Start-Rite International Schools, Abuja, on Saturday celebrated its 15 years of existence and also graduated the first set of graduating students of its secondary school section.
The school, was founded in 2008 by Mrs. Amaka Ndoma-Egba, the late wife of former Senate Leader, distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, out of her burning desire to advance educational standards and promote national development.
The anniversary and graduation celebration was a glamorous occasion, and an exciting moment for the entire students, parents, staff, management and board members of the school, well-known for its high standard, academic excellence and provision of quality education.
The event, which held at Myra Events Centre, Guzape, Asokoro, Abuja, had in attendance prominent Nigerians in the likes of Chief Bayo Ojo, a one-time Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and his wife, Justice Folashade Ayodeji Ojo of the Court of Appeal and member of the school’s board, Eteng Jonas Williams, immediate past Speaker Cross River State House of Assembly and current senator representing Cross River Central in the Senate and Hon. Victor Abang, the member representing Ikom/Boki federal constituency in the House of Representatives.
Some of the others dignitaries present were former Nigerian Ambassador to Venezuela and European Union, EU, Amb. Maurice Ekpang, United Nations, UN, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale, National Coordinator, UNESCO Associated Schools Network, Nigeria, Tessy Amayo, and renowned scholar and educationist, Prof. Oka Obono of the University of Ibadan, who was the keynote speaker.
In his address as the Chairman of the school’s Advisory Board, Ndoma-Egba, a cerebral politician and quiet philanthropist, said, “It all began in 2008 with just seven pioneer pupils, under the visionary leadership of an exceptional soul, whose indomitable spirit and unparalleled devotion to excellence still reverberate through us, Amaka Ndoma-Egba.
“Though she departed from this earthly realm on Thursday, 19th November, 2020, her presence remains deeply ingrained within our very essence. We see her legacy in the numerous national and international achievements we have celebrated.
“Some of them include: West Africa’s Best World Class Quality Education School of the Year, 2017; COBIS Young Scientist Film Awards, 2018; Champion Make X Starter City Guardian Robotics Competition, 2019; Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards in the Commonwealth Essay Competition, 2021; British Council International School Award, 2022; and International Standard Excellence Award for Most Impactful School of the Year, 2022.
“On the 24th of March this year, Start-Rite Schools was recognised as Africa’s Outstanding School of the Year at the 1st Africa Education Summit in Rwanda. This esteemed recognition speaks to our commitment to providing quality education in Nigeria, meeting specific criteria in several key areas, including an excellent learning environment, well-trained and experienced staff, staff welfare, appropriate facilities, student-teacher ratio, discipline among teachers and students, communication with parents/guardians, and global citizenship education.
“Just last week, in a truly remarkable display of intellect and tenacity, three exceptional students from Start-Rite Schools, Khadeejah, Jason and Utenghabasi, embarked on a journey that would test their mettle and push the boundaries of their knowledge. These bright minds represented us at the prestigious Kellogg’s Superstars Quiz Show, where they encountered rigorous challenges encompassing Mathematics, English, Science, General Knowledge, and Reasoning Questions. They came first place in the regional finals here in Abuja and advanced to the finals in Lagos, competing against 33 other schools from around Nigeria. Ultimately, they secured an impressive third place, showcasing the exceptional talent nurtured within our institution.”
The Advisory Board Chairman, an avid lawn tennis player, also spoke delightfully of 12-year-old Chukwudubem Amasiani, a JSS 1 student of Start-Rite, who did the school proud by picking the two titles at stake in the 2023 NNPC-SNEPCo Junior Tennis Championship, which ran from July 10 to Saturday July 15, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The tournament, organized by the International Tennis Academy, ITA, is meant to attract and identity young tennis talent across the country.
In his lecture titled: ‘The START RITE of Future Success,’ Prof. Obono, the keynote speaker urged the graduating students to continue to remain determined in their pursuit of success as they forge ahead in life.
He told the graduating students, “If you learn to serve, trust, achieve, restore and transcend regularly, intentionally, and efficiently not only will you find success, success will always find you.”
The UN Resident Coordinator,
Schmale and Tessy Amayo of UNESCO Associated Schools Network, in their separate goodwill messages, congratulated Start-Rite Schools on its 15th anniversary, while applauding the staff and management for their commitment and dedication towards building a bright future for the students.
Different categories of awards were presented to the graduating students, parents and staff of the school.
