Character, Not Certificate, Will Sustain You, Anambra Commissioner Tells Students

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Onyekesi, has urged students to prioritise good character over academic certificates, stressing that character would ultimately determine how far they go in life.

Onyekesi gave the advice on Wednesday during the 2026 Independence Day celebration of Lafee International Academy, Awka, held under the theme, “The Nigeria We Dream Of.”

The commissioner said while good grades could open doors of opportunity for students, their character would determine whether they could remain and succeed in those spaces.

She said, “I have a few words of advice for our students: put character before certificate. Your grades may open doors for you, but it is your character that will keep you there.

“Learn at least one skill outside your course of study, be it computer skills, writing, trading or public speaking. That skill will sustain you even before your certificate does.

“Choose your friends wisely. Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are. Your friends will shape your future even more than your textbooks.

“Stay close to people who discuss ideas, growth and goals, not just gossip and pleasure. Stay close to God and stay focused.

“Avoid cultism, drugs, quick money and shortcut lifestyles. A shortcut often cuts life short. There is dignity in honesty and patience. If you do these things, the sky will be your limit.”

Onyekesi, who said children were central to her ministry’s mandate, expressed delight at participating in an event that brought students together to reflect on Nigeria’s future.

“I am the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, and children are central to my mandate. Wherever children gather, I am always happy to be part of it,” she said.

She also urged the students to take responsibility for their future rather than waiting for government or their parents to provide every opportunity they needed.

The commissioner commended the school’s management and teachers for their commitment to the students’ development, urging them to sustain and improve their efforts.

“This is the kind of initiative we appreciate. Children learn fast, and they learn more from what they see. Please continue to guide them well,” she said.

Earlier, the Proprietor of the school, Mrs Phina Mefor, pledged the management’s continued commitment to providing a conducive learning environment where students could learn with confidence, discover their abilities and develop good character.

Mefor also said the school was committed to teaching students that leadership was not merely about occupying positions but about responsibility and service.

According to her, every time students learn something new, show kindness, solve a problem, help one another or choose to do the right thing, they are already contributing to the Nigeria they dream of.

“Our theme, ‘The Nigeria We Dream Of,’ is very meaningful to us because every better tomorrow begins with a dream. But dreams alone are not enough.

“They must be nurtured through education, good character, creativity, responsibility and service.

“At Lafee International Academy, we believe that education should go beyond academic knowledge. We want our scholars to become young people who can think for themselves, ask questions, solve problems, respect others, take responsibility and use their abilities to make a positive difference.

“And that is why today is not only about celebrating Nigeria’s Independence; it is also about listening to the dreams of our children.

“What kind of Nigeria do we hope to inherit? What kind of citizens do we hope to become? And what can each of us do today to help build the Nigeria we want tomorrow?

“As a school, we may be young, but we are building with a clear purpose,” she said.

Mefor appreciated the parents for entrusting their children to the school and believing in its vision, while also commending the teachers and staff for their dedication to the growth and development of the students.

The event featured an inspection tour of the school’s facilities led by the Principal, Mr Chukwuebuka Nelson; the cutting of the Independence Day cake; special presentations by the students and other activities.

#