Dr. (Mrs.) Fadekemi Jogbodo Sets New Milestone for Ijapo High School, Akure as New Prefects Are Sworn In, Walk-In Ceremony, Valedictory Service Held In Grand Style
Ijapo High School, Akure, witnessed a momentous occasion on October 16th, 17th and 18th, 2024, as Dr. (Mrs.) Fadekemi Jogbodo,the principal, set a historic benchmark during the school’s annual prefect inauguration and celebration of academic success, the grand welcoming of new students and a valedictory service for outgoing ones.
A-3 day eventful celebration started on Wednesday with the inauguration of the new set of prefect that will lead the school for the next one year.
On Thursday it was an historic walk-in-ceremony and the whole event came to climax on Friday with and historic valedictory Service in honour of 2023/2024 set.
Speaking with journalists during the ceremony, Dr. Jogbodo expressed her profound gratitude to God for what she described as a watershed moment in the school’s history. In just five months since her arrival, the esteemed principal has revitalized the school, introducing transformative changes including the provision of a drum set, a Public Address system, a Solar Inverter to power electronics and lighting, the completion of the school’s fencing, and ongoing efforts to establish a state-of-the-art science laboratory.
The event attracted notable alumni such as Magistrate Akinleye, a member of the 1994 set, and Barrister Daniel Olawale, a distinguished graduate from the 1990 set. Both dignitaries called on the government to intensify efforts in upgrading infrastructure, equipping laboratories, and enhancing the school library.
They further encouraged the students to uphold the high educational standards laid down in the school’s rich legacy.
“The students should continue to strive for academic excellence,”
Barrister Olawale remarked, praising the dedication of the principal and teachers. He also emphasized the role of parents, noting that education is no longer fully free, and that greater parental involvement is needed to support their children’s growth.
In a solemn ceremony, the newly appointed Senior Prefect, Master Oluwaleye Tumininu, alongside his counterparts Adeniyi Ifeoluwa David and Lawal Taiwo, took the oath of office, administered by a legal practitioner.
The prefects’ inauguration was celebrated as a first-of-its-kind in the school’s history, showcasing a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation.
The following day, at the walk-in ceremony for newly admitted JSS 1 students, Dr. Jogbodo stunned the audience by appearing in full school uniform—complete with a cardigan, white socks, and sandals—exemplifying the proper way for students to dress.
This surprising move received a thunderous ovation as she welcomed the fresh entrants to Ijapo High School, embodying her commitment to exemplary leadership and creating a sense of belonging among the students.
“I wore the uniform to connect with the students, to show them that I am not only their principal but a part of the school’s legacy,”Dr. Jogbodo explained during an interview with Democrat News Magazine.
She urged the students to focus on their studies and strive to achieve academic excellence, while also calling on the Old Students’ Association to see her as one of their own and work with her in all their initiatives.
Dr. Jogbodo praised the efforts of the Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and other relevant stakeholders for their relentless efforts in improving the educational landscape in the state.
The celebrations culminated in a glamorous valedictory service on October 18th, where parents, guardians, and teachers gathered to celebrate the achievements of the 2023/2024 graduating set.
In her address, Dr. Jogbodo commended the teachers for their dedication and the parents for their unwavering support, she called on the outgoing students to remain ambassadors of the school and to uphold the values instilled in them.
“They must not allow the virtues they have learned to be eroded in a world filled with distractions and challenges,” she said.
She prayed for their success in all their future endeavours and urged them to trust in God, citing biblical scriptures.
The event was further enlivened by cultural performances, showcasing the rich traditions of Yoruba and Igbo cultures, as well as a vibrant student talent show featuring music, poetry, and a host of artistic displays.
Many teachers and parents who spoke at the event praised Dr. Jogbodo for her exceptional love for children and her unwavering commitment to their success.
“She is a visionary leader, and her contributions to the school have been nothing short of extraordinary,” one the parents noted.
Indeed, under Dr. Jogbodo’s leadership, Ijapo High School is poised for even greater accomplishments in the future.
The duo of outgone senior Prefect Boy and social Prefect Girl in their sperate remarks appreciated labour of love the teachers of the school during their six years studies at Ijapo High School.