Jare Olukotun
Kith and Kin International College, Ikorodu, Lagos, has charged members of its graduating Class of 2026 to uphold integrity, accountability, service, lifelong learning and faith in God as they prepare for the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.
Graduands were given the charge at the 2026 Valedictory Service, attended by parents, members of the Board and Management, alumni, teachers, invited guests and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the graduating students.
Professor Adegbenga Onabamiro of the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASUED) delivered the keynote address, on the theme, “Rooted in Values: Ready for Global Impact, The Future Begins Now”
In his valedictory address, the Principal, Mr Julius Oregbesan, congratulated the graduates for their resilience, discipline, commitment and determination, while describing the ceremony as both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
He said Kith and Kin International College remains committed to providing quality education that combines academic excellence with character formation and responsible leadership, stressing that education goes beyond classroom learning to producing individuals capable of making positive contributions to society.
The Principal reminded the graduands of the institution’s core values of accountability, service, integrity, lifelong learning and faith in God. He urged them to take responsibility for their actions, embrace humility and service, remain honest and transparent, continue learning throughout life and allow God to direct their decisions.
He further advised the students not to measure success solely by certificates, wealth or status, but by the strength of their character, encouraging them to remain disciplined, respectful and resilient while avoiding shortcuts to success.
While appreciating parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices, the Principal also highlighted the school’s consistent record of excellence in external examinations, including WAEC, NECO, BECE, JAMB, IGCSE and SAT, attributing the achievements to dedicated teachers, structured academic programmes, modern learning facilities and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
He further celebrated the accomplishments of the institution’s alumni, noting that two former students were recently called to the Nigerian Bar while another graduated with distinction in Medicine and Surgery.
He also highlighted the school’s Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship (VTE) Programme, annual international educational excursions and numerous co-curricular activities, including coding and robotics, STEM education, sports, music, debating, leadership development and community service, all designed to prepare students for global relevance.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Adegbenga Onabamiro, described Kith and Kin International Schools as a citadel of learning where academic excellence is deliberately combined with character development.
He maintained that education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge but the shaping of minds, values and human potential, stressing that children require both quality education and sound moral foundations to become transformational leaders.
Drawing from psychology and the teachings of education advocate, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, Professor Onabamiro said quality education remains one of the most effective tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance.
He encouraged the graduands to embrace integrity, discipline, compassion, resilience, creativity, critical thinking and technological competence, while urging them to become globally relevant citizens by combining academic excellence with ethical leadership, emotional intelligence and lifelong learning.
He concluded by charging them to let character become their greatest certificate, remain rooted in enduring values and keep God at the centre of their lives.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, who was represented at the occasion congratulated the graduating pupils for successfully completing another stage of their educational journey.
He described the occasion as a celebration of hard work, perseverance and achievement, urging the graduands to remain disciplined, obedient and focused while avoiding negative peer influence.
He also commended parents for their sacrifices and teachers for their commitment to nurturing the children academically, morally and socially, describing teaching as one of the noblest professions because it shapes lives and builds the future of society.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the Head Boy and Valedictorian, Ademola Odusanya, expressed appreciation to the Principal, teachers, parents and guardians for their unwavering support throughout their years at Kith and Kin International College.
He described the valedictory ceremony as more than a celebration of academic achievements, saying it represented years of growth, resilience and personal transformation. According to him, the knowledge, discipline, integrity and compassion acquired in the school would continue to guide members of the Class of 2026 wherever life takes them.
Ademola paid glowing tributes to the teachers for their patience, guidance and unwavering belief in the students, while thanking parents and guardians for their sacrifices, prayers and constant encouragement.
He urged his fellow graduands to continue dreaming boldly, working diligently and making positive impacts in their communities, stressing that true success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the lives touched and the character displayed.
He reminded the Class of 2026 that graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter and encouraged them to remain worthy ambassadors of Kith and Kin International College as they pursue greater accomplishments in the future.
While congratulating his fellow graduands, the Valedictorian expressed confidence that the lessons and values acquired at the institution would continue to inspire them to excel and contribute meaningfully to society.
