Chrisland graduates 327, celebrates 16 UTME high scorers
July 24, 2026 3:02 am
Anike Oye, Director of Administration, Chrisland Schools (left, front row); Ibironke Adeyemi, Managing Director, Chrisland Schools (second left); Barrister Ike Ofuokwu, Chairman, Advisory Board, Chrisland Schools (second right); High Chief Winifred Adefolahan Awosika, Chairman/Founder, Chrisland Schools Limited (right), and some of the graduating students during the Chrisland Schools’ Joint Valedictory Service of the Class of 2026, held at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. Credit: Chrisland Schools
Chrisland Schools has graduated 327 students across its five secondary schools, with 16 members of the Class of 2026 recording scores of between 321 and 362 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The Managing Director of Chrisland Schools, Mrs Ibironke Adeyemi, disclosed this during the school’s 2026 Joint Valedictory Service and Prize-Giving Ceremony held in Lagos.
The event attracted education stakeholders, government officials, parents and alumni, with the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as Special Guest of Honour.
Speaking, the school MD praised the 2026 graduating class for distinguishing itself in academics, leadership, sports and other co-curricular activities.
She noted that one of the graduates, Eze Somtobena, recorded an aggregate score of 362 in the 2026 UTME, while 15 others scored between 353 and 321.
“Today, we proudly celebrate the graduation of 327 outstanding students across our five secondary schools in Lagos. We are immensely proud of them. They have brought honour and pride to the school in different ways, representing the school and winning awards and accolades.
“In the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, our very own Eze Somtobena accomplished an exceptional aggregate score of 362, standing tall among the nation’s brightest minds. Alongside him, 15 other high flyers from this graduating class scored between 353 and 321, a testament to the quality of teaching, mentorship and holistic learning environment that has been the consistent hallmark of our corporate ethos.
“These remarkable achievements are not just numbers; they are proof that at Chrisland Schools, students are empowered to excel, compete nationally and shine globally,” she said.
She attributed the school’s sustained success to continuous investment in quality teachers, modern learning facilities, character development and a learner-centred educational approach.
The managing director urged the graduating students to remain focused as they transition to higher institutions, stressing that the values instilled in them would be more important than academic qualifications alone.
“Over the years, you have been equipped with discipline, integrity, professionalism, love and excellence. These values are the anchors that will steady you as you navigate life’s challenges.
“I challenge you to think big and stay focused, pursue excellence in your academics and careers, see challenges as opportunities, and never give in to negative peer pressure. Dare to stand out and hold fast to your values,” she urged.
In her address, Mrs Sanwo-Olu, represented by a member of the Wives of Lagos State Officials, Mrs Mojisola Agbaje, urged the graduates to uphold integrity and good character as they pursue their ambitions.
She noted that although technological advancement and artificial intelligence were rapidly changing the world, moral values remained indispensable.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The theme of today’s ceremony reminds us that true greatness is built on a solid foundation of integrity, honesty, respect, compassion, diligence, humility and service to humanity. Skills may open doors, but it is character that keeps those doors open.
“Artificial Intelligence, digital innovation, climate change and rapidly evolving technologies will continue to redefine the future of work and leadership. Your ability to adapt, think creatively, collaborate effectively and uphold strong moral values will determine how far you go.
“Never allow the pursuit of success to make you compromise your integrity. Your certificates will introduce you, but your character will sustain your reputation.”
She also commended the school’s management and teachers for their commitment to raising responsible future leaders, while appreciating parents for investing in the education and moral upbringing of their children.
The Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Adeleke Mamora, urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, build their lives on character and never allow temporary setbacks to discourage them.
According to him, graduation marks the beginning of self-directed learning rather than the end of education.
“Never stop learning. The world you are entering is changing faster than any generation before you has known. Your certificates matter, but your curiosity will determine how far you go.
“Build your life on character, not achievement alone. People may forget your examination scores, but they will remember whether you kept your word and treated others with respect.
“Do not fear failure. Learn, adapt and persevere. True success also includes service. Ask yourselves whose life is better because you lived,” Mamora advised.
Delivering the guest lecture, the Academic Director of the Institutional Growth Initiative at Pan-Atlantic University and an alumna of Chrisland Schools, Dr Glory Enyinnaya, encouraged the graduates to discover their unique talents and deploy them for the benefit of society.
She stressed that true success was measured by the positive impact people made rather than by personal achievements alone.
Enyinnaya urged the students to appreciate their parents, guardians and teachers for the sacrifices they made toward their education.
“When you get home today, thank your parents for sending you to Chrisland. Think of your parents, guardians and families, those who prayed, paid, waited and believed in you.
“Your gifts are not only for you. Ask yourself, ‘Whose life will be better because I exist?’ Every great life is carried by people and lived for people.
“Your character can open the door for another Chrisland graduate. That is what it means to shine your light and live a life of purpose,” she said.
She further urged the graduating class to remain resilient during difficult moments, noting that commitment and perseverance often distinguish successful individuals from others.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of the Managing Director’s Honour Awards for excellence in academics, sports and creative arts, as well as recognition of outstanding students across the school’s campuses.
Darren Ohiomoba of Chrisland High School Lekki won the MD Honour Award for academic excellence; Doreen Chinasa of Chrisland High School VGC, for sports and physical excellence; Akinlabi Esther of Chrisland High School VGC, for creative and performing arts.
Olawale Franklin Akinselure is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with 12 years of experience covering education, politics, health, environment, judiciary, metro, and community beats. He specializes in producing insightful, wide-ranging reports that inform and engage readers. His reporting reflects practical newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a dedication to accurate, reliable journalism.
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