YOU WILL EXCEL BEYOND US", MADEIN CHARGES STUDENTS AS CAGSOSA 1976–1981 SET CELEBRATES 45TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION WITH CAREER TALK

President of the 1976–1981 Set of the Christ Apostolic Grammar School Old Students' Association (CAGSOSA), Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat MADEIN, PhD, FCA, FCCA, FCNA, FIASP, FPIA, has charged the current students of the school to aspire to greater heights, expressing confidence that they would surpass the achievements of the old students who graduated from the institution 45 years ago.

Dr. MADEIN, the immediate past Accountant-General of the Federation and Nigeria's first female Accountant-General, gave the charge during a Career Talk organised for students of Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu-Remo, as part of activities marking the second day of the 45th Anniversary Reunion of the 1976–1981 Set.

Addressing the students, she urged them to remain focused on their academic pursuits and to make effective use of the services of guidance counsellors in choosing suitable subjects and career paths.

She noted that proper career guidance would help students select the right subject combinations for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination and ultimately secure admission into higher institutions.

According to her, "What you know how to do is what will lead you to where you want to go."

The CAGSOSA President encouraged the students to discover their talents early, develop relevant skills, and remain committed to excellence, praying that they would achieve greater success than the generation that passed through the school before them.

Also speaking, the Vice President of the 1976–1981 Set, Ms. Abiodun OKUYEMI encouraged the students to embrace the teaching profession, describing it as one of the most fulfilling careers anyone could pursue.

Ms. OKUYEMI a Computer Science teacher in the United Kingdom, said teaching had been one of the greatest blessings in her life and urged the students not to overlook the profession in their career aspirations.

Using the acronym PRIDE, she identified the virtues required for success as Passion, Resilience, Integrity, Determination and Empathy.

She explained that students must cultivate passion for their chosen careers, remain resilient in the face of challenges, uphold integrity in all circumstances, stay determined despite obstacles, and always demonstrate empathy towards others.

Chairman of the Reunion Planning Committee, Mr. Dayo James AKERELE, stressed the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), urging the students to acquire AI knowledge irrespective of their intended professions.

According to him, whether one aspires to become a doctor, lawyer, engineer, economist, teacher, technician, entrepreneur or even a chef, Artificial Intelligence has become an indispensable tool for success in today's world.

He advised the students to embrace emerging technologies, noting that AI would continue to create opportunities and open doors across virtually every profession.

One of the resource persons, Prince Abdulqadri GBADEBO delivered a lecture on "Discovering Your Purpose and Career Paths," where he guided the students on self-discovery, purposeful living and making informed career decisions.

Similarly, Mr. Ajibola SORUNGBE spoke on the topic "Choosing the Right Subject Combination for Your Dream Career," explaining the importance of selecting appropriate subjects that align with individual career ambitions.

The Principal of the Junior School, Mr. Babafemi LAWAL, also advised the students to remain attentive during classroom lessons and cultivate the habit of revising what they had been taught.
According to him, only knowledge properly received, understood and retained can be recalled and applied when required.

Earlier in the day, members of the 1976–1981 Set embarked on a colourful reunion rally through major streets of Iperu-Remo before paying a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaperu of Iperu-Remo, where they were warmly received by members of the Iperu Regency Council.

The delegation was offered prayers for continued unity, progress and long life.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. MADEIN said the old students had come to pay homage to the traditional institution and appreciate its continuous support for the development of education and the community.

The reunion train also visited the Iperu General Hospital, where members took a nostalgic walk down memory lane.

Dr. MADEIN recalled that as students of Christ Apostolic Grammar School many years ago, members of the set participated in community service by helping to clear overgrown vegetation around the hospital site during its early developmental stage.

As part of the day's activities, a novelty football match was played at the school sports field, while members of the set observed a special Jumat Service at the Iperu Central Mosque to thank Almighty Allah for His faithfulness over the past 45 years.

The day's programme ended with a colourful Gala Night, during which members reunited, celebrated old friendships and reflected on four and a half decades of shared history and accomplishments.

The four-day reunion continues with the grand finale holding on Saturday, 1st August, 2026, featuring projects commissioning, recognition of former teachers, launching of the anniversary compendium, fundraising, anniversary cake-cutting and a grand reunion reception, while it climaxed tomorrow, Sunday, 2nd August, 2026 with a Special Thanksgiving at the Christ Apostolic Church, Iperu Remo.

Temitope OYEKAN
Media Consultant to Dr. Oluwatoyin MADEIN
1st August, 2026