Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Onyekesi, has urged students to place good character above academic certificates, saying character would ultimately determine their success and how long they remain successful.
Onyekesi gave the charge during the 2026 Independence Day celebration of Lafee International Academy, Awka, where she advised the students to acquire skills, choose their friends carefully and avoid lifestyles that could jeopardise their future.
The Commissioner, who said children were central to her mandate, told the students that while good grades could open doors of opportunity, character would determine whether they could remain and thrive in those spaces.
She encouraged them to acquire at least one practical skill outside their courses of study, including computer skills, writing, trading and public speaking, noting that such skills could provide opportunities even before they obtained their academic certificates.
Onyekesi also urged the students to associate with people who would encourage personal growth and positive ideas, while warning them against cultism, drug abuse, quick-money schemes and other shortcuts to success.
According to her, students should remain close to God, focused and committed to honesty and patience in their pursuit of success.
The Commissioner commended the school’s management and teachers for their commitment to the education and development of the students, urging them to continue providing positive examples for the children.
Earlier, the Proprietor of the school, Mrs Phina Mefor, pledged the management’s continued commitment to providing a conducive learning environment where students could develop confidence, discover their abilities and build good character.
Mefor said the school also sought to teach students that leadership was not merely about occupying positions but about responsibility and service.
She said the theme of the celebration, “The Nigeria We Dream Of,” underscored the importance of preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to the country’s future.
According to her, education should go beyond academic knowledge to equip students with the ability to think independently, ask questions, solve problems, respect others and take responsibility for their actions.
She urged the students to reflect on the kind of Nigeria they wanted to inherit and the contributions they could make towards building such a country.
Mefor expressed appreciation to parents for entrusting their children to the school and commended the teachers and staff for their dedication to the growth and development of the students.
The event featured an inspection of the school’s facilities led by the Principal, Chukwuebuka Nelson, cutting of the Independence cake and special presentations by the students, among other activities.
