By Bashir Dawodu
The Deputy Vice Chancellor(Academic), University of Ilorin, Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, has called on parents and guardians to prioritise saving for their children’s education as she emphasised that investing in education is more valuable than accumulating material possessions.
Prof. Bakare-Odunola made this appeal last Thursday (July 24, 2025) while speaking at the 2024/2025 End of Session Programme of the University School.
She said, “Education is life, nothing can be achieved without it. It pays more to save for a child’s education than to build mansions. Any money spent on a child’s education is never wasted”.
Prof. Bakare-Odunola congratulated the graduating pupils and described the event as a significant milestone that happens once in a lifetime.
She also urged parents to show equal care for their female children, cautioning against gender discrimination.
“Always ensure your ward’s school fees are paid promptly to avoid the psychological trauma of seeing their peers progress while they are left behind,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Institute of Education, University of Ilorin, Prof. A. A. Yusuf, who was represented by Dr Ridwanullahi Kolapo Oniye, advised the graduating pupils to brace themselves for the challenges of secondary school life.
“You are leaving the orientation stage and stepping into the real world,” he said, adding, “Take your education seriously and avoid bad company.”
Prof. Yusuf, who was the Guest Speaker at the event, also encouraged parents to monitor their children’s friendship and digital habits as he urged them to create quality time for guidance and support.
Also speaking, Pastor (Mrs) Seyi Aboyeji, who was represented by Mrs Moyinoluwa Julianah Owolabi, commended the teachers for their dedication and urged them to continue nurturing the pupils as their own.
She encouraged the students to remain focused on their academic journey and challenged the school management to sustain its current momentum.
Speaking earlier, the Head Teacher of the University School, Mr Mas’ud Ibrahim Salihu, highlighted the school’s recent achievements, including infrastructural renovations and successes in various competitions.
He noted some challenges such as staff shortage and the need for solar- powered lighting on the school premises.
Mr Salihu appealed to parents to settle their ward’s school fees promptly while also expressing appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the entire management team for their continued support.
The ceremony featured cultural displays, prize presentations to graduating pupils and donation segments.
Among the dignitaries that attended the event were the University Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal; the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mr Naheem Falowo; the Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Mr S. H Ibrahim, who was represented by the Secretary, Mr Alata as well as families, friends and well-wishers of the graduands.
