L-R: Hon. Justice Raliat Adebiyi, chairman Corona Schools’ Trust Council, Mr Olatunde Fadare (valedictorian father), Mr Donald Duke, (former Governor of Cross River State), Oluwamurewa Fadare, (Valedictorian), Mrs Omorinola Fadare (valedictorian’s mother), Mrs Adetokunbo Matilukuro, (Director of Education (CSTC) and Mr Innocent Oaikhena, Principal, CSS, Agbara, at the valedictory ceremony of Class of 2024.
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Management of Corona Secondary School Agbara says it is committed to bringing up well-rounded, world class citizens, equipped for continuous learning and leadership roles.
The Principal of CSS, Agbara, Mr. Innocent Oaikhena, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the school was the first in the country to be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC),
Oaikhena added that the School is also affiliated with the British Council, amongst other top ranked educational bodies.
He added that Corona schools is the foremost Nursery, Primary and Secondary School in Nigeria, that established a College of Education that runs professional diploma courses to equip and train teachers.
He further disclosed that CSS Agbara students undertake charity projects by carrying out fundraising activities like baking and craft sales, washing of cars, fashion and design items, and many other entrepreneurial projects.
He noted that the whole essence was to teach them how to earn a living and be useful to the society at large, declared that the students used money generated from entrepreneurship to assist the needy.
“Each Year group has a project. They visit the orphanage homes to donate items to them, support the less privileged with school fees or WAEC fees, carry out water projects, books and furniture donations and many more.
“We teach them to have passion, show kindness and be involved in Corporate Social Responsibility, (CSR) even as students and by so doing, they will grow to know what good leadership entails and requires,” he said.
On the issue of bullying, Mr. Oaikhena said the school had zero tolerance for it, upholds good ethics and makes everyone to fight bullying.
“We have built over the years, a personalised culture, clearly defined and communicated, where everyone takes ownership and promotes the culture,” he stated.
According to him, Corona Schools are governed by policies, which the management communicates to the students from inception.
“We ensure that these students understand and accept our position on bullying.
“By this, everyone knows what equity, fairness, justice and appropriate treatment for one another are, and understand what their values, place and roles are in the society.
“Marrying these ethics with all the theories of learning and understanding the psychology of the children we are dealing with, makes it a whole lot easier to curb bullying.
“However, we communicate, negotiate and reprimand.
“The whole idea is to correct, not punish, with the intention to help the child become a better person.
“Therefore, we tend to focus our attention on behaviour modification, rather than behaviour management.
Speaking on measures put in place to boost teaching/learning generally, Mr. Oaikhena said that technology was being applied to drive learning.
“We make the work environment friendly, pleasing and inspiring.
“Basically, we train our teachers in the best of technology and pedagogy, strategy and methodology, providing tools necessary for the development, progress, success of the teachers to attain quality learning outcomes,” he said.
The 31-year-old school, recently had its valedictory service for the Class of 2024 graduates, with the theme: “Beyond the Horizon, Leaving a Legacy”, with members of the school’s Trust Council, parents and alumni in attendance.
The school had doubled the presentation of its awards and endowments, in recognition of notable achievements to deserving students.
The principal said that the swearing in of new school prefects for the 2024/2025 session, was also a high point of the ceremony.
“This is exemplifying the school’s diligence in raising generations of leaders with credibility and distinction.
“Our mission is to provide world class education and produce children with high moral and ethical values, prepare them for lifelong learning, service and fulfilment.
“All our activities and programmes are in line with these vision and mission.
“Some of our students have earned top scholarships to different universities around the world, as well as sponsorships to international educational camps and events.
“And the idea is for them to become well-rounded children, not forgetting our roots as proudly Nigerian young men and women,” he added.
“We have a quality alumni, with the likes of former Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Donald Duke, who was guest speaker and special guest of honour at the graduation ceremony.
At the ceremony, Duke had charged the graduating students to be good ambassadors and role models, as they embark on their next educational and life journeys.
The occasion also saw the likes of Hon.Justice Raliat Adebiyi, Chairman, Corona Schools’ Trust Council, Dr Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Managing Director, TVC Entertainment, Heads of Schools and Executive management of the CSTC in attendance.
Corona Schools alumni are represented in government, politics and in all spheres of life’s endeavours including the music and entertainment industry, with stars such as Burna Boy, Banky W, Teju Baby Face, Adesuwa Etomi, and others.