LASG commends LABASCO Alumni inspiring mentoring seminar.

By Shiloh O. Akinyemi.

Alumni of Lagos Baptist Secondary School, Orile Agege, Lagos has attracted the commendation of Lagos State Government at a
Special Seminar Program Organized for Final Year SSS3 Students, Teachers & Parents. The event which was held at the school premises on Old Ota Road Orile Agege Lagos, on Thursday, the 13th of March 2025, left attendees in awe. The programme was scheduled to start by 9:00 and it rolled as planned. The registration commenced at
9:00 am.

The principal of the school, Mrs. Modupe Shofela, couldn’t hide her excitement, she expressed gratitude to the old students, declaring that the school was very fortunate to have them.
According to her, the commitment of the old students to give back to their alma mater was exemplary.
The state government was represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Prince Adebowale Adeoye Bashir.
Speaking at the occasion on behalf of the Tutor General, the Director and Head of Unit Examinations, Mr. Sanni Olakunle Taiwo, expressed gratitude over the unrelenting support the school had enjoyed from the old students.
He said it was indeed remarkable that the old students were conscious of the fact that the government alone could not provide everything required for maximum functioning of schools.
While giving assurance of the commitment of the state government to continue to improve the level of education in all ways, its priority, the Tutor General urged the old students not to rest on their oars.

Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi as one of the lined up Speakers was the last to speak, he spoke on; “Stewarding Responsibility and Embracing Technology in Education”

Education is more than a tool for acquiring knowledge—it is the foundation for personal growth, civic responsibility, and national development. At the recently held mentoring seminar at Lagos Baptist Secondary School, Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi and Akindele Benjamin Ojo, both alumni of the institution, shared their insights on education, responsibility, and the evolving role of technology in learning.

While Akindele spoke in his capacity as the President of LABASCO 84 Set, to give his welcome address. Akinyemi did justice to his topic. Their messages emphasized that true education is not just about passing exams but about character transformation, civic engagement, and the wise use of technology to build a better future.

1. The Power of Transformation: Lessons from Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi

Education shapes destinies, and Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi’s personal story is a testament to that truth. As a student at Lagos Baptist Secondary School, he was known for his rebellious nature. But over time, discipline, responsibility, and mentorship transformed him from a notorious student into a leader, speaker, and mentor.

His journey of change became a source of inspiration for students, proving that no one is beyond redemption and growth.

His experience as a father also taught him valuable lessons. Initially, he chose Remote Sensing as a course for me, believing it to be a promising career path. However, despite my best efforts, I struggled. My true passion was writing. At first, he resisted, convinced that science was a more stable option. But eventually, he came to see my natural ability with words and storytelling. In a moment of humility, he admitted that I was a better writer than he ever was—a realization that led him to fully embrace and support my chosen path.

This lesson extends beyond personal experience—parents must recognize and nurture their children’s unique strengths rather than impose predefined paths on them. True mentorship is about guidance, not control.

2. Civic Responsibility and Restoring Academic Integrity

Akindele Benjamin Ojo, another distinguished alumnus, echoed similar sentiments but placed a strong emphasis on civic responsibility and restoring academic excellence in the school.

He reflected on how Lagos Baptist Secondary School had once been a beacon of academic excellence but had, at some point, suffered a decline due to examination malpractice and a loss of values. This decline was a source of disappointment for alumni, who then made a collective decision to step in and restore the institution’s lost glory.

Key Areas of Civic Responsibility Highlighted by Hon. Benjamin Ojo:

1. Awareness is Power – Students must be informed about their rights, duties, and the impact of their choices on society.
2. Active Participation – Leadership is not just for a few; every student should engage in school governance, discussions, and national issues.
3. Service Above Self – The best leaders serve others. Community service, volunteering, and advocacy should be encouraged.
4. Integrity as a Compass – Knowledge without character is dangerous. Upholding honesty, discipline, and ethical conduct must be prioritized.

His speech challenged students, parents, and teachers alike to uphold integrity, embrace discipline, and work together to rebuild the institution’s reputation—reminding everyone that education is not just about academic achievement but about instilling values that shape society.

3. The Role of Technology in Education

While values and discipline are crucial, education must also evolve with the times. Dr. Akinyemi’s presentation highlighted the transformative power of technology in learning.

The Benefits of Technology:

Unlimited access to knowledge beyond textbooks.

Interactive and engaging learning experiences that enhance understanding.

Global collaboration, preparing students to compete on an international stage.

Empowering teachers with digital tools to improve education delivery.

However, he also warned of the dangers of unregulated technology use:

The Digital Divide – Unequal access to technology could widen educational gaps.

Distractions and Addictions – Without discipline, digital tools can become obstacles instead of aids.

Misinformation – With the rise of AI and online media, students must develop critical thinking skills to separate truth from falsehood.

Both Dr. Akinyemi and Akindele Ojo agreed that education must integrate technology wisely, ensuring that it remains a tool for progress rather than a source of distraction.

4. The Role of Teachers, Parents, and Alumni

A major theme in both speeches was the collective responsibility of educators, parents, and alumni in shaping students’ futures.

The Role of Teachers:

Go beyond academics—inspire and mentor students to become responsible citizens.

Maintain high moral standards and discourage unethical practices like examination malpractice.

Integrate technology without compromising discipline.

The Role of Parents:

Recognize and support their children’s unique strengths rather than forcing rigid career paths.

Create a conducive learning environment at home.

Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, discipline, and responsibility.

The Role of Alumni:

Continue to support the school through mentorship programs and infrastructure development.

Act as positive role models for current students.

Advocate for strong moral values and help curb unethical academic practices.

The seminar itself was a product of alumni intervention—a reminder that no institution can thrive without the involvement of those who have passed through it.

The seminar featured six resource persons who are old students of the school and had made their mark in different fields.

The first session was handled by a prominent medical doctor, Dr. Aina Odusola, with the topic: “Overcoming Examination Anxiety and Pressure, and Academic Integtrity and its Importance.

The second session was by a renowned educationist, Mrs. Funsho Bolawole.

The topic of her session is: “The Role of Teachers in Academic Excellence: Teacher-Students Relationships and Mentorship.”

The third session was by a school proprietress, Mrs. Folake Joseph.

She spoke on “Recognising and Addressing Signs of Academic Struggle and Fostering a Mindset in Your Child.”

The fourth session was handled by the MD/EiC of FrontPage a media company, Mr. Sakibu Olokojobi.

He spoke on “Building Resilience and Perseverance.”

Mr. Alaka Abayomi handled the fifth session with the title, “Goal Setting and Time Management.”

The sixth session was by Apostle (Dr.) Bolaji Akinyemi, with the topic, “Civic Responsibility and Community Engagement and the Role of Technology in Education.”

The students, teachers and parents at the occasion expressed gratitude for the timely intervention which they considered very useful for all.

Conclusion: The Call to Action

The powerful messages delivered by Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi and Akindele Benjamin Ojo emphasized one central truth: Education is not just about acquiring knowledge—it is about transformation, civic duty, and adapting to the digital world.

Students must take ownership of their education, commit to integrity, and embrace learning as a lifelong journey.

Parents must support their children’s unique talents and guide them wisely.

Educators must uphold discipline, inspire curiosity, and leverage technology effectively.

Alumni must continue to give back and uphold the school’s legacy.

The future belongs to those who are both responsible and technologically equipped. If we steward today’s youth with wisdom, we will build a generation that is not only educated but truly empowered.

The responsibility is ours. The time to act is now.