GSSS MAITAMA CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF 504 FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS
By: Ngozi Dike-Nkemjika
Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Maitama, Abuja, has celebrated the graduation of 504 final-year students, marking the successful completion of their three-year academic journey with a colourful send-forth ceremony filled with excitement, pride and hope for the future.
The event brought together education administrators, parents, teachers, alumni and well-wishers to honour the graduating Class of 2026 and celebrate their achievements in academics, character and leadership.
Representing the Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Tgst. Kolawole Olobashola, the Deputy Director in charge of School Services, Mrs. Ihuoma Chizoba, congratulated the graduating students on their outstanding academic performance and impressive achievements in both internal and external examinations as well as various competitions.
She commended the teachers for their unwavering dedication to academic excellence and character development, noting that their commitment had contributed significantly to the school’s reputation for producing some of the best-performing candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other national examinations.
Mrs. Chizoba also appreciated parents and other education stakeholders for their continued support, sacrifices and collaboration, describing their collective efforts as instrumental in positioning GSSS Maitama among the leading public secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory.
Chairperson of the occasion, Mrs. Enoma Etiebet, congratulated the graduating students and urged them to uphold the values of honesty, discipline, respect, hard work and service to humanity as they transition into the next phase of their lives.
She encouraged them not to be discouraged by temporary setbacks, reminding them that every great accomplishment begins with a vision sustained by determination, perseverance and hard work.
Mrs. Etiebet also commended the school’s management, teachers and non-teaching staff for their patience, commitment and invaluable contributions to shaping future leaders.
“Let wisdom guide your decisions in higher education and every other path you choose. Carry yourselves with dignity and continue to make your families, this institution and the nation proud wherever life takes you,” she advised.
In his address, the Principal of the school, Mallam Isa Usman Okuru, described the graduation ceremony as both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, calling on the students to embrace the future with confidence, purpose and optimism.
He praised the graduating class for their resilience, perseverance and hard work throughout their years in school, noting that they had successfully overcome academic challenges while developing skills and values that would serve them throughout life.
According to him, education extends beyond academic qualifications to the cultivation of integrity, wisdom and good character.
“As you leave the walls of this school, remember that education is more than the acquisition of knowledge; it is the development of character, integrity and wisdom. Your certificates are important, but even more important are the values of honesty, diligence, respect, compassion and resilience you have cultivated. These values will guide you wherever life takes you,” he said.
The principal further reminded the graduates that true success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the positive impact they make in the lives of others.
He expressed appreciation to members of staff for their dedication and commitment to nurturing students academically and morally, noting that their influence would continue to shape the lives of the graduates long after they leave the school.
Mallam Okuru also acknowledged the support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, for the infrastructural improvements and beautification of the school. He equally appreciated the FCT Minister of State, the Permanent Secretary, Education Secretariat, the Secretary for Education, and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation for their continued guidance, supervision and support.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Odeniyi Olujimi encouraged the graduating students to embrace lifelong learning, acquire relevant skills and remain focused on personal growth.
He urged them to develop resilience, build healthy relationships and remain committed to excellence as they navigate future academic, professional and personal challenges.
The ceremony featured cultural displays, goodwill messages, award presentations and farewell activities, providing an opportunity for students, parents and teachers to celebrate the achievements of the graduating Class of 2026 while looking forward to brighter opportunities ahead.
