What Makes Our Students Stand Out In Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure- Mr. Ogunleye Okeowo
The Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, Mr. Ogunleye Okeowo, has highlighted the extensive efforts and preparations undertaken to elevate the school to the top position in Nigeria.
During a recent interview with journalists in his office, following the commencement of the new academic session in Ondo State, Mr. Okeowo shared insights into the school’s vision and commitment to excellence.
“We resumed earlier than the official date to conduct our statutory meetings and ensure we were fully prepared for a productive academic year,” Mr. Okeowo explained.
This proactive approach underscores the school’s dedication to maintaining a high standard of education.
Addressing the challenge of admission pressures, he emphasized the school’s strict adherence to the Ministry o by Education’s guidelines.
“The cut-of mark for admission is 286, and we follow this rule dogmatically,” he stated, adding that parents whose children’s names were not on the government’s admission list were directed to explore other schools.
Mr. Okeowo also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for fostering a conducive environment for teaching and learning at Oyemekun Grammar School. “The government’s support has been instrumental in creating a favourable atmosphere for academic growth,” he remarked.
On school fees, he clarified that, as a state government school, they do not charge any fees. “The only payments are those agreed upon by parents and stakeholders in the education sector, which are directly payable to the school’s account,” Mr. Okeowo noted.
Highlighting the school’s focus on entrepreneurship and sports, he proudly shared some of the students’ recent achievements. “Every Thursday is dedicated to sporting activities. Last year, two of our students represented Nigeria in Turkey, and one even had his name recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Later this year, in November, some students will be representing Nigeria again, this time in London.”
The principal also mentioned the school’s agricultural initiatives, which have become a source of revenue. “We generated a significant income from the maize and yam we cultivated last year,” he added, emphasizing the school’s drive towards self-sustainability and entrepreneurship.
When discussing academic performance, Mr. Okeowo underscored the excellence of Oyemekun students. “Our students consistently perform well, and it’s rare to see them opt for polytechnics or colleges of education—not that we are devaluing those institutions, but our students usually qualify for university admissions.”
However, Mr. Okeowo pointed out one of the school’s major challenges: managing some parents who confront teachers when their children are disciplined. “Some parents come to fight teachers for disciplining their children. We urge them to stop this. Teachers are facilitators, and discipline is a part of learning,” he said.
He also encouraged parents to ensure their children have the necessary educational materials, such as textbooks. “This is one of the secrets of our success here at Oyemekun Grammar School—adequate preparation and the right learning tools go a long way in ensuring academic excellence.”
With these measures in place, Oyemekun Grammar School continues to stand out as a center of excellence, shaping students into well-rounded individuals prepared to excel in academics, sports, and entrepreneurship.