Bukola Afeni
Visionary Golden Academy held its 2026 Annual Speech and Graduation Ceremony on August 1st, 2026, at the school playground along Old Usman Dam Road, Dutse Baupma, Abuja.
The program was filled with parents, teachers and graduates in a colourful ceremony on Saturday. The message from the podium was not about grades alone.
The guest speaker, Professor Ayuba Mgbegah, challenged the students to cultivate the seed of greatness as they marched on in destiny.
He added that youth play a great role in building a sustainable future and should be properly guided.
“Youth are the energetic group who have the ability to do what they can do when properly guided. They are agents of social change, and drivers of economic development, and important for leadership succession, for technological innovation and for active participation in society.”
The theme of the program is “Charting the Path of Our Destiny”.
While speaking on the theme of the program, Prof Ayuba charged the parents to play a critical role in shaping the destiny of the graduands.
“We should look at the destiny of our tomorrow. We should look at the seed of greatness. We should look at charting the path of their destiny. Potential alone is not enough. If you do not prepare them with all this, you jeopardize their future,” he said.
Prof Ayuba urged the students to prioritize their education as it is the bedrock for a better future.
“Poor educational opportunities are a setback for youth in building their future. There are other students in the villages who do not have the opportunity. Definitely their vision and their experience will be different from yours.”
The Senior Prefect for Boys, Ejiofor Kingsley, encouraged all the other students to be focused in their study.
He also encouraged them to inculcate good character.
“We should continue to strive for excellence and support the next generation of student leaders.
As we step into another phase of life, we may encounter challenges, but remember that success belongs to those who persevere.”
The Senior Prefect also urged the fellow graduating students to see their experience as the beginning of greater responsibilities.
“As we leave the walls of Visionary Golden Academy, we need to see graduation as a beginning, and not an end.”
The Head Girl, Ugwu Helen Chidera, said her leadership role came with lessons that will shape her in the future.
“The tenure taught me humility, patience and teamwork.
To my fellow prefects, thank you for your loyalty and late nights. To our teachers, thank you for correcting us in love and preparing us for life, not just exams. To every student, thank you for your cooperation.”
“This role was more than a badge. It was a call to serve, to listen, to represent your voice with integrity. A leader is only effective when the people choose to follow. Leadership is not about titles. It is about service.”
The Director of Visionary Golden Academy, Emmanuel Gajere, urged the graduating students to inculcate the spirit of diligence and excellence.
While quoting the scripture from Proverbs 22:29, which states that “Seest thou a man diligent in his business.He shall stand before kings and not before mean men”.
He told the Class of 2026 that six years in the school had been about more than academics.
“Destiny is a path you choose. You build and work with discipline. Chart your path with wisdom, God and with service to humanity.”
Gajere also encouraged them to maintain integrity, stating that the world is waiting for their light, he said.
“You came to Visionary Golden Academy as boys and girls. You are leaving as ambassadors of distinction. The path ahead will not always be easy. But remember three things: God first, let Him direct your path. Excellence always, refuse mediocrity. Serve others, as greatness is measured by how much you lift others.”
The Principal of Visionary Golden Academy, Ebri Edet, noted that the graduation is about growth, not just certificates.
“We gathered not just to hand over certificates and prizes, but to celebrate growth in knowledge, in character and in the courage to be faithful.”
He told parents that education only works as a partnership.
“You trusted us with your children’s minds and future. The results you see today are the fruit of that trust, combined with the tireless work of our teachers,” he said.
He commended the Teachers for being the quiet voice behind every success in the academics of the students.
Ebri disclosed that the school is launching two new programs.
He said the first initiative is the introduction of music as a core subject for JSS classes.
“Music trains the mind, builds discipline and opens doors. From next session, music will be taught with the same seriousness as Mathematics and English. We want our students to read notes, understand rhythm and express themselves confidently on stage and beyond.”
The second program is the introduction of a School Sports Academy.
“We are building a structured academy to hunt and train prospective future professionals in football, athletics, basketball and more.
Talent alone is not enough. Our academy will combine training with academics and mentorship so that our students can pursue sport without sacrificing education. We want to produce the next generation of Nigerian professionals who will make us proud on and off the field.”
To the graduates, his final advice was on character.
“Character matters more than certificate. Life will test your integrity long before it tests your intelligence.
Take an oath to honesty, respect and hard work. Somewhere along the line, pay it forward and lift others.”
