giant in individual, breaks the circle of poverty and helps in embracing the future. In concluding his lecture, Mr Adeoye emphasized on the need for diversification into area of farming, irrespective of one’s career.

Following the lecture was a talkshow to highlight the need to be educated for the main purpose of shaping things in the society and thus put an end to cybercrime. The talkshow was presented by the students in two sets of English and Yoruba sections. The students submitted that abandoning education for shortcuts is often detrimental to the people in the society.

In the same vain, the school’s Senior Prefect at both junior and senior levels; Azeez Babatunde and David Olanrewaju respectively delivered their speeches in which they encouraged all to always observe minor duties such as keeping country’s naira note neat, keeping the environment neat, development of talents and the need to uphold the characters of Caritas school, which include moral and discipline for a better society.

The highest and commendable moment at the graduation ceremony was vocational display where live fish and fowl from the school’s farm were displayed, best performing students rewarded with live fish and fowl and other vocations such as baking, hairdressing, make-up and engineering product were exhibited live to the admiration of all. The school also assured interested members of the public of availability of the school’s farm produce for sale at moderate prices.

Other highlights of the graduation ceremony included presentations, cultural dances, chorography, Beauty pageant (with the winners crowned Master and Miss Caritas),  lightening of candle and prayer for the graduating students by their parents and guardians, donations towards the school’s library equipment, news casting and gifts presentations to best students across the classes during which David Olanrewaju got the over-all best student prize.

The Chairman, Parent Teachers association (PTA), Mr Ayinde also delivered a speech at the ceremony and joined in presenting gifts to the students.

The school used the occasion to announce its entrance examination for a new session slated for 9th August and 13th September and thereafter thanked everyone that made the graduation ceremony for the year a huge success.

It will be recalled that the primary section of Caritas International School held its graduation ceremony the previous week.