Hajiya Rahmatu calls on pupils to see service to Allah as their greatest identity as Esteem Learning Centre marks 25 years of academic excellence, discipline and Qur’anic achievement

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Esteem Learning Centre, Wuse, on Thursday held its Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony as part of activities marking the school’s Silver Jubilee, with the event celebrating 25 years of excellence, growth, service and impact. The gathering brought together distinguished guests, members of staff, dedicated parents, dear pupils, alumni and friends of the school at the close of another successful academic session.

In her address, the Head Teacher, Mrs. Maryam Sodique Adeniran, said the occasion was “even more special” as the school celebrates “the Silver Jubilee of our beloved institution-twenty-five years of excellence, growth, service, and impact.”

She said the session had been “a remarkable journey,” noting that the school had witnessed “significant growth in academics, character development, leadership, and co-curricular activities.” She added that the pupils had continued to demonstrate “resilience, determination, and a passion for learning,” while teachers remained committed to nurturing young minds and parents provided “unwavering support.”

Mrs. Adeniran said one of the greatest lessons learned over the years was that “success is not achieved by chance” but “the reward of consistency,” adding that “small daily improvements have produced outstanding results.” She said the school was proud to reflect on “the countless lives transformed through this institution,” describing the journey as one that had moved “from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of knowledge, discipline, moral values, and faith.” She thanked teachers, staff, parents and guardians for their “sacrifice, passion, commitment, trust, partnership, and encouragement.”

The Chairman of the School’s Management Committee, Mr. Ibrahim Gold, said the ceremony was “a special occasion in the life of our school,” describing it as “a day of celebration, reflection, and thanksgiving.” He said the school was recognising “not only academic excellence but also good character, discipline, resilience, and the Islamic values that form the foundation of our children’s upbringing.”

Mr. Gold said the pursuit of knowledge in Islam is “a sacred duty,” adding that the very first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the command: “Read!” (Iqra’). He said this reminds us that education is “much more than acquiring certificates or passing examinations,” and that true education “enlightens the mind, strengthens faith, builds character, and prepares our children to live meaningful lives devoted to the service of Allah and humanity.”

He congratulated the award recipients, encouraged those who did not receive awards not to be discouraged, and praised the head teacher, teachers and staff for shaping character, nurturing confidence and laying the foundation for a brighter future. He also thanked parents and guardians for their roles in reinforcing classroom lessons at home through “love, guidance, discipline, and good example.”

The Director of Esteem Learning Centre, Hajiya Rahmatu Musa Sani (Ummu Soliha), said the gathering was significant because “this is where the Esteem story began.” She said that 25 years ago, “with faith in Allah, a clear vision, and humble beginnings,” the school opened its doors, and what started as “a modest dream has, by the grace of Allah, grown into a flourishing family of schools that has transformed countless lives.”

Hajiya Sani said the Silver Jubilee was a time to look back “not merely with pride but with deep gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings and lots of favours.” She said the school’s work is “far from complete,” noting that the nation and the world need more young people who combine “knowledge with integrity, excellence with humility, confidence with compassion, and success with the fear of Allah.” She said the school would continue to strive to produce such generations and added that in a few days, “In Shaa Allah,” the institution will gather again for the grand finale of its Silver Jubilee celebrations at the Boys’ College.

She said over the past 25 years, close to nine hundred pupils had graduated from the campus and are today making “meaningful contributions to society as doctors, journalists, lawyers, engineers, pilots, teachers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and responsible citizens.”

She also said 888 pupils from the campus have successfully completed the recitation of the entire Glorious Qur’an in Tartil, while 67 pupils are graduating to secondary school this year, all of them having completed the Qur’an in Tartil recitation, with six memorizing the entire Qur’an.

Hajiya Sani said these achievements remind the school that “true success is measured not only by examination results but also by our relationship with the Book of Allah.”

She added that every achievement celebrated belongs first and foremost to Allah, and prayed that He preserve the institution, bless the teachers, strengthen the parents, guide the pupils, and make every graduate “a shining ambassador of Islam, knowledge, excellence, and service to humanity.”

PEACE Magazine. Lokogoma, Abuja