AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
It was a memorable and spiritually uplifting occasion on Friday as All Saints’ College, Isokan Community, Ibadan, held its 24th graduation ceremony at the Olu Akinkugbe Hall.
The event brought together students, parents, school management, board members and well-wishers in celebration of academic milestones and the transition of another set of students into the next chapter of their lives.
The solemn procession began with a processional hymn taken from Ancient and Modern Hymns number 337, which set the tone for a reverent and reflective service. This was followed by the Call to Worship, leading into the scriptural readings.
The first Bible reading, taken from Joshua 1:6–9, urged the graduates to be strong and courageous, while the second reading, Matthew 5:13–16, reminded them to be the salt and light of the world.
Adeyeri Ademidotun, Head Boy, in his farewell speech, acknowledged God, the school authority, and both the teaching and non-teaching staff for their support throughout the academic journey.
“Anywhere you find yourself, set yourself apart,” he advised his fellow graduands. “Make good use of your time. Be the change you wish to see in the world. God bless you,” he concluded, drawing loud applause from the audience.
Also speaking at the event, the Head Girl, Ogunleke Eniola, delivered a heartfelt speech titled “The End of an Era, The Start of a New Beginning.” She emphasized that every human achievement stems from divine grace. “This chapter may be ending, but a new one begins—with God as our constant guide,” she said, as she received a standing ovation for her moving address.
In her welcome address, the Principal of the College, Mrs. Mojibade Vaughan, praised the graduating students for their discipline, growth, and resilience. She expressed gratitude to the staff for their unwavering dedication and to the parents for their partnership in nurturing the students’ potential.
Vaughan said, “My dear graduating students, I urge you to discover God’s vision for your life. follow your dreams.”
“This message is also for me as I am bowing out of All Saints’College as Principal at the end of 2025. It is a Valedictory message for you as well as it is a Valedictory speech by me. I congratulate you as your years at All Saints’College ends today.
“You won’t say because mechanics are dirty, you would not study mechanical engineering. Find out God’s plan for your lives and flow in it. After this, chat your course in a bid to achieve God’s purpose. You need to have a burning passion to be successful. You have to come out of your comfort zone.
“We are proud of what these young minds have become, and we are confident they will shine wherever they go.
Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Taiwo Daramola, also gave a goodwill message, urging the graduands to remain grounded in the values they had imbibed during their years at All Saints’ College. He thanked the school management for upholding a legacy of academic excellence and moral uprightness.
Mrs. F.M. Adetunji, who chaired the Valedictory Ceremonies Committee, appreciated everyone who contributed to the success of the ceremony. She described the celebration as a culmination of hard work, grace, and teamwork, commending parents and staff for their steadfast support.
The Minister’s Charge was delivered by the College Chaplain, SFO Jolayemi, who urged the graduating class to pursue their future with purpose and integrity. He emphasized that their generation must rise to make a positive difference in the nation and the world.
Special intercessory prayers were offered for Nigeria, Oyo State, and Edun Village, as well as for the College’s Board of Governors, the Church, the less privileged, and the graduating students and their parents. The College choir added a spiritual and musical touch to the service with renditions that uplifted and inspired the gathering.
Following the service, guests were treated to a colourful and well-organized reception in the prestigious Olu Akinkugbe Hall. It was a day of joy, photo moments, and warm farewells—marking a significant milestone in the life of every graduate as they prepare to embark on their next journey.
