Raising children in digital age complicated – Experts

The challenges of child upbringing in today’s digital age took centre stage at the 27th valedictory service and graduation ceremony of Jextoban Secondary School, Ibafo, Ogun State.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the school’s Board of Governors, Emmanuel Ojo, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between parents and schools in raising responsible children amid growing societal complexities.

“Child upbringing in this digital age calls for cooperation between parents and the school. Both parties must share the same core values to avoid working at cross purposes,” Ojo said.

He emphasised that families play the most crucial role in shaping children’s behaviour, with schools serving as support systems.

We believe that if our nation is going to be upright, the process must start from homes, then the schools and the various religious organisations to which the children are exposed, because charity begins from home.

“I am happy to inform this congregation that we have been exceptionally lucky to have a crop of well-behaved, disciplined, hardworking students in this school, and this reflects their home upbringing.

“We have also enjoyed tremendous cooperation and support from most of the parents of our graduating students. This sort of constructive collaboration has created a conducive learning environment for our students.”

Addressing the graduating class, Ojo urged them to remain focused and resilient in the face of life’s inevitable trials.

“My parting words of admonition to you are that you should remain focused, resolute and dare to be a Daniel. Whereas the society into which you are going is fraught with many challenges and temptations, I can assure you that you are sure to succeed if you hold on to and build upon the values and virtues you have imbibed while in Jextoban.

“Try to identify your God-given talents and develop them to the fullest. No one should write himself or herself off. I want to assure you that even in this climate, you can make it.

“Believe in yourself, see every trial or test as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle. The people who try to solve societal problems will always make it big because there is no gain where there is no pain,” he added.

He also warned the students against negative peer influence and urged them to be agents of positive change.

“In your equation of success, do not omit the God factor. Try to brighten up the world around you. Watch the company you keep and do not follow the multitude to do evil. You have a name to protect and always remember the son or daughter of whom you are, and the school that you have attended.”

The Proprietress, Adunola Ojo, also charged the graduating students to uphold the core virtues in which they had been groomed.

She said, “You have been nurtured in the values of integrity, self-discipline, tolerance, fairness, and impartiality in moral judgement. Uphold these virtues wherever life takes you.”

Abegunde Elizabeth was named the best graduating student and valedictorian. In her address, she thanked the school for building students morally and spiritually.

“I won valedictorian, but throughout my years here, I’ve always excelled in science subjects and external competitions like the Wisdom House Competition and Mass Olympiad. Jextoban is more than an academic institution; it is a God-fearing community that builds us morally and spiritually,” she said.

Keynote speaker at the ceremony and former Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, called on parents to reclaim their vital role in raising well-rounded children for the good of both family and society.

“Our children belong not only to their families but to the country and humanity. What they do affects us all,” he said.

Akinwuntan challenged the traditional definition of education as solely academic, insisting that schools must also serve as centres for character formation.

“Schools are more than physics and chemistry classrooms. They are crucibles where character is forged—integrity, ethics, compassion, loyalty. This is the foundation upon which all knowledge must be built.”

He also shared what he described as a blueprint for true success, centred around relationships, humility, and service.

“Success is not about wealth or titles. It’s about impact—your ability to contribute to others and illuminate the path ahead. Remember, lighting someone else’s candle never dims your light.

“Humility is crucial. Nothing we have comes from us alone. Be grateful to your parents, teachers, and all who have walked this journey with you. Above all, praise God for making this moment possible.”

He concluded by urging the students to trust in God’s purpose for their lives.

“God has crafted a unique plan for each of you even before you were born. Move forward with relentless courage and big dreams. Never give up. Shine boldly, serve humbly, and carry your values proudly—it is the legacy of true success,” Akinwuntan added.