L-R: Miss Esther Wuraola Agbede, elder sister of Miss Oyindamola Elizabeth Agbede, winner of the Best Student in Mathematics and Overall Best Student (SS2 Category) awards; Mr. Ayanniyi Tajudeen, an old student of Oriwu Senior Model College (OSMC); and Mr. Bode Agbede, father of the award winner, during the induction of graduands and Prize-Giving Day/Valedictory Ceremony of Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, Lagos, on July 30, 2026.
By The daily torch media
Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, Lagos, on Thursday celebrated its 2026 graduating class with a colourful Valedictory Service and Prize-Giving Ceremony, urging the students to embrace excellence, integrity and resilience as they prepare for the next phase of their lives.
The event, themed “The Unbeatable Force,” attracted parents, alumni, teachers, government officials and other distinguished guests who gathered to honour the graduating students and celebrate their academic achievements.
The ceremony featured a procession, the national and school anthems, opening prayers and inspiring performances by the school choir, whose renditions of Arabataribiti and Au Revoir created an emotional atmosphere for students, parents and guests.
L-R: Sen. (Dr.) Adeseye Ogunlewe, Grandfather of the Day; Mrs. Folake Allison, Chairperson of the Day; Alhaji Bolarinwa M.M., Father of the Day; and Dr. Samson Disu, all members of the Old Students’ Association of Oriwu Senior Model College, during the school’s 2026 Valedictory Service in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Delivering the keynote address, distinguished alumnus and immediate past Pro-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Sir David O.A. Sunmoni, FCA, KJW, expressed pride in returning to his alma mater and acknowledged the institution’s role in shaping his career.
He congratulated the graduating students and announced the sponsorship of prizes for outstanding students in selected subjects.
The Grandfather of the Day, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, FNSA, the Otunba Fuwagboye of Ikorodu, charged the graduands to embrace challenges, pursue excellence and remain committed to giving back to society.
He also announced scholarship support for graduating students who gained admission to study Medicine at the university.
Chairperson of the occasion, Mrs. Folake Allison, described the ceremony as a celebration of excellence and perseverance, encouraging the students to remain courageous in pursuing their dreams.
She noted that every award presented reflected years of dedication, discipline and hard work, adding that excellence should remain a lifelong pursuit.
In her address, the Principal, Mrs. Iyabo Agnes Elushakin, an award-winning educationist and recipient of several honours, including Nigeria’s Best Teacher (2019), Lagos State Productivity Ambassador (2019), National Productivity Ambassador (2020), and Outstanding Principal of the Year (2025), urged the graduands to uphold integrity, discipline, responsibility and respect throughout their lives.
She reminded them that education goes beyond obtaining certificates and should be reflected in character and service to society.
The Father of the Day, Alhaji Bolarinwa M. M., commended parents for their sacrifices and advised the students to remain honest, humble, hardworking and God-fearing.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Head Boy Master Onabanwo Quayum Opeyemi appreciated the teachers, parents and school management for their unwavering support, describing Oriwu Senior Model College as a place that prepared students not only for examinations but also for life.
Head Girl Miss Ajibefun Oluwajomiloju Esther reflected on the six-year journey of the graduating class and encouraged her fellow graduands to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever they find themselves.
The event also featured a colourful Yoruba cultural display, musical performances and the induction of the graduating students into the Oriwu Comprehensive Old Students Association (OCOSA).
Several teachers were honoured for outstanding service. Mr. Tijani Lookman received the Outstanding Tutor of the Year Award, Mr. Fashun Taye was named Best Teacher of the Year, Mr. Hunsu Michael emerged Most Supportive Teacher of the Year, while Mrs. Oladapo Omolade won the Best Head of Department Award.
Outstanding students from SS1 to SS3 were also recognised for excellence in academics, leadership and character.
Among the top award recipients were Miss Ajibefun Oluwajomiloju Esther, who won Best Student in the Science Department and Best Student in English Language (SS3); Miss Arigbede Opeyemi, who emerged Best Student in English Language and Science (SS2); and Miss Agbede Oyindamola Elizabeth, who received the awards for Best Student in Mathematics and Overall Best Student in SS2.
Members of the Old Students Association also made donations towards the continued development of the school.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Assistant Head Girl, Miss Aluko Rhoda Oluwafunmilola, before the ceremony concluded with closing prayers and the recessional hymn, God Be With Us Till We Meet Again.
The celebration reaffirmed Oriwu Senior Model College’s commitment to producing disciplined, academically outstanding and responsible future leaders, as the Class of 2026 departed with the charge to remain an “Unbeatable Force” in society.
