Last Week Thursday, the Ikorodu Town Hall was packed by parents and guests at the third graduation and valedictory service of Kith and Kin Educational Schools.

And if what happened last Thursday is relayed in many homes, most parents will pray that their children should acquire sound education.

Sixteen girls and 21 boys, checked in dark blue suites were ushered into a well-decorated expansive hall. The graduating students were accompanied by their teachers and the owner of the school, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, popularly referred to as the Chief Learning Officer (CLO). They all wore the same suite.

Members of the Just Worship Band adorned in native dress, thrilled the gathering. The students used the occasion to showcase their prowess in French language.

Pastor Nelson Adewale Ayodele who chaired the event described the proprietor of the school, Chief Olusanya, as a hero, going by his contributions to the development of education and the community.

Ayodele admonished the students to see the sky as their limit, and advised them not to see themselves as an island of knowledge.

His words: “It does not matter what you know, there are things you don’t know and that is why you must always seek knowledge. People perish because they lack knowledge.”

Olusanya urged the graduating students to acknowledge that there are times to play, read, and seek counsel, among other things. “Kith and Kin has taught you self reliance, deepened your ability to read, analyse, organise, criticise, and articulate your thoughts. You have been trained to be yourself, to be independent minded and be a team player. Learn from one another, collaborate and above all, excel in anything you choose to do,” he urged.

At the event, a certificate jointly signed by the minister of state for Education and Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nig. Limited was presented to Master Gaji Michael, who was selected as the sixth runner up in the 2008 Art Competition organised by NNPC/Chevron of which the companies received 260 entries from various schools nationwide.

The event however got to the peak when, following the cutting of the cake, the graduating students lighted candles and said in unison: “We are going to shine our light for the world to see!”

One of the parents, Mrs Coker Omobolanle described the proprietor as someone with a passion for education. “His (proprietor) life is full of benevolence and support for children. Those close to him know how serious he takes the education of the children of the rich and the poor. His kindness, humility and dedication to excellence are his philosophies. Chief Olusanya and more of his kind are needed to make our society a caring and friendly one.”

When he eventually found time to speak with The Nation, Olusanya described the graduation as one of his happiest moments. “This is one of the happiest moments of my life. I am grateful to my wife, my teachers, students, their parents and those who have helped to make the day a joyful one for me. Majority of my students are now in the University-in Nigeria and abroad. This is my greatest joy. Above all, I thank God for keeping me healthy to witness today.