2018 July Oasis

A PUBLICATION OF OLASHORE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

VOL. 24 NO. 3 SISISJUL. 2018 Alumni graduate with first class degrees from U.K. Varsity

Two alumni make Forbes Africa Under 30 list for 2018

Students receive COBIS Student Achievement Awards

Olashore emerges national champions at Akintola Williams National Youth Debate

LEADERSHIP OLASHOREOLASHORE INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL GoesGoes GreenGreen SCHOOLSCHOOL

4 OASIS OASIS 5 4 OASIS OASIS 5 From the Editor Leadership through Service

“The best way to find yourself is 30-Under-30 list for outstanding young to lose yourself in the service of tech entrepreneurs and creatives. Contents others.”- Mahatma Gandhi We love to follow the progress of our JULY 2018 graduates from higher institution into the wise person once said that working world. This year Olashore alumni leadership is about being of service continue to graduate with first-class Olashore alumni 11 Highflyer 34 Ato others and not being served by degrees from leading universities across others. At Olashore International School, the world. In this edition, we feature three Principal/CEO make Forbes Africa Olabode Ige breaks we place so much emphasis on leadership of them - Abdul-Hafiz Alako, Oluwatobi D.K. SMITH under 30 list for school record development that it is embedded in our Agbaje and Oluwatunmike Olowe. mission statement and integrated across It was a pleasure to have Mr Bankole Editorial Head 2018 in JAMB-UTME, SAT HAKEEM RUFAI the curriculum. We believe that service is a Alao as the special guest of honour at the powerful vehicle for developing students’ 20th Valedictory Service. Mr Alao, a Editorial Diary 16 Event 43 leadership capabilities. While all students pioneer student, was the first Deputy Head OJUOLUWA DABIRI in the school attend the leadership Boy and his presence at the occasion was SINA ODUYEMI My NITDA internship Year 12 students classes, they also seek avenues to put into a delight to the students. GINIKACHUKWU KALU experience attend course on practice what they have learnt; such victory, the school was informed that a As always, this edition features MUNACHIMSO OKEY- avenues include community service and student, Halima Salaudeen was being content that shows the school’s NZEAKOR university life projects which are implemented internally recognised by the British Council for commitment to ensuring that graduates FISOYE OLALERE or externally. are prepared to lead in the 21st century. As CHIDERA OLALERE achieving the best result nationally in This year, students in Year 8 and 9 you read the magazine we hope that you OLUWAJOMILOJU TUNDE- Event 22 Sports 47 economics in the IGCSE examination. It OLADIPO decided they wanted to contribute to will be recalled that earlier in the year, we are able to gain a glimpse into why we say BLESSED AKINLABI Students refurbish Red House wins creating a healthy learning environment celebrated the students’ IGCSE and “all students deserve an Olashore ISIBHAKHOME IJEWERE community health inter-house that will benefit current and future students JAMB-UTME results as the best in the Education”. Feel free to send in your and the school as a whole so they decided history of the school. Still on awards, two comments, questions or suggestions to Photographers centre basketball game to go green. Their ‘Go Green Project’ is the students Chidera and Taslim also received [email protected]. Don’t forget SUNDAY SAMPSON focus of this edition’s cover story. the 2018 COBIS Student Achievement to follow us on all our social media handles SALAMI R. S. The year was an exciting one for us in Awards this term. @olashoreschool. Leadership 28 the school as we celebrated major National and international success is We look forward to hearing from you. ‘Our tenure is one milestones. The term began on a high note not only the preserve of current students as we emerged as the winner of the 2018 as two of our alumni, Obinna Okwodu and for the record book’ edition of Akintola Williams National Youth Folarin Falana (popularly known as Falz) Editorial Consultant Debate finals. While we savoured the were selected in the 2018 Forbes Africa The Oasis Magazine Team

••••[email protected]•••••• Concept & Design •••••••••••••••• [email protected]

Address all editorial, business, and production correspondence to Oasis Magazine, c/o Olashore International School, Oba Oladele Olashore Way, Iloko- Ijesa. P. M. B. 5059, Iloko-Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria or Plot 281, Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Submission of manuscripts, photographs, artwork, or other materials to Oasis Magazine should be delivered by hand to the above addresses or via [email protected]. While every effort has been made to ensure the correctness of all information, however, Oasis Magazine is not responsible for advertising, errors or omissions. Oasis Magazine is published every term by 12 43 44 48 50 Olashore International School. All rights reserved. Reproduction in full or part of any content in any form from Oasis Magazine News Interview For the record Oluwatunmike Alumnus Bags without the prior written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Halima Achieves Students should be open The next frontier Graduates with First Class Degree

6 OASIS OASIS 7 From the Editor Leadership through Service

••••[email protected]•••••• Concept & Design •••••••••••••••• [email protected]

6 OASIS OASIS 7 elcome to the final edition of Oasis for this session. This has been an exciting and successful year. The Valedictory Service last month was a great opportunity to celebrate with the graduating Year 12 students all that they and the school have achieved during the past twelve months. It was a pleasure to welcome back Bankole Alao, the pioneer Deputy Head Boy of the school. Bankole is a member of the first set, joining the school in January 1994. As a school we are very proud of the success of our alumni. Bankole had stories of the success of many Olashore alumni. He told us of his own experience working with leading tech companies before setting up his own business to use technology to improve lives in Nigeria. His message that leaders solve problems resonated with the graduating set and all students across the school. Welcoming back alumni to share their experience with students is a great opportunity for Olashore International School as we enter our twenty-fifth anniversary year. The school has a rich history of successful alumni and it has been great to see that continuing this year. It is an outstanding honour to have two of our alumni recognised by Forbes in their Under-30 list for Africa as amongst the young people with the greatest potential to succeed across the continent. This success runs across the years as we were able to celebrate many of our alumni who graduated this year with first class degrees both in Nigeria and from leading universities abroad. This term we were also able to celebrate the success of our more recent graduates as Halima received her award from Cambridge International Examinations for achieving the top mark in IGCSE Economics in Nigeria in Mr. D.K. Smith, Principal & CEO October/November 2016. other ways across the school. It has activities that have taken place this term. Within school, this term has also been a pleasure to see increasing The cover story of the magazine seen the growth and development of numbers of students displaying their showcases the remarkable initiative and many new talents. Term 3 is when the musical talents in whole school determination of younger students to new prefects begin to take on their roles assembly. The increased number of have a positive impact in the school. The as the Year 12 students prepare to sporting fixtures with other schools this report on the Year 10 community service graduate. There is increasing year has seen younger students given and the messages I have received both competition for prefect positions in the the opportunity to display their skills from local community leaders and the school as so many of our students while our continued success in debate health authority testify to the impact the progress through the leadership and public speaking competitions was students have beyond the school gates programme, gaining the skills necessary recognised by Chidera receiving an and the COBIS award for Taslim, our to be successful not just in school but award from COBIS as well as an Head Boy, for the work he has done to also after they graduate. The new invitation to spend a week at the British support displaced people in Nigeria prefects have already organised a Council following her success at the shows that the students are truly number of successful events with the Akintola Williams Debate competition. learning that leadership is about service mid-term carnival being particularly Finally, let me just congratulate all and having a positive impact on the appreciated by the students. staff and students involved in the wide community. Talent also shows itself in many range of leadership development

8 OASIS elcome to the final edition of Oasis for this session. This has been an exciting and successful year. The Valedictory Service last month was a great opportunity to celebrate with the graduating Year 12 students all that they and the school have achieved during the past twelve months. It was a pleasure to welcome back Bankole Alao, the pioneer Deputy Head Boy of the school. Bankole is a member of the first set, joining the school in January 1994. As a school we are very proud of the success of our alumni. Bankole had stories of the success of many Olashore alumni. He told us of his own experience working with leading tech companies before setting up his own business to use technology to improve lives in Nigeria. His message that leaders solve problems resonated with the graduating set and all students across the school. Welcoming back alumni to share their experience with students is a great opportunity for Olashore International School as we enter our twenty-fifth anniversary year. The school has a rich history of successful alumni and it has been great to see that continuing this year. It is an outstanding honour to have two of our alumni recognised by Forbes in their Under-30 list for Africa as amongst the young people with the greatest potential to succeed across the continent. This success runs across the years as we were able to celebrate many of our alumni who graduated this year with first class degrees both in Nigeria and from leading universities abroad. This term we were also able to celebrate the success of our more recent graduates as Halima received her award from Cambridge International Examinations for achieving the top mark in IGCSE Economics in Nigeria in Mr. D.K. Smith, Principal & CEO October/November 2016. other ways across the school. It has activities that have taken place this term. Within school, this term has also been a pleasure to see increasing The cover story of the magazine seen the growth and development of numbers of students displaying their showcases the remarkable initiative and many new talents. Term 3 is when the musical talents in whole school determination of younger students to new prefects begin to take on their roles assembly. The increased number of have a positive impact in the school. The as the Year 12 students prepare to sporting fixtures with other schools this report on the Year 10 community service graduate. There is increasing year has seen younger students given and the messages I have received both competition for prefect positions in the the opportunity to display their skills from local community leaders and the school as so many of our students while our continued success in debate health authority testify to the impact the progress through the leadership and public speaking competitions was students have beyond the school gates programme, gaining the skills necessary recognised by Chidera receiving an and the COBIS award for Taslim, our to be successful not just in school but award from COBIS as well as an Head Boy, for the work he has done to also after they graduate. The new invitation to spend a week at the British support displaced people in Nigeria prefects have already organised a Council following her success at the shows that the students are truly number of successful events with the Akintola Williams Debate competition. learning that leadership is about service mid-term carnival being particularly Finally, let me just congratulate all and having a positive impact on the appreciated by the students. staff and students involved in the wide community. Talent also shows itself in many range of leadership development

8 OASIS Image: Burj Khalifa, World's Tallest Building

The Burj Khalifa is regarded as the tallest building and man-made structure in the world. It stands at 828metres. It was designed by Adrian Smith in 2006 and Olashore alumni make completed in 2009. Its shape is said to be inspired by indigenous desert flowers common in Islamic architecture. Its design is not only aesthetic but helps to make the structure stronger.

Under 30 list for 2018

Knowing is not enough; we must Folarin Falana Obinna Okwodu apply. Wishing is not ach year, Forbes features some of listed in the creative category. The School Boys’. As an artiste, he has enough; we must do. the brightest young minds in the creatives are young people making waves received various nominations and awards Johann Wolfgang Von EUnder 30 list across various across different industries such as music, both locally and internationally including Goethe continents. The people that make the list art, media, film and fashion. Folarin the International Viewers’ Choice Award For every It is better to cut across three categories- business, graduated from Olashore International from BET in 2016 and AFRIMMA for ‘Best reason it’s not offer no excuse technology and creative. School in 2006. He is the founder of Bahd Male Act in West Africa’ in 2017. He has This year, two alumni made it to the Guys Records. Falz started singing as a appeared in a number of movies and possible, there are Dare to live the than a bad one. hundreds of people who George list: Obinna Okwodu and Folarin Falana hobby while at Olashore where he formed series. His role in Jenifa’s Diary won him life you have known as Falz. a music group with a friend called ‘The the 2016 AMVCA for ‘Best Actor in a have faced the same dreamed for yourself. Go Washington circumstances and Obinna Okwodu, who is 27 and the Comedy’. forward and make your founder of Fibre, was listed in the According to Forbes, “We put in succeeded. Jack dreams come true. Canfield technology category. Obinna graduated “The 2018 months of rigorous research, sifting Ralph Waldo from Olashore International School in through over 600 nominations, vetting Emerson 2008. On graduation, he went on to study FORBES AFRICA them for weeks, verifying and Twenty years at the Massachusetts Institute of investigating them. We favoured What you lack from now you will be Technology, MIT. While at MIT, Obinna co- Under 30 is a list of entrepreneurs with fresh ideas and took Reading is to in talent can be made more disappointed by founded Exposure Robotics Academy, a into account their business size, revenue, Great minds the mind, as up with desire, hustle and the things that you didn't six-week summer robotics training camp Africa’s most location, potential, struggles, social discuss ideas. exercise is to the giving 110% all the time. do than by the ones you that teaches secondary school students impact and resilience. A panel of judges Average minds discuss body. Brian Tracy Don Zimmer, did do. H. Jackson how to program robots. After graduation, promising young then debated the final 90. You may not events. Small minds Professional baseball Brown Jr. he worked with Morgan Stanley in New change-makers. know many of their names now and they discuss people. Henry player and coach I think goals York before returning to Nigeria. In 2016, may not be richest people in Africa, but

Thomas Buckle should never be he founded Fibre, a real estate booking This compilation is they could be the billionaires of tomorrow Today’s easy; they should force startup that allows middle-income tenants gracing our future covers. This Whoever is accomplishments you to work, even if they to rent homes and pay monthly. The exciting, inspiring compilation is exciting, inspiring and offers careless with the were yesterday’s The way to are uncomfortable at the company is said to employ 11 people, and a sneak peek into Africa’s future.” truth in small matters impossibilities. Robert and offers a sneak get started is to time. Michael Phelps has raised 630,000 dollars in funding as The Forbes Africa Under 30 is in its cannot be trusted with H. Schuller quit talking and well as booked over a million dollars in fourth year and is Forbes’ authentic and important matters. peek into Africa’s begin doing. Walt tenant revenue. most definitive list of Africa’s most Albert Einstein Disney Folarin Falana, who is also 27, was future.” promising young change-makers.

OASIS 10 OASIS 11 Image: Burj Khalifa, World's Tallest Building

Under 30 list for 2018

OASIS 10 OASIS 11 Principal Smith Speaks at BETT Taslim, Chidera Receive COBIS Award Conference New Prefects Get Sworn-in By Taslim Salaudeen and Dabiri Ojuoluwa he Principal and CEO of he newly elected Olashore International prefects and house TSchool, Mr D.K. Smith Tcaptains were officially was invited to be part of the We Want sworn-in during the first panel of discussion on assembly of the term. The International Schools in Focus new prefects were called up at the BETT MEA 2018, Abu To Hear on stage and took the oath of Dhabi, United Arab Emirate. wo students, Chidera Olalere (Year 10) competitions. Externally, she has represented office led by the Leadership & The event was organised and Taslim Salaudeen (Year 11), have the school at state competitions, AISEN Your Social Responsibility to discover ways to implement Treceived the 2018 COBIS Student organised public speaking competitions and Coordinator, Mrs Folowosele. policies and technologies to Achievement Awards. Chidera Olalere was debates and more recently, the Akintola Views & The outgoing prefects and keep schools ahead of the recognized for her ‘Sustained, High-level Williams National Debate where her team came house captains also came up curve. Mr Smith was part of this Contribution to the Wider Life of the School’, first and she was recognized as the best on stage to receive the badge cutting-edge discussion to and Taslim Salaudeen for ‘A Single Act of speaker. Comments! of office from the Prefects bring solutions to education Olashore Wins Akintola Williams Bravery’. The students were awarded at the Taslim, on the other hand, has over the Liaison Officer, Mr Julian to internationally. The Olashore COBIS Annual Conference in London in May. years demonstrated his desire to support and decorate the new prefects. leadership programme was at National Youth Debate Finals The award is given in the following assist the less privileged through his constant This symbolized the handover the centre of discussion at the categories: Outstanding Academic donation of relief materials. He has participated Write to us lashore Youth Debate is a Achievement; Sustained, High-level in several fundraising activities in the school from a predecessor to event as the Principal shared International reflection of our students' and express your successor. This act was how the programme based on Contributions to the Wider Life of the School; along with his peers. In December 2017, Taslim views and OSchool emerged progress in these areas. Significant Contributions to the School’s Charity initiated and executed a fundraising campaign followed by a round of the Social Change Model of as the winner of the 2018 ‘These three students, opinion. applause for the outgoing Leadership can develop Fundraising Activities and A Single Act of to help meet some of the needs of Internally edition of the Akintola along with their teachers Bravery. Displaced Persons living in a camp named prefects. leadership skills in the students Williams National Youth have worked really hard This is open to All students and members while simultaneously having a Chidera received the award for her Sesor in Lagos, Nigeria, due to the Boko Haram all students, Debate. The finals were and I am very proud of immense contribution to the debate and public terrorist insurgencies. He was successful at this of staff were present for the positive impact on the local held at Meadow Hall their performance. They teachers and swearing-in ceremony. community. speaking in the school. She has participated in as he donated a total sum of N300, 000 to Sesor College in Lagos State. have represented the and won many internal and external before returning to school in January. parents. The school was school well both by their competitions ranging from academics to sports The Council of British International represented by Chidera performance and their since she joined the school in Year 7. Schools, COBIS, is a membership association Halima Achieves Olalere, Lateefah Mutiu behaviour. It is a well- Noteworthy has been her outstanding of British International Schools of global quality and Netochukwu Kalu. deserved victory.’ Send to Olashore performances at inter-house public speaking and corporate supporting members, International School, Chidera Olalere was As a reward for her competitions as well as inter-house debate representing over 500 member organisations. Highest Score in IGCSE declared the best speaker success, Chidera has Oba Oladele Olashore for the event. The been offered the Way, Iloko-Ijesa. P. M. Olashore debate team opportunity to spend a B. 5059, Iloko-Ijesa, Economics beat the zonal winners week at the British Olashore organises higher education fair Osun State, Nigeria or from across Nigeria to Council office in Lagos. Plot 281, Ajose emerge as the national She will visit departments he school is committed at a wide range of quality of Hertfordshire, UK; Oak- Adeogun Street, champion. across the organisation to ensuring that all Year universities and study Dexter Consult / Navitas, Victoria Island, Lagos Commenting on the learning how global T12 students progress to institutions. Scholarship Canada; African Leadership or via the twitter award, Mr D.K. Smith, the businesses work and the leading universities in Nigeria, information was also provided University, Mauritius; h a n d l e Principal and CEO, said impact of the British Ghana, United Kingdom, to both parents and students Lancaster University Ghana; @olashoreschool. 'Students at Olashore Council in Nigeria. She United States, South Africa for consideration by the Babcock University, Ogun You can also send us School achieve will also play a role in and other parts of the world. partner institutions based on State; Pan-Atlantic University, an email at As part of this set criteria. Lagos State; Bridge House outstanding success preparing for the oasis@olashorescho commitment, a higher Nine institutions College, Lagos State and academically, however, in Cambridge International ol.com addition to this the school Examinations Awards education fair was organised participated in the fair: Abbey Brookline Consult, Lagos is committed to the Event. with a network of colleges and DLD Colleges, UK; University State. development of core skills The Akintola Williams universities to provide Year 12 that students will need to National Youth Debate is students with a wide range of succeed in the 21st an annual event opportunities to further century. These include organised by the Nigeria- develop their academic excellence, personalized ormer Deputy Head examination in October/ confidence, public Britain Association in educational experience and Girl, Halima Salaudeen November 2016. It will be speaking, research and conjunction with skills to compete in a global has been recognized by recalled that in the 2015 being able to make a Association of F environment. the British Council and examination, another student cogent argument. Our International School The fair provided Cambridge International Mofiyinfoluwa Okupe, was success in external Educators of Nigeria, students with higher Examinations for achieving recognized for having the competitions such as the AISEN, in honour of Mr education opportunities the highest score in highest score in the English Akintola Williams National Akintola Williams. across the world with details economics in the IGCSE Language. of suitable courses available

12 OASIS OASIS 13 Principal Smith Speaks at BETT Taslim, Chidera Receive COBIS Award Conference New Prefects Get Sworn-in By Taslim Salaudeen and Dabiri Ojuoluwa he Principal and CEO of he newly elected Olashore International prefects and house TSchool, Mr D.K. Smith Tcaptains were officially was invited to be part of the We Want sworn-in during the first panel of discussion on assembly of the term. The International Schools in Focus new prefects were called up at the BETT MEA 2018, Abu To Hear on stage and took the oath of Dhabi, United Arab Emirate. wo students, Chidera Olalere (Year 10) competitions. Externally, she has represented office led by the Leadership & The event was organised and Taslim Salaudeen (Year 11), have the school at state competitions, AISEN Your Social Responsibility to discover ways to implement Treceived the 2018 COBIS Student organised public speaking competitions and Coordinator, Mrs Folowosele. policies and technologies to Achievement Awards. Chidera Olalere was debates and more recently, the Akintola Views & The outgoing prefects and keep schools ahead of the recognized for her ‘Sustained, High-level Williams National Debate where her team came house captains also came up curve. Mr Smith was part of this Contribution to the Wider Life of the School’, first and she was recognized as the best on stage to receive the badge cutting-edge discussion to and Taslim Salaudeen for ‘A Single Act of speaker. Comments! of office from the Prefects bring solutions to education Olashore Wins Akintola Williams Bravery’. The students were awarded at the Taslim, on the other hand, has over the Liaison Officer, Mr Julian to internationally. The Olashore COBIS Annual Conference in London in May. years demonstrated his desire to support and decorate the new prefects. leadership programme was at National Youth Debate Finals The award is given in the following assist the less privileged through his constant This symbolized the handover the centre of discussion at the categories: Outstanding Academic donation of relief materials. He has participated Write to us lashore Youth Debate is a Achievement; Sustained, High-level in several fundraising activities in the school from a predecessor to event as the Principal shared International reflection of our students' and express your successor. This act was how the programme based on Contributions to the Wider Life of the School; along with his peers. In December 2017, Taslim views and OSchool emerged progress in these areas. Significant Contributions to the School’s Charity initiated and executed a fundraising campaign followed by a round of the Social Change Model of as the winner of the 2018 ‘These three students, opinion. applause for the outgoing Leadership can develop Fundraising Activities and A Single Act of to help meet some of the needs of Internally edition of the Akintola along with their teachers Bravery. Displaced Persons living in a camp named prefects. leadership skills in the students Williams National Youth have worked really hard This is open to All students and members while simultaneously having a Chidera received the award for her Sesor in Lagos, Nigeria, due to the Boko Haram all students, Debate. The finals were and I am very proud of immense contribution to the debate and public terrorist insurgencies. He was successful at this of staff were present for the positive impact on the local held at Meadow Hall their performance. They teachers and swearing-in ceremony. community. speaking in the school. She has participated in as he donated a total sum of N300, 000 to Sesor College in Lagos State. have represented the and won many internal and external before returning to school in January. parents. The school was school well both by their competitions ranging from academics to sports The Council of British International represented by Chidera performance and their since she joined the school in Year 7. Schools, COBIS, is a membership association Halima Achieves Olalere, Lateefah Mutiu behaviour. It is a well- Noteworthy has been her outstanding of British International Schools of global quality and Netochukwu Kalu. deserved victory.’ Send to Olashore performances at inter-house public speaking and corporate supporting members, International School, Chidera Olalere was As a reward for her competitions as well as inter-house debate representing over 500 member organisations. Highest Score in IGCSE declared the best speaker success, Chidera has Oba Oladele Olashore for the event. The been offered the Way, Iloko-Ijesa. P. M. Olashore debate team opportunity to spend a B. 5059, Iloko-Ijesa, Economics beat the zonal winners week at the British Olashore organises higher education fair Osun State, Nigeria or from across Nigeria to Council office in Lagos. Plot 281, Ajose emerge as the national She will visit departments he school is committed at a wide range of quality of Hertfordshire, UK; Oak- Adeogun Street, champion. across the organisation to ensuring that all Year universities and study Dexter Consult / Navitas, Victoria Island, Lagos Commenting on the learning how global T12 students progress to institutions. Scholarship Canada; African Leadership or via the twitter award, Mr D.K. Smith, the businesses work and the leading universities in Nigeria, information was also provided University, Mauritius; h a n d l e Principal and CEO, said impact of the British Ghana, United Kingdom, to both parents and students Lancaster University Ghana; @olashoreschool. 'Students at Olashore Council in Nigeria. She United States, South Africa for consideration by the Babcock University, Ogun You can also send us School achieve will also play a role in and other parts of the world. partner institutions based on State; Pan-Atlantic University, an email at As part of this set criteria. Lagos State; Bridge House outstanding success preparing for the oasis@olashorescho commitment, a higher Nine institutions College, Lagos State and academically, however, in Cambridge International ol.com addition to this the school Examinations Awards education fair was organised participated in the fair: Abbey Brookline Consult, Lagos is committed to the Event. with a network of colleges and DLD Colleges, UK; University State. development of core skills The Akintola Williams universities to provide Year 12 that students will need to National Youth Debate is students with a wide range of succeed in the 21st an annual event opportunities to further century. These include organised by the Nigeria- develop their academic excellence, personalized ormer Deputy Head examination in October/ confidence, public Britain Association in educational experience and Girl, Halima Salaudeen November 2016. It will be speaking, research and conjunction with skills to compete in a global has been recognized by recalled that in the 2015 being able to make a Association of F environment. the British Council and examination, another student cogent argument. Our International School The fair provided Cambridge International Mofiyinfoluwa Okupe, was success in external Educators of Nigeria, students with higher Examinations for achieving recognized for having the competitions such as the AISEN, in honour of Mr education opportunities the highest score in highest score in the English Akintola Williams National Akintola Williams. across the world with details economics in the IGCSE Language. of suitable courses available

12 OASIS OASIS 13 HEALTH Healthy habits for living well

eaders are deliberate people because they know that success is Lnot a coincidence or stroke of luck. Leaders decide what they want to achieve, map out how to get there and actively engage in activities that get them there. As a school poised for great impact in this dynamic global society, we know that forming good health habits is key in raising strong and healthy children and maintaining a good workforce. Healthy habits formed now will also prolong lives to achieve their goals and enjoy successes in great health. Here are some ways you can be deliberate in living well to achieve your life goals.

1. Choose healthier drinks

For many now, grabbing a soft drink at least once daily has become a habit. This results in undesirable health effects like excess weight gain, poor dental health and even addiction as some of these drinks contain caffeine. Make healthier choices like avoiding carbonated drinks and energy drinks that include large amounts of caffeine and opting for drinks like100 percent fruit juices, low-fat milk, which provide vitamins A & B, calcium, magnesium and protein that are essential games, sports, transportation, chores, kindness, small changes in lifestyles and for good growth. Another option is to make recreation, physical education, or planned being a responsible part of the society will healthy smoothies. Water is also a better exercise, in the context of family, school, do the trick. I borrow a leaf from Olashore alternative to sugar-laden soft drinks. and community activities. International School students who have imbibed this virtue and display it in their 2. Choose healthier portions 4. Read everyday numerous selfless leadership projects. You can plant a tree, start a garden, Maintain a healthy weight. Emphasis Developing strong reading skills now is an volunteer at the community health centre, should not be on how robust and chubby essential component of success in school do something beneficial for the local one is is but on what weight is healthy and and at work. Readers are said to be children, manage waste properly, give to acceptable for the age (in children) and for leaders and it is true as reading makes you the needy. Just contribute to society! the height (in adults). Opt for fresh rather more knowledgeable, opens up worlds of than processed foods as often as you can adventures, builds your self esteem and 7. Keep improving the quality of your and take healthy snacks. Eat healthy helps you pass exams too! life portions and increase fruits and vegetable intake. 5. Spend time with friends and the Quality of life, as defined here, is the sum people you love total of your health, happiness, vitality, 3. Healthy recreational options leisure, and income. Adhering to good Maintaining good relationships is a vital habits has been identified as a major route Reduce indoor/TV/computer game time part of good mental health. Interacting to improving the quality of your life. In the and encourage outdoor play/activities. with friends and others build up social face of rising economic challenges the Watching more than an hour or two of TV skills such as communication, world over, increasing terrorism and social everyday reduces the time available for cooperation and problem solving. You vices amongst others; there needs to be a other recreational activities and impairs also help your friends by providing a ready plan to cope and stay positive in the physical and mental development. support system they can rely on. face of challenges. Adhering to habits that increase your happiness, income and Physical exercise for is of great benefit in 6. Contribute to society sense of fulfilment will no doubt improve promoting cardiac, respiratory and the quality of life. muscular fitness; also promotes good Every person can make a difference to the mental health. However, not everyone society if they have the will to do so. You In the words of Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Now is loves sports. Keep trying different need not donate millions of naira to feed the best time to start becoming the person activities till you find the one you love or the hungry or do some heroic act in order we eventually want to be, not only 20 can do.Physical activity includes play, to make a difference. Little acts of years from now but also for all eternity”.

14 OASIS OASIS 15 HEALTH Healthy habits for living well

1. Choose healthier drinks

14 OASIS OASIS 15 law and what it involves. He also told me all about what the lawyers did in the agency and about how they were a unit under the DG’s department. We spent quite some time talking and I learnt a lot.

Day 6

I was posted to SERVICOM which is simply an acronym for Service Compact. The Director in charge of this unit was very busy so he gave me the service charter to learn all about SERVICOM from it. It Vision Day 2018 proved extremely useful because from the charter I was able to learn a little bit more By Oluwajomiloju Tunde-Oladipo about all the other departments in the agency. I ended up helping him with the very June 1st, part of the school’s minimal tasks that he needed help with. hourly activities are shifted to Emake way for the school’s annual Day 7 Vision Day ceremony. This is to commemorate our Founder Oba Oladele I was put in the Finance Management and Olashore and his vision for the school. Control department where I was educated At this year’s occasion, the founder’s about how the finances in the agency were vision for the school was read out by the handled, the departments that had access Chairman, Prince Abimbola Olashore to and who was allowed to approve any the whole school. He spoke extensively finances required for projects. After on the role everyone had to play in this learning as much as I could about this unit vision to ensure that the school continues I had to leave because they already had to improve and is on the right track. The other interns that helped. I was called back school orchestra and the cultural group My NITDA Internship Experience to SERVICOM where I spent the rest of the entertained all present. day. By Oyindamola Olatunji I was also introduced to the people I would work with and the expectations from me. Day 8 y two-week internship was carried out at the National Information Day 2 I was taken to the Internal Audit unit where MTechnology Development Agency I actually spent the whole day learning (NITDA), a federal government agency, I was told all about the Human Resources about what they did, about who was in concerned with the development of and Administrative department, and its charge and why they were considered technology in Nigeria. divisions which include the store, the open important. This was the unit where I was registry, human resource, internal extremely useful as I was given things to Day 1 relations and welfare and the general do like typing documents, passing files on administration unit. I was put in the store to other units and departments. The first day of my internship was a unit for the day to learn how it works. Tuesday because Monday was part of the Day 9 Easter break granted to workers all over Day 3 Nigeria. On this day I was given a tour and I gave a presentation on all I had learnt in told all about NITDA, how it came into I was put in the open registry where all the the agency, the few problems I had existence, its purpose and its core values. files in the agency are kept for reference encountered and recommended ways I purposes. I was told about how the files felt the agency could improve. My are sent to the registry and why. I spent the presentation was attended by some rest of my day learning all about the HODs and members of staff. After my registry. presentation, those present gave their opinions on my presentation and also Day 4 asked me questions.

I was sent to the Human Resource unit. I Day 10 learnt about the place of the unit in the organisation. I wasn’t exactly able to help This was my final day, I went to the agency them with anything. to show my appreciation to everyone that I worked with during my stay and bid them Day 5 farewell.

This was my second week; I was taken to the Legal unit where I met the Director of the unit. The director spoke to me all about Oyindamola Olatunji is in Year 11

16 OASIS OASIS 17 law and what it involves. He also told me all about what the lawyers did in the agency and about how they were a unit under the DG’s department. We spent quite some time talking and I learnt a lot.

Day 6

This was my second week; I was taken to the Legal unit where I met the Director of the unit. The director spoke to me all about Oyindamola Olatunji is in Year 11

16 OASIS OASIS 17 Beyond the Classroom: Students visit the Rainbow Nation

By Chinedu Nwachukwu first. In Soweto, they were academy by Halima sky just to show the sailors taken on a tour of Nelson Salaudeen and Ibukun that it was 12 noon. he trip to South Africa, Mandela’s house and learnt a Agbaje, who are alumni of As leadership is at the core of also known as the lot about Mandela’s move to Olashore School. an Olashore education, a TRainbow Nation, was stop the apartheid as well as From Soweto, the group leadership programme was surely one to remember. The his time in prison. From there, moved to Cape Town after a incorporated into the trip. trip was a mix of leadership, the group moved to Hector 27-hour train ride where they The last day of the trip was education, teamwork and hard Pieterson Park and then got to see beautiful sceneries. spent at the mall shopping work. The students Soccer City to see the In Cape Town, the students and taking last minute accompanied by staff arrived stadium used for 2010 World lodged at the Protea Hotel pictures. in South Africa excited and Cup. The group also visited and visited the Table were welcomed by Ms Shirine the Lion’s Park, where they Mountain, Signal Hill and the and Madam Laure. They went on safari rides and Slave Lodge Museum. The hill lodged in a nearby hotel played with lion cubs, and the was significant in the olden called The Aviator Hotel. African Leadership Academy. days because they could use Chinedu Nwachukwu is the The group visited Soweto They were shown around the a flare gun to shoot into the Special Duty Prefect

18 OASIS OASIS 19 Beyond the Classroom: Students visit the Rainbow Nation

18 OASIS OASIS 19 Students travel to the U.K. on school excursion group of students were involved in various with a member of parliament. It learned how to write Roman travelled to the U.K. as activities including king swing, was an exciting opportunity for cursive during a Roman class Apart of the school’s obstacle course, zip line, crate the students to ask questions. with a holographic teacher. learning beyond the classroom stacking, abseiling, mountain The students spent some Dr Unger and his friends experience. climbing and canoeing along time in a U.K. school where entertained the group with Places visited included Lake Windermere, the largest they played soccer with the Nigerian food. Edinburgh, Liverpool and lake in the Lake District. students and had lunch with The trip ended with Manchester. While in the U.K., In Edinburgh, Scotland them in their refectory. They students going shopping to buy the students stayed at the they took a tour of the visited the Roman Museum souvenirs before returning to YMCA camp. At the camp, they parliament and had a session and Hadrian’s Wall. They Nigeria.

A reward for hard work!

By Letam Patrick-Bienwi

he reward for success, after a long stressful Continuous Assessment (CA) filled with blood, sweat and tears. TThe singular motivation for it all, that is, in itself its own reward- the Principal’s Barbecue! The Principal’s Barbecue is a gathering where the top five students and best in each year group in junior and senior classes, Head of Junior School (HoJS) and staff spend an evening with the Principal at the Principal’s Lodge. We had barbecue chicken, chips and salad before the movie to be complemented with ice cream and cake at the end of the movie. The highlight of the evening was the movie ‘SING’. I was so excited because I had never watched the movie and my peers had told me a whole lot about it. What made me so happy about the barbecue was the fact that the efforts put into that CA was not in vain and I was rewarded. Prior to this, there had been countless times when all my effort had been put into a particular CA, but the results remained the same. Then I realized I was getting it all wrong. When I found out my problem, I started to use the SMART target and it wasn’t long before I was invited for my first barbecue. My word of advice to my fellow students is to keep striving, always work hard, don’t give up and use the SMART target and it’s only a matter of time before you are invited to the Principal’s Barbecue. I look forward to many more.

Letam Patrick-Bienwi is in Year 8.

20 OASIS OASIS 1921 Students travel to the U.K. on school excursion group of students were involved in various with a member of parliament. It learned how to write Roman travelled to the U.K. as activities including king swing, was an exciting opportunity for cursive during a Roman class Apart of the school’s obstacle course, zip line, crate the students to ask questions. with a holographic teacher. learning beyond the classroom stacking, abseiling, mountain The students spent some Dr Unger and his friends experience. climbing and canoeing along time in a U.K. school where entertained the group with Places visited included Lake Windermere, the largest they played soccer with the Nigerian food. Edinburgh, Liverpool and lake in the Lake District. students and had lunch with The trip ended with Manchester. While in the U.K., In Edinburgh, Scotland them in their refectory. They students going shopping to buy the students stayed at the they took a tour of the visited the Roman Museum souvenirs before returning to YMCA camp. At the camp, they parliament and had a session and Hadrian’s Wall. They Nigeria.

A reward for hard work!

By Letam Patrick-Bienwi

Letam Patrick-Bienwi is in Year 8.

20 OASIS OASIS 1921 Students refurbish community health centre Seyi emerges as Snack Master

By Adetola Adefiranye

eyi Ogungbesan has emerged as Snack Master in the Home Makers’ Snack Master Competition while Favour SAdeniyi and Toyosi Baruwa took second and third place respectively. Participants were judged based on certain criteria including neatness of the work area, preparation, presentation and taste of the snacks. Mrs Adeniyi, Head of Year 7 and Ms Esele, Head of Boarding served as the judges. The competition was open to only members of the club. Adetola Adefiranye is in Year 8

By Chidera Olalere and Netochukwu the community. Many were seen responsibility and most importantly, Kalu laughing, dancing, and playing soccer appreciation. and volleyball games during the On completion of the project, the ommunity project is an integral stipulated daily breaks. While carrying students received commendations from part of the Olashore Leadership out the project, the students both the town and the state health board CProgramme carried out by all Year demonstrated key leadership skills such for their work. 10 students in term 2 of each academic as collaboration, compromise, session. Prior to carrying out the project, students meet with the elders to agree on a project for the community. This year, it was agreed that the students refurbish the Iloko Community Health Centre which was built over 18 years ago. The students worked in small groups, with appointed captains, to sweep, clean, heap and dispose of litters, scrape out worn out paint, mix the paints, and eventually paint the walls, gates, beds and fence of the health centre. Although a lot of work went into the project, the students enjoyed the process as they got to spend more time with their peers contributing positively to

22 OASIS OASIS 1923 Students refurbish community health centre Seyi emerges as Snack Master

By Adetola Adefiranye

22 OASIS OASIS 1923 Celebrating the Nigerian Child

By Temilade Ladejobi

hildren’s Day celebration in Olashore was marked with Cinteresting activities for the students. It began with five students - Munachi Okey-Nzeakor, Monfus Olanipekun, Oyindamola Olatunji, Chidera Olalere and Chimmy Chidi- Ogbaji visiting two local radio stations where they read the morning news in different languages. Munachi Okey- Nzeakor, Oyindamola Olatunji and Monfus Olanipekun were at Gold FM 95.5 while Chidera Olalere and Chimmy Chidi-Ogbaji were at UNIQ FM 103.1. The students were thrilled to listen to their broadcast which was part of the day’s surprise This was followed by the Children’s Day Assembly at 9 am. Children’s Day Assembly was held in the school hall and featured a poem presented by Mr Julian Ezuma, a parade led by the school social prefects, a song rendition presented by the Year 9 female students, the selection of student management staff for the day. Zayyad Dahiru was selected as the Principal & CEO while Toyosi Babatunde was the Vice Principal & Head of School. The assembly ended at 9.45 am and students moved to the stadium for the march past. The march past commenced with the junior category in the order of Red House, Yellow House, Blue House and Green House and then the senior category in the same order. Red and Students celebrate staff on Workers’ Day Yellow Houses emerged as winners in the junior and senior categories By Oyindamola Olatunji work-free day. All students and staff were Government students in Year 10, respectively. led to the school hall for the Workers’ Day appreciation of staff by students in Yoruba, By 2.30 pm all students moved out n the 1st of May, 2018, Olashore Special Assembly. The Head Girl, Faith Igbo, Hausa, Chinese, Italian, English, to the Water Meadow for the Children’s staff joined their counterparts from Unah opened the assembly with a Spanish and French. The assembly ended Day Carnival. The carnival ended by Oacross the world to celebrate the welcome address where she praised the with a round of applause given to all 5.30 pm officially marking the end of the International Workers’ Day. The newly staff for their commitment and diligence in workers. celebrations. sworn-in prefects and house captains of ensuring that the school is safe for After the special assembly, everyone Olashore International School organised everyone. moved to the school stadium for the a programme to show their appreciation to The special assembly also featured Workers’ Day Parade. This was followed all the members of staff. an occupation parade, tribute to workers by a whole school photograph after which Temilade Ladejobi is the Female Social Academic activities for the day were by Chinaza Okey-Nzeakor, a presentation everyone retired for the day. Prefect cancelled providing students and staff a on the history of Workers’ Day by

24 OASIS OASIS 1925 Celebrating the Nigerian Child

By Temilade Ladejobi hildren’s Day celebration in Olashore was marked with Cinteresting activities for the students. It began with five students - Munachi Okey-Nzeakor, Monfus Olanipekun, Oyindamola Olatunji, Chidera Olalere and Chimmy Chidi- Ogbaji visiting two local radio stations where they read the morning news in different languages. Munachi Okey- Nzeakor, Oyindamola Olatunji and Monfus Olanipekun were at Gold FM 95.5 while Chidera Olalere and Chimmy Chidi-Ogbaji were at UNIQ FM 103.1. The students were thrilled to listen to their broadcast which was part of the day’s surprise This was followed by the Children’s Day Assembly at 9 am. Children’s Day Assembly was held in the school hall and featured a poem presented by Mr Julian Ezuma, a parade led by the school social prefects, a song rendition presented by the Year 9 female students, the selection of student management staff for the day. Zayyad Dahiru was selected as the Principal & CEO while Toyosi Babatunde was the Vice Principal & Head of School. The assembly ended at 9.45 am and students moved to the stadium for the march past. The march past commenced with the junior category in the order of Red House, Yellow House, Blue House and Green House and then the senior category in the same order. Red and Students celebrate staff on Workers’ Day Yellow Houses emerged as winners in the junior and senior categories By Oyindamola Olatunji work-free day. All students and staff were Government students in Year 10, respectively. led to the school hall for the Workers’ Day appreciation of staff by students in Yoruba, By 2.30 pm all students moved out n the 1st of May, 2018, Olashore Special Assembly. The Head Girl, Faith Igbo, Hausa, Chinese, Italian, English, to the Water Meadow for the Children’s staff joined their counterparts from Unah opened the assembly with a Spanish and French. The assembly ended Day Carnival. The carnival ended by Oacross the world to celebrate the welcome address where she praised the with a round of applause given to all 5.30 pm officially marking the end of the International Workers’ Day. The newly staff for their commitment and diligence in workers. celebrations. sworn-in prefects and house captains of ensuring that the school is safe for After the special assembly, everyone Olashore International School organised everyone. moved to the school stadium for the a programme to show their appreciation to The special assembly also featured Workers’ Day Parade. This was followed all the members of staff. an occupation parade, tribute to workers by a whole school photograph after which Temilade Ladejobi is the Female Social Academic activities for the day were by Chinaza Okey-Nzeakor, a presentation everyone retired for the day. Prefect cancelled providing students and staff a on the history of Workers’ Day by

24 OASIS OASIS 1925 COVER COVER

the use of the honey presser by the Year kitchen staff in preparing their meals, damage to the school buildings. They Leadership through Service 8 students and sterilized bottles for benefiting the school community. then nurtured the young trees on the packaging. 60 litres of honey were Students in Year 9, on the other school farm, allowing them to develop in produced this year and there are plans hand, chose to focus on the long-term a nursery area before being transplanted to increase production for the next development of the school environment. to suitable locations around the school. Olashore International School Goes Green season. The students are also involved Their project focused on tree planting The planning and implementation of in the sales of the processed honey across the school compound. In recent the projects involved all students across mainly to parents and staff. years some of the trees within the school the year groups. It challenged the Students have also gained have had to be removed due to their students to work together, developing tremendous knowledge on the rearing of age, the growth of their roots close to the collaboration and other core leadership rabbits with practicals being conducted foundations of buildings and the risk of skills. The projects were applauded in biology classes for students in the them being damaged in storms. Through across the school, showing a senior school. There are two hutches in their lessons in basic science the commitment to effecting a positive the science quadrangle with three does students were keenly aware of the impact on their community. In addition, and seven bunnies. Visitors to the school impact of deforestation on the the students also learned valuable often visit the science block and enjoy environment both locally and globally. lessons about ecology and sustainable seeing the rabbits in the hutches. This was a key driver in their choice of agriculture. Building on their experience in their reforestation as their project. As these students progress through agriculture lessons and the leadership As the students were aware that the the school and move on to the senior challenge to have a positive impact on planting of trees is a complex issue and school they will have the opportunity to the school community, Year 8 students they wanted future generations of further develop their leadership skills as decided to use the school farm as the students to benefit from the tress they they partner with community leaders in basis for their project. Observing that planted they conducted research, Iloko to have an impact on the life of the vegetables make up a large part of their working with senior students and wider community beyond the school. The diet within the school they decided to teachers, to identify the best types of challenges they have overcome and increase the range and amount of trees to plant within the school relationships they have developed vegetables grown on the farm. The crops compound. These are trees that have through these projects will be an they focused on included tomatoes, narrow but strong roots, trees that will invaluable foundation. amaranthus, okra and maize. They are bend in storms but not fall and that will confident these crops will be used by the break the wind during storm, preventing

Leadership is service, not a the most powerful type of leadership. creating a healthy learning environment position -Tim Fargo Service therefore is the vehicle to that will benefit all students, teachers develop leadership capabilities and the school as a whole so the groups s a result of increasing complexity especially in the students. decided to go green. and changes in society, greater At Olashore, leadership is a Agriculture, as we all know, is an Aemphasis is now being placed on transformational process, which is future important aspect of any economy. This leadership as a key skill needed to focused and innovative. Students learn makes it an important part of the school succeed in the 21st century. The school to influence rather than control, to focus curriculum. Agriculture is taught as a sees developing leadership as one of its on people’s strength and listen rather subject across the school and the school key responsibilities to students; hence it than give orders. They are encouraged farm is an opportunity for students to is embedded in the mission statement to be self-aware, strategic and develop their practical knowledge. The and curriculum. Leadership is seen as persuasive. We believe effective leaders activities of the farm include growing of establishing direction and influencing make positive impacts; amongst their crops, apiculture and rabbit rearing. others to follow that direction. The social peers, in the school community and in Apiculture is also known as bee change model of leadership, which the the immediate local community. This keeping. The school apiary has twenty school adopts, understands effective belief has birthed thoughtful leadership hives where honeycombs are collected leaders as those who are able to effect projects carried out by the students of by experts and taken to the laboratory. positive change on behalf of others and the school. Pressing of the honeycombs to extract society. Leadership therefore is not a This year, students in Year 8 and 9 the pure honey is carried out in the position rather a process, and service is decided they wanted to contribute to laboratory under hygienic condition with

26 OASIS OASIS 1927 COVER COVER

26 OASIS OASIS 1927 he curtain may have come down on the reign of Patrick Ogunbufunmi and Omobolaji LEADERSHIP Olalere as Head Boy and Head Girl of Olashore International School but their positive LEADERSHIP Timpact while they held these positions will always be felt in the school. The duo has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. In this chat with Ebiela Guanah and Ojuoluwa Our tenureDabiri, they tell us about their experiences andis challenges ason prefects. e for the record book Patrick Ogunbufunmi Omobolaji Olalere

What was the most exciting part of your unforgettable experience. What was the most exciting part of your successful event was planned. tenure? tenure? WWell,ell, I think the most exciting part of my What lessons have you learnt while I think the most exciting part of my tenure was What lessons did you learn from your tenure had to be working with other prefects serving? towards the end when we put together a new time as a prefect? in organizing programmes, most especially I learnt countless life lessons during my time programme called ‘The Bold Type’. It was by Honestly, I learnt that perseverance is ‘The Bold TType’.ype’. The amount of hard work we as a prefect, but I would mention the two most any standards, what I would call ‘a student necessary because I mean it is hard work to put into it, against all odds, as well as the fun important. I learnt that confidence is essential programme’. It was loads of fun and I think I plan any event. That and because someone we had during all the preparations made it so others can hear your voice and what you particularly appreciated it coming to fruition doesn’t necessarily support your views one of the most exciting parts of my tenure. intend to carry out. Leadership will, therefore, because of the difficulties we encountered doesn’t mean that they’re wrong or out of be meaningless without confidence. Also, trying to make it happen. It was pretty much place. So, in summary, I learnt about What were some challenges you faced cooperation is an integral lesson I learnt, the most difficult of any of the challenges I assertiveness and perseverance. and how did you deal with them? which will make things impossible to achieve had faced throughout my tenure and so that I faced a variety of challenges. We were often if not used. Being a prefect in OIS has made the success of the project sweeter. What do you have to say about the ttaskedasked w withith organizing important exposed me to these skills, and I am grateful Olashore leadership programme? programmes in a very short period of time. to OIS for imbibing them in me. What were some of the challenges you The Olashore leadership programme was WWee were also entrusted with controlling the faced and how did you deal with them? fun, very informative and taught me a lot refectories and school hall when it got What is your take on the leadership One of the challenges was getting the prefect about what leadership really is. It noisynoisy.. Fellow prefects kind of had programme of the school? team to be in sync. Don’t get me wrong reminded me often that the joy of your back when you were in a tight Well, the OIS leadership programme though, we were an amazing team, but of being the Head Girl wasn’t in the spot and were always ready to lend basically served as the ladder to get me course, sometimes we had differences in position, but in the things that I a hand, so I think all these aided where I am today, so what isn’t there to say opinion and we had to argue it out. Other was privileged to do for the mmee in getting through these about it! The OIS leadership programme than that, another challenge would be school from that vantage point. challenges. teaches students the social change model, communicating our ideas to the which rests on the 7Cs of leadership, with management in the most effective way we Do you have any advice for I am sure you had some plans each and every ‘C’ being critical to becoming could to ensure that those plans happened. the new prefects? when you were appointed. Did a leader. Now that I’ve learnt a great deal Finally and perhaps the most difficult was Yes, I do! Be very confident you accomplish these plans? from all these life-changing values, it would remembering that the job had to be done in who you are and even if Of course, I had some plans! I be rude of me not to highly recommend this irrespective of who liked or hated you for it. you aren’t, try your best to could safely say I managed to programme to any newcomer. look like you are because accomplish the most I am sure you had some plans when you how you assert and carry important of plans, but of What is your advice to the new prefects? were appointed. Did you accomplish yourself says a lot about course, there are some plans My advice to the new prefects would be not to those plans? who you are and will I wish I could fulfil. The most let anything anybody says get to you. At first, My major intention or goal, when becoming a influence how others important of them were the journey will be hard. Although a little prefect was to enforce discipline. I try not to treat you. Furthermore, ensuring a peaceful and well constructive criticism should be allowed once be overly serious about these things because never take ‘no’ for an maintained OIS, and I feel I in a while, but do not let anyone bring you I’ve been on the other side, but my policy is ‘If answer if you really managed to accomplish that down with their words. There will always be you know you’ll get caught, don’t be upset believe in what you’re fully. people who will not like what you do, so when I punish you’. I mean I was in Year 7 too, doing. Life is all about instead, use their words to motivate you and when every rule seemed dumb and challenges and when If you had to do it all again, become an even better prefect. unnecessary and for a while, everything just you meet one, face it what would you change? seems unfair, but it is a school so things with as much of a smile WWellell if I were to start over again, I What would you miss the most about should be done in a certain way, you should as you can muster. wouldn’t change a single thing. Our Olashore International School? look a certain way at a certain time, so really tenure is one for the record books Well, I would definitely miss my friends the how you choose to deal with that is up to you. What would you miss the and we managed to leave a lasting most. The advice and comfort I got from I just made sure I did what was in my job most about Olashore influence in the school. I am satisfied them, coupled with the company they always description and more because I genuinely International School? with what we had all accomplished and gave me, are things I will always remember. care about my school and its future, which Easy! The friends and the we even managed to push over the Through the toughest of times, they were will be dictated by the students that make it family I’ve made here over the limits.imits. T Thereh would be nothing to always with me, so there is no way I wouldn’t up. years. The teachers, the change. miss them the most. house-parents, the staff and If you were asked to do your tenure all my friends who encouraged, What do you miss about being a How do you like to be remembered? over again, what would you change? pushed, fought with me, prefect? I definitely want to be remembered as the I would have much more fun. I think I took laughed with me and cried HonestlyHonestly,, I think I would miss organizing Head Boy who excelled in all fields and didn’t myself too seriously if I do say so myself. with me throughout my stay school programmes the most. The use the post as an excuse. I want to be here, I couldn’t forget them if I feeling of being able to change whatever remembered as the person who was always What would you miss the most about tried. They made me feel you could is what made me enjoy these up there academically, was one of the best being a prefect? loved and cared for and in programmes. Also, the fun we all had athletes, and provided a lasting influence on I will miss the meetings where it seemed like that little way, they made arguing and compromising on what to do the school. I think I can say I managed to we weren’t accomplishing anything and the Olashore a kind of home for in organizing them made them an accomplish those tasks. feeling of satisfaction when another me.

28 OASIS OASIS 1929 he curtain may have come down on the reign of Patrick Ogunbufunmi and Omobolaji LEADERSHIP Olalere as Head Boy and Head Girl of Olashore International School but their positive LEADERSHIP Timpact while they held these positions will always be felt in the school. The duo has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. In this chat with Ebiela Guanah and Ojuoluwa Our tenureDabiri, they tell us about their experiences andis challenges asone prefects. for the record book Patrick Ogunbufunmi Omobolaji Olalere

What was the most exciting part of your unforgettable experience. What was the most exciting part of your successful event was planned. tenure? tenure? Well, I think the most exciting part of my What lessons have you learnt while I think the most exciting part of my tenure was What lessons did you learn from your tenure had to be working with other prefects serving? towards the end when we put together a new time as a prefect? in organizing programmes, most especially I learnt countless life lessons during my time programme called ‘The Bold Type’. It was by Honestly,Honestly, I learnt that perseverance is ‘The Bold Type’. The amount of hard work we as a prefect, but I would mention the two most any standards, what I would call ‘a student necessary because I mean it is hard work to put into it, against all odds, as well as the fun important. I learnt that confidence is essential programme’. It was loads of fun and I think I plan any event. That and because someone we had during all the preparations made it so others can hear your voice and what you particularly appreciated it coming to fruition doesn’t necessarily support your views one of the most exciting parts of my tenure. intend to carry out. Leadership will, therefore, because of the difficulties we encountered doesn’t mean that they’re wrong or out of be meaningless without confidence. Also, trying to make it happen. It was pretty much place. So, in summary summary,, I learnt about What were some challenges you faced cooperation is an integral lesson I learnt, the most difficult of any of the challenges I assertiveness and perseverance. and how did you deal with them? which will make things impossible to achieve had faced throughout my tenure and so that I faced a variety of challenges. We were often if not used. Being a prefect in OIS has made the success of the project sweeter. What do you have to say about the tasked with organizing important exposed me to these skills, and I am grateful Olashore leadership programme? programmes in a very short period of time. to OIS for imbibing them in me. What were some of the challenges you The Olashore leadership programme was We were also entrusted with controlling the faced and how did you deal with them? fun, very informative and taught me a lot refectories and school hall when it got What is your take on the leadership One of the challenges was getting the prefect about whathat l leadershipeadership r reallyeally i is.s. I Itt noisy. Fellow prefects kind of had programme of the school? team to be in sync. Don’t get me wrong reminded me often that the joy of your back when you were in a tight Well, the OIS leadership programme though, we were an amazing team, but of being the Head Girl wasn’t in the spot and were always ready to lend basically served as the ladder to get me course, sometimes we had differences in position, but in the things that I a hand, so I think all these aided where I am today, so what isn’t there to say opinion and we had to argue it out. Other was privileged to do for the me in getting through these about it! The OIS leadership programme than that, another challenge would be school from that vantage point. challenges. teaches students the social change model, communicating our ideas to the which rests on the 7Cs of leadership, with management in the most effective way we Do you have any advice for I am sure you had some plans each and every ‘C’ being critical to becoming could to ensure that those plans happened. the new prefects? when you were appointed. Did a leader. Now that I’ve learnt a great deal Finally and perhaps the most difficult was Yes, I do! Be very confident you accomplish these plans? from all these life-changing values, it would remembering that the job had to be done in who you are and even if Of course, I had some plans! I be rude of me not to highly recommend this irrespective of who liked or hated you for it. you aren’t, try your best to could safely say I managed to programme to any newcomer. look like you are because accomplish the most I am sure you had some plans when you how you assert and carry important of plans, but of What is your advice to the new prefects? were appointed. Did you accomplish yourself says a lot about course, there are some plans My advice to the new prefects would be not to those plans? who you are and will I wish I could fulfil. The most let anything anybody says get to you. At first, My major intention or goal, when becoming a influence howhow othersothers important of them were the journey will be hard. Although a little prefect was to enforce discipline. I try not to treat you. Furthermore, ensuring a peaceful and well constructive criticism should be allowed once be overly serious about these things because never take ‘no’ for an maintained OIS, and I feel I in a while, but do not let anyone bring you I’ve been on the other side, but my policy is ‘If answer ifif youyou reallyreally managed to accomplish that down with their words. There will always be you know you’ll get caught, don’t be upset believe in what you’re fully. people who will not like what you do, so when I punish you’. I mean I was in Year 7 too, doing. Life is all about instead, use their words to motivate you and when every rule seemed dumb and challengeses a andnd w whenhen If you had to do it all again, become an even better prefect. unnecessary and for a while, everything just you meet one, face it what would you change? seems unfair, but it is a school so things with as much of a smile Well if I were to start over again, I What would you miss the most about should be done in a certain way, you should as you can mustermuster.. wouldn’t change a single thing. Our Olashore International School? look a certain way at a certain time, so really tenure is one for the record books Well, I would definitely miss my friends the how you choose to deal with that is up to you. What would you miss the and we managed to leave a lasting most. The advice and comfort I got from I just made sure I did what was in my job most aboutbout O Olashorelashore influence in the school. I am satisfied them, coupled with the company they always description and more because I genuinely International School? with what we had all accomplished and gave me, are things I will always remember. care about my school and its future, which Easy! The friends and the we even managed to push over the Through the toughest of times, they were will be dictated by the students that make it family I’ve made here over the limits. There would be nothing to always with me, so there is no way I wouldn’t up. years. T Thehe t teachers,eachers, t thehe change. miss them the most. house-parents, the staf stafff and If you were asked to do your tenure all my friends who encouraged, What do you miss about being a How do you like to be remembered? over again, what would you change? pushed, f foughtought w withith m me,e, prefect? I definitely want to be remembered as the I would have much more fun. I think I took laughed with me and cried Honestly, I think I would miss organizing Head Boy who excelled in all fields and didn’t myself too seriously if I do say so myself. with me throughout my stay school programmes the most. The use the post as an excuse. I want to be here, I couldn’t forget them if I feeling of being able to change whatever remembered as the person who was always What would you miss the most about tried. They made me feel you could is what made me enjoy these up there academically, was one of the best being a prefect? loved and cared for and in programmes. Also, the fun we all had athletes, and provided a lasting influence on I will miss the meetings where it seemed like that little way,way, they made arguing and compromising on what to do the school. I think I can say I managed to we weren’t accomplishing anything and the Olashore a kind of home for in organizing them made them an accomplish those tasks. feeling of satisfaction when another me.

28 OASIS OASIS 1929 LEADERSHIP

Meet the Prefects Students present

Meet the 2018/2019 Prefects Oforitsete Iluwa Ashley Ejeneha • Class: Year 11E proposals for the and House Captains • Class: Year 11L • Class: Year 11E • House: Red • House: Red • House: Blue • Position: Sports Prefect 2018/2019 leadership Taslim Salaudeen • Position: Special Duty • Position: Social Prefect (female) development • Class: Year 11L Prefect (female) (male) • Personal mantra: Every • House: Green • Personal mantra: Life is • Personal mantra: Look at failure is a lesson, if you are projects • Position: Head Boy short. So let’s get it! successful people not willing to fail, you are • Personal mantra: Nearly not ready to succeed lashore International doesn’t kill a bird Ukeme Michael Temilade Ladejobi School is committed • Class: Year 11L • Class: Year 11L Omorinre Omotoso to developing • House: Green • House: Red • Class: Year 11E O Faith Unah leaders for the dynamic • Position: Academic Prefect • Position: Social Prefect • House: Blue • Class: Year 11L global society of the 21st • House: Red (male) (female) • Position: House Captain century. The Olashore • Position: Head Girl • Personal mantra: Keep • Personal mantra: Leave a • Personal mantra: I can • Personal mantra: Hard calm and be yourself legacy always do better than Leadership Development work doesn’t kill but makes others Programme is a platform to you stronger Oluwatimileyin Adeyemo Ojuoluwa Dabiri accomplish this. The • Class: Year 11L • Class: Year 11L Imann Sulu- Gambari programme is based on the Oluwatayo Adefiranye • House: Red • House: Blue • Class: Year 11E social change model which • Class: Year 11L • Position: Academic Prefect • Position: Media Prefect • House: Red is designed to enhance the • House: Green (female) (male) • Position: House Captain development of leadership • Position: Deputy Head Boy • Personal mantra: See a • Personal mantra: Let’s get • Personal mantra: Tomorrow qualities in the students. • Personal mantra: Better problem, solve the problem it! comes with better Students from all the than yesterday and never forget teamwork expectations, new surprises year groups presented their Ebiela Guanah and something to be happy proposals for projects they Tega Ogidi-Gbegbaje Benjamin Omayebu • Class: Year 11L about. intend to carry out during the • Class: Year 11L • House: Yellow • Class: Year 11L 2018/2019 session. The • House: Yellow • House: Green • Position: Media Prefect Alechenu Iyoko • Position: Welfare Prefect (female) • Class: Year 11L essence of the presentation • Position: Deputy Head Girl is for the students to make • Personal mantra: Even if (male) • Personal mantra: Don’t • House: Green • Personal mantra: Strive for follow the crowd, let the • Position: House Captain their proposals public in the you fall, do not give up and presence of other leadership continue striving hard excellence crowd follow you • Personal mantra: Patience is key students, parents and panel Chinedu Nwachukwu Taiwo Awojemila Aduragbemi Jojolola of advisers who will • Class: Year 11L • Class: Year 11L • Class: 11L Ogenevwede Ekewenu scrutinize their ideas to see • House: Blue • House: Red • House: Blue • Class: Year 11E if the projects are well • Position: Special Duty • Position: Welfare Prefect • Position: Sports Prefect • House: Yellow thought out. The Prefect (male) (female) (male) • Position: House Captain advisers/judges test the • Personal mantra: Here to • Personal mantra: Never • Personal mantra: If you put • Personal mantra: I can and thoroughness of the stay, here to win give up when you fail your mind to it, you can do I will; watch me students’ planning through because you are just it probing questions and then learning to become a better give advice. person Eunice Green

30 OASIS OASIS 1931 LEADERSHIP

Meet the Prefects Students present

30 OASIS OASIS 1931 STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS

Second Position My headquarters was quite far. I twisted, My inner African broke out and pushed turned, walked for ages, till I reached the aside my ‘all round sarcasm’. I pushed two A Fake Society sad home called ‘Nigeria’. I was completely nations away. stunned as I walked on the perfectly tiled Written by Oluwakemi Oni (Year 10) floor and saw the white posh structure. ‘We can’t behave like enemies,’ I started Davinci must’ve painted this, and then my speech, ‘We need each other, to I hail the great Nigeria! I hail her boldness pulled it out. I paced to the very top of my protect ourselves from others. We wouldn’t and elegance, her curves down to her ever marvellous castle, rubbing my eyes to want to put the black race into extinction. If so edgy edges. Her image, a splash of focus on the flag properly. we fight, what is left for our citizens, they blue, green and yellow, perfectly look up to us.’ The whole community was presented, accurately carved, hand-made My 15 minutes of ‘aaww’, was quickly put looking at me, thinking deeply about my by God himself. A proud beautiful creation, to a stop as a war of 10 years was words. I brought peace. the promise land of black nations. announced. I went down, looked to my right and saw the strongest country in the Immediately the peace hit, I was thrown to NIGERIA! I hail you. ‘These thoughts world fighting with North Korea. ‘How petty,’ the floor, picked up, and then tossed rushed through the mind of someone as I thought. As nations attempted to draw around. Not a finger, from any nation even unpatriotic as me when my feet escaped them apart, more were dumped in the hot pointed my way. The people of my people the hell home we call ‘reality’. soup. The fight only grew larger. could not live in peace, even in peace. I was a bunch of scattered mad men I was pulled into a community drawn Not too long passed when South Africa masquerading as a unity. together. A global village! I was Nigeria, a decided to display their madness as well. bold tall nation. Truly! Surprisingly, I am They only made matters worse. I stood The nations merely laughed. I, preaching Nigeria. I was the walking creature God amused at the circus, refusing to involve ‘global peace’ could not even begin with deemed fit. My feet bare as I lay on what myself. my community. ‘Nigeria! O so great seemed to be Sudan’s front yard. nuisance. A fake society’.

This edition features the top three stories from the OIS Writes Competition. The theme was ‘community’.

First Position way to adapt was to shut out everyone else helping in any way they knew how. On the and settle into himself and a routine that day of father’s funeral, Kent had his best We’re Family could do him no wrong. So when his old suit on, and with his mother at his side, best friend’s father died, he was nowhere made his way to the church. All expenses Written by Chidera Olalere (Year 10) to be found; but in the privacy of his room, had been taken care of anonymously. Kent he wept. Not just for the death of the man took his place in the church, clapped when For as long as Kent could remember, every that was like a second father to him, but necessary and greeted guests. He even day followed the same routine. He would also for the death of his old self. He would did a eulogy, which was closely followed by Chidera Olalere Oluwakemi Oni Damisola Talabi wake up by 5 am sharp using his alarm, never cry after that day or so he told short speeches by members of the eat breakfast and get ready for school. himself. community and old friends. Kent had to Dropping by his father’s room to do his control the surge of emotion threatening to Third Position the community, it gave them great joy daily but half-hearted prayers, he’d embark On this particular Friday, Kent took his time rise in him. that they were doing what their mothers On a fateful day, Emily and her best on the same thing - books, bullies and walking back from school. He saw Kindle, The Girls That Saved Their Community did. friend were going to IMAX to watch a more books. He’d run back home, ignoring his old best friend and increased his pace. The congregation followed as his father’s movie, but as they were about to watch every invite for a meal or soccer game from Opening the front door, he dropped his bag coffin was carried out. Kent excused Written by Damisola Talabi (Year 7) One day, there was a fire outbreak in the the movie they started to hear the alarm neighbours and Kindle. on the dining table and moved towards his himself and went back to the church where orphanage; Emily and her friend were which meant there was a big emergency. dad’s room. he finally gave into grief and wept for the Once upon a time in a faraway land, the only brave girls who helped the Finally reaching home, he’d help his mum first time in 2 years. Almost immediately, there lived a girl named Emily, who was orphans out of the building and saved They both started helping people out with lunch and keep his dad company. At 6 “Mum, I’m home!” he called out, but he warm hands engulfed him. He didn’t need an orphan. Emily was a beautiful girl, everyone. People were extremely proud even if it meant losing their lives. As they pm, he was in bed hoping the next day didn’t get a reply. He opened his father’s to look up to know who it was. Through his who always liked to help her community. of them so they gave them a huge were about to leave, they heard a little would be better, but it never was. door and saw his mother at the corner of tears, he spoke, “You paid for this, didn’t She had a friend, whom she met in the amount of money. They were very happy girl crying; they went back to save her. the room, weeping silently. He didn’t need you?” Kindle chuckled lightly, “My mum Kent remembered a time when things were to ask. He walked to his father’s side and did.” He looked up at her. “Why? I’ve orphanage, they were best friends; they and proud of themselves that they now As they were about to go out, they different; when he and his dad would go looked at his still form. He went to his ignored you for years. I’ve ignored did everything together especially had enough money to go to any noticed that the building was going to play soccer at the local park with other mother, held her hand and comforted her. everyone for years.” “With good reason, community service because when they university of their choice. collapse so they quickly pushed the girl kids, while his mum was off at some bake At 17 years of age, he experienced no everyone here has experienced loss. We’re help to clean the environment and help out but unfortunately, they didn’t make it. sale or charity event. One day, everything emotion. The death wasn’t surprising, but your community, not just flashing faces. people, even though they were orphans, They were eventually admitted to the changed. Dad didn’t like soccer anymore the nothingness was. The same way everyone rallied to help me it made them happy. University of Lagos. They were so They accomplished a lot of things during and mum became antisocial. A whole year and my mum after my dad died, is the excited and they still continued saving their life-time because they saved well passed by before they told Kent why. With The funeral preparation quickly took shape, same way we would rally to help you. We Another reason they did this was that people and taking care of the community. over 1000 people’s lives. the drastic turn of event starting with his old friends and long-time neighbours are your friends and comforters. We’re their mothers died saving the community. Sometimes, they visited the orphanage dad’s illness, Kent decided that the only providing comfort and food; basically family.” Therefore, whenever they were helping to know if help was needed.

32 OASIS OASIS 1933 STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS

Second Position My headquarters was quite far. I twisted, My inner African broke out and pushed turned, walked for ages, till I reached the aside my ‘all round sarcasm’. I pushed two A Fake Society sad home called ‘Nigeria’. I was completely nations away. stunned as I walked on the perfectly tiled Written by Oluwakemi Oni (Year 10) floor and saw the white posh structure. ‘Wee can’t behave like enemies,’ I started Davinci must’ve painted this, and then my speech, ‘Wee need each other,other to I hail the great Nigeria! I hail her boldness pulled it out. I paced to the very top of my protect ourselves from others. WeW wouldn’t and elegance, her curves down to her ever marvellous castle, rubbing my eyes to want to put the black race into extinction. If so edgy edges. Her image, a splash of focus on the flag properly. we fight, what is left for our citizens, they blue, green and yellow, perfectly look up to us.’ The whole community was presented, accurately carved, hand-made My 15 minutes of ‘aaww’, was quickly put looking at me, thinking deeply about my by God himself. A proud beautiful creation, to a stop as a war of 10 years was words. I brought peace. the promise land of black nations. announced. I went down, looked to my right and saw the strongest country in the Immediately the peace hit, I was thrown to NIGERIA! I hail you. ‘These thoughts world fighting with North Korea. ‘How petty,’ the floor,, picked up, and then tossed rushed through the mind of someone as I thought. As nations attempted to draw around. Not a finger,, from any nation even unpatriotic as me when my feet escaped them apart, more were dumped in the hot pointed my way. The people of my people the hell home we call ‘reality’. soup. The fight only grew larger. could not live in peace, even in peace. I was a bunch of scattered mad men I was pulled into a community drawn Not too long passed when South Africa masquerading as a unity. together. A global village! I was Nigeria, a decided to display their madness as well. bold tall nation. Truly! Surprisingly, I am They only made matters worse. I stood The nations merely laughed. I, preaching Nigeria. I was the walking creature God amused at the circus, refusing to involve ‘global peace’ could not even begin with deemed fit. My feet bare as I lay on what myself. my community. ‘Nigeria! O so great seemed to be Sudan’s front yard. nuisance. A fake society’.

This edition features the top three stories from the OIS Writes Competition. The theme was ‘community’.

32 OASIS OASIS 1933 Olabode Ige breaks school record in JAMB-UTME, SAT labode Ige achieved the school’s Indigene Scholarship Scheme highest ever score in the Joint OAdmission and Matriculation Board’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, JAMB-UTME. He also has the best SAT result in the school. Throughout his stay in Olashore, he has consistently maintained the top position in his year group. Olabode, who stands at 5’9 was the male Academic Prefect for the The Indigene Scholarship Scheme class of 2018 which makes him a role offers scholarships to students model to other students. In this chat, he tells us how he accomplished this feat. attending the Local Authority Primary School in Iloko town which How do you feel about your accomplishment? is the school's host community and to students attending primary I feel pleased with myself and grateful to everyone who helped me achieve such schools in Oriade LGA in Osun State. great results. The Scholarship covers full tuition

Did you have any specific study and boarding throughout their stay techniques? in the school.

I read as frequently as I could. Whether it was during prep, during class or on my As a school, we are keen to see the bed, whenever I had the opportunity, I would read. scholarship programme extended to accommodate more students. There What will you say was the motivating factor? are so many students with the I usually think of reading as a pain, but I potential to benefit from an was actually interested in what I was learning so I would read for hours at a Olashore education. Every day, time. thousands of children across the

What is your favourite subject? nation give up on their dreams for an education as a result of lack of My favourite subjects are both further mathematics and physics. I like these funds. We may not be able to help subjects in particular because they help them all but we can help some. We me understand the world around me at a believe investing in the future of more fundamental level. These specific Olabode Ige subjects challenge me as a person. these ones is the right thing to do Besides, some concepts in these subjects could be integrated into my computer weights or playing a sport. abroad, I want to come back to start a and you can be a part of this project. programming. company here in Nigeria. How do you avoid distraction as a How would you describe yourself? young person? What are your hobbies? You can contribute by making I would say I am an engaging and friendly Distractions as a youth are unavoidable; In my free time, I like to create little payment into the scholarship account: person with an interesting outlook on life. however, how you react to distraction is a snippets of code with C++ (a programming huge factor in determining your result. language). I also like to create computer Account name How do you maintain balance? Creating boundaries between work and models of the things in my environment. Olashore International School play is the most effective way I know to Account number When I am stressed from reading or handle distractions. What is your advice to other students? 0689748222 feeling down after not living up to my Bank name Access Bank PLC. expectation in a test, I usually dissipate What is your future ambition? It’s okay to have a social life or be a sporty the stress by working my body instead of person, just prioritize and place your my mind. I engage in tasking activities I want to study electrical engineering and academics above all else, apart from God ...and together, let’s make a difference. such as running long distances, lifting computer science, but after studying of course.

34 OASIS Olabode Ige breaks school record in JAMB-UTME, SAT labode Ige achieved the school’s Indigene Scholarship Scheme highest ever score in the Joint OAdmission and Matriculation Board’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, JAMB-UTME. He also has the best SAT result in the school. Throughout his stay in Olashore, he has consistently maintained the top position in his year group. Olabode, who stands at 5’9 was the male Academic Prefect for the The Indigene Scholarship Scheme class of 2018 which makes him a role offers scholarships to students model to other students. In this chat, he tells us how he accomplished this feat. attending the Local Authority Primary School in Iloko town which How do you feel about your accomplishment? is the school's host community and to students attending primary I feel pleased with myself and grateful to everyone who helped me achieve such schools in Oriade LGA in Osun State. great results. The Scholarship covers full tuition

Did you have any specific study and boarding throughout their stay techniques? in the school.

34 OASIS Olashore Holds Scholarship and Open Weekend

t was an exciting weekend as IOlashore International School received prospective parents and their wards for the annual Scholarship and Open Weekend. The event took place from the 4th to 6th of May 2018. The scholarship offered is in two categories which are the academic scholarship and the indigene scholarship. The academic scholarship is open to all Year 7 candidates that have received and accepted the offer of admission from the school while the indigene scholarship is open to Year 6 students in primary Indigene Scholarship Awardees schools in Oriade Local Government Area of Christiana and Adebisi are recipients of the Local Authority Primary School (LAPS) and Oriade Osun State. LGA Scholarships for 2018/2019 session. They tell us how they feel in this chat with Ebiela Parents and guests were taken on a Guanah and Ojuoluwa Dabiri tour of the school and got to see leadership projects carried out by Christiana Ogunsanya My future ambition is to become a I wrote the scholarship examination the students. After the doctor. because I like Olashore International tour, parents were Tell us about yourself School. I like Olashore International allowed to interact with My name is Christiana Ogunsanya, I am What are your favourite subjects? School because of the quality education members of staff and a native of Iloko-Ijesa. I am the senior My favourite subjects are English they give students. were treated to a girl of L.A Primary School, Iloko. language and mathematics. novelty football match, What will you say were the a science and How do you feel as a recipient of What are some of the activities you contributing factors to this feat? vocational exhibition, Olashore International School engage in aside studying? Reading and studying so well. drama night and dinner Scholarship? I like playing football. with the management. I am happy and grateful for the Who are your role models and why? Before their departure, scholarship awarded to me because Studying at Olashore, what are your My mother because she helps me with interested parents Olashore International School is a plans? my studies. attended the religious beautiful school, the students here are I plan to read my books, face my studies service on Sunday brilliant and the teachers are nice and and participate excellently well in other What is your future ambition? morning. well trained. Moreover the school is a big school activities. I want to be a doctor. This year twelve one. students will have the What are your favourite subjects? opportunity to benefit What will you say were the My favourite subject is mathematics. from the Olashore contributing factors to this feat? International School My mum and studying hard were the Adedamola Adebisi What are some of the activities you Scholarship Scheme. contributing factors. engage in aside studying? Tell us about yourself Singing and dancing. Who are your role models and why? My name is Adedamola Adebisi and I am My role model is my mother because ten years old. I am a native of Ere Ijesha. Studying at Olashore, what are your she cares for me. She cooks, nurtures plans? and does a lot more. How do you feel as a recipient of My plan is to study hard to become great Olashore International School in the future. What is your future ambition? Scholarship?

36 OASIS OASIS 37 Olashore Holds Scholarship and Open Weekend

36 OASIS OASIS 37 Africa Is Not A Country IV By Oyindamola Olatunji, gifts was done by the recitation of the national annual event originally formed Gbemisayo Adelaja and Principal & CEO, Mr D.K. anthem and a short talk about part of the school’s Oritsejafor Emiko Smith and assisted by the the represented country. accreditation for The P.T.A Chairman Mr In preparation for the International Schools Award he 4th edition of ‘Africa Ogunbufunmi. event, every year group from by the British Council. It gives is Not a Country’ event This edition featured a Year 7-11 picks an African students the opportunity to Ttook place on the Water callisthenics display by country from a ballot box at showcase the culture of Meadow in May. Year 9L students from different year the end of the first term in the different countries in Africa came in first place, followed groups who came together to session. This gives enough proving that Africa is not a by Year 11L coming second spell out ‘Africa is not a time for preparations and country but a continent. place and Year 9E taking third country’. The presentations research. place. The presentation of consisted of dance, chants, Now in its fourth year, the

38 OASIS OASIS 39 Africa Is Not A Country IV By Oyindamola Olatunji, gifts was done by the recitation of the national annual event originally formed Gbemisayo Adelaja and Principal & CEO, Mr D.K. anthem and a short talk about part of the school’s Oritsejafor Emiko Smith and assisted by the the represented country. accreditation for The P.T.A Chairman Mr In preparation for the International Schools Award he 4th edition of ‘Africa Ogunbufunmi. event, every year group from by the British Council. It gives is Not a Country’ event This edition featured a Year 7-11 picks an African students the opportunity to Ttook place on the Water callisthenics display by country from a ballot box at showcase the culture of Meadow in May. Year 9L students from different year the end of the first term in the different countries in Africa came in first place, followed groups who came together to session. This gives enough proving that Africa is not a by Year 11L coming second spell out ‘Africa is not a time for preparations and country but a continent. place and Year 9E taking third country’. The presentations research. place. The presentation of consisted of dance, chants, Now in its fourth year, the

38 OASIS OASIS 39 20th Valedictory Service Pioneer student extols graduating class By Ojuoluwa Dabiri

lashore International OSchool held its 20th Valedictory Service to celebrate the graduating class of 2018. This year’s special guest of honour was Mr Bankole Alao, the pioneer deputy head boy. In his address, he implored the class of 2018 to go out into the world and become 21st century leaders. Also speaking on the occasion, Principal and CEO, Mr D.K. Smith praised the graduating class for setting very high standards. He stated that in October/November, many of them took the Cambridge IGCSE examinations and their results were the best in the history of the school with five students achieving A*/A in five or more subjects. He commended the graduating set for also achieving exceptional results in the JAMB- UTME. The highpoint of the day was the awards given to best students in various subjects. Ginikachukwu Kalu topped the award list claiming four prizes. To round off the event, the outgoing head girl, Omobolaji Olalere delivered her valedictory speech which captivated everyone present. She was very pleased with how they had all grown into fine young men and women. The celebration reached its climax with the luncheon for parents and graduating students.

40 OASIS OASIS 1941 20th Valedictory Service Pioneer student extols graduating class By Ojuoluwa Dabiri lashore International OSchool held its 20th Valedictory Service to celebrate the graduating class of 2018. This year’s special guest of honour was Mr Bankole Alao, the pioneer deputy head boy. In his address, he implored the class of 2018 to go out into the world and become 21st century leaders. Also speaking on the occasion, Principal and CEO, Mr D.K. Smith praised the graduating class for setting very high standards. He stated that in October/November, many of them took the Cambridge IGCSE examinations and their results were the best in the history of the school with five students achieving A*/A in five or more subjects. He commended the graduating set for also achieving exceptional results in the JAMB- UTME. The highpoint of the day was the awards given to best students in various subjects. Ginikachukwu Kalu topped the award list claiming four prizes. To round off the event, the outgoing head girl, Omobolaji Olalere delivered her valedictory speech which captivated everyone present. She was very pleased with how they had all grown into fine young men and women. The celebration reached its climax with the luncheon for parents and graduating students.

40 OASIS OASIS 1941 Students should be open to new experiences in university - Dr Unger

r J.W. Unger works at Lancaster scheduled, someone is always telling you University as a lecturer teaching what to do- when it’s time to go to class, Dlinguistics in the Department of prep, eat and perhaps sleep, but in the Linguistics and English Language. He university, nobody will tell you that, maybe was in school to help prepare Year 12 if you phone your parents they will tell you, students for a university education so nobody is going to force you to do your as to enable them to move on and carry assignments. You have to have the on learning in a new place. motivation to do that yourself. So I think one of the things students need to realize You are here to help prepare Year 12 when getting into the university is, they students for university life and study need to be much more independent and skills, what has been your experience? that can be quite a difficult transition so I feel that the school has been an excellent being prepared for university means preparation for them; thinking about where learning to be more independent and also students start when they come to this learning how to learn. school and where they end up in Year 12 at the same time I think it’s really been useful What are some of the challenges a to have an extra programme for the foreign student might encounter? students. This is because there is a lot still I think the biggest challenge is probably to learn before you go to the university learning to negotiate new education system particularly for students who are going to so when students are here in the school, school in another country whether in the often they’ve been here for six years and U.K where I work or in the U.S, Canada, Dr. J.W. Unger by the time they reach Year 12, they Australia, the Netherlands, the United already know the teachers, they know how Arabs Emirates or anywhere in the world, the school works, they know who to ask for there will be things to learn but I think it is students now are getting much more help. When you go to a new educational the most important thing for Year 12 confident and are able to discuss the future setting, it doesn’t matter whether it’s in students to realize that they are not just and the kinds of skills and attributes they Nigeria or outside Nigeria, suddenly there learning things, they are learning how to might need as well as how the school can is a whole new set of rules and a whole learn when they go on programmes like help them to get there. new set of people so finding out how to find this. your way through that system without You have study skills session with Year losing your way is one of the most You have held a number of sessions 9 and Year 12 students and you have challenging things. with students what has been their also observed the Year 7 mathematics response? class using iPad and Khan Academy What advice would you give to students I think it has been very positive, so I feel resources, how would you describe the planning to study abroad? like although the Year 12 students are Olashore education? The first is to remember you can always graduating, I hope they recognize that they Well, I would say that in many ways, the ask for help. Often students go to a new still have a lot to learn. I was really use of technology in the classroom here is place and think I don’t know what to do and impressed by how much they already knew way ahead of many schools in the U.K and end up not doing anything or they feel lost for example when they talked about elsewhere in the world, let alone in Nigeria or alone but there are always people that plagiarism, understanding how to avoid and that’s really impressive. I’d say can help you. The second thing I would say copying people’s work, whether it’s other generally there is a mix here of more is, don’t forget your roots and who you are students or sources from the internet or traditional/Nigerian methods of education which is also very important. I went to the elsewhere, I felt the students already knew and also other approaches which come university to study abroad myself. I went quite a lot so they’re doing really well but from all over the world and so I think there from Austria to the U.K., I went from an as I said before, there is still a lot to learn. is a good balance here helping students to international school to a university system move from primary schools to secondary in the U.K. in Scotland and I think it was How long have you been visiting schools and then from secondary schools very important for me that I still had Olashore International School and can to other opportunities in the future. connections with home, that I had regular you share some of your experiences at contact with my family and that made it Olashore with us? How important is it for students to be possible for me to live in a new place far Year 12 students attend course on university life I’ve been coming for five years now and I prepared for the university and to what away from other people I knew but still feel think this is my eighth visit and I’ve had so extent does their level of preparedness that I wasn’t alone and that I had people lashore International social skills that are needed to facilitators included the a presentation, independent many experiences. Meeting students from help their academic performance? who supported and who cared for me. If School organised a succeed in the environment. Principal and CEO, Mr D. K. learning, CV writing and different year groups, learning about what It’s extremely important. I think students, you go abroad to study, it’s very different Oone-week course for Dr J. W. Unger was invited Smith, Vice Principal and Head interview technique, they are interested in. One of my favourite especially if they do very well in school, from Nigeria in many ways but that doesn’t the Year 12 students to prepare from Lancaster University, U.K. of School, Mr J. Toscano and conversational skills, sessions is always my session with the feel like they are very good at this, I can do mean that they are bad or worse and that them on study skills and for to facilitate the course. Dr academic managers. management of online Year 9 students where we talk about what education so university should be no applies to food, it applies to how people university life. Unger is a lecturer and Some skills covered resources, home science and people might do in the future and I find that problem and actually many students find communicate, it applies to all kinds of Attending a higher institution of Academic Director of Summer during the course were personal financial often, the students here are so keen, so that because it is a different system at the different things, so learn about the new university, they struggle. One of the major learning places students in Programmes in the academic writing, structure, management. ambitious to succeed. And I have to say place you are living and be open to new that in my five years of coming here, things differences is the amount of independence experiences. Those would be my advice to whole new situations and with Department of Linguistics and language, style referencing, have really changed as well so I feel like you have. So at school, your time is very students that want to study abroad. these come new academic and English Language. Other plagiarism avoidance, making

42 OASIS OASIS 1943 Students should be open to new experiences in university - Dr Unger

42 OASIS OASIS 1943 The next frontier after OIS OIS ‘O’ ROAD RACE Excerpts from the speech delivered by Professor Margaret Okorodudu-Fubara at the 22nd Founder’s Day of Olashore International School

t is a great pleasure for me to be here programme. I can assure you that post- with you this morning. Today brings back secondary or call it tertiary/university Ivery sweet memories from way back in education is surely an icing on the cake for the early turn of the new millennium when a successful work/professional life my son, Samuel, was a student in this experience. secondary school of excellence. OIS is I believe in guided ‘free decision’ by very dear to me for multiple reasons and I the kids. At this stage, the teen needs to mean this from the very core of heart. decide what he/she is going to do with the Let me start by congratulating every rest of his/her life. This no doubt will one of us who share in this great vision set influence or define what you do after by our highly Reverend Father and secondary school, in other words, which Monarch of blessed memory, His Royal route you decide to follow based on the Majesty, Oba Oladele Olashore, on this different post-secondary choices at your auspicious occasion of the 22nd Founder’s disposal. What do I mean by ‘guided free Day. The Founder’s Day event is worthy of decision’? It means that as a sustenance. It keeps alive the remarkable parent/guardian, you must not impose your vision of the founder, a great man of own choice of career on a child. Engage By Elizabeth Adeyemo inestimable value to his family, community, the child in a free flow discussion on the country and the world in his lifetime, His child’s career choice; understand where lue and Red Houses After the students’ race, Royal Majesty, Oba Oladele Olashore. Let he/she is coming, what’s driving that choice emerged winners of the there was a staff race which me also congratulate the principal and and understudy his interests/passion. Is it OIS ‘O’ Road Race. The was for only the members of teachers for the excellent work they are sustainable? Is it merely a passing fancy B race began with all Year 7 girls. staff that were interested. At doing in moulding the lives of our young Professor Margaret Okorodudu-Fubara result of peer influence/imposition? You This was followed by the Year 7 the end of the staff race, Mr ones in this school, particularly their world changer. can calmly and lovingly steer him/her off of boys and continued in this Salami took the lead closely relentless effort towards the development Most people gravitate across three that line of thinking if you believe that’s not followed by Mr Harrison, the of the mind and intellect of these young major institutional education learning the right way to go. Very important, don’t manner throughout the year ones as future leaders of Nigeria, Africa platforms -primary, secondary and tertiary- leave the child dry and empty. Fill in the groups until the Year 11 boys. sports coordinator. and the world. in the journey of life. Now is the time to empty void now with motivational Every student was expected to Now to the students, I am sure you are decide what you are going to do with the materials/information on better suitable run except if there is a certified here in Olashore International School for a rest of your life. This is a very critical career choice. Thanks to the internet, soul- report from the clinic that a Elizabeth Adeyemo is in Year purpose and not for fun or the fun of it. decision-making time. You have probably lifting and positive career choice materials student cannot take part. 11 Although you can make learning fun by heard it said that once you graduate from can be accessed on the internet and enjoying every minute of studying and secondary school real life begins and how experts publications on career choices. creative scientific experiments in school, or that life plays out is shaped by what you As you enter into the next frontier after even playing games on the field at the decide to do after secondary school. OIS, I advise you consciously strive to appropriate time. But what is that driving Absolutely true! Some of you may have make a mark and make a difference. You purpose? It is important you have a goal made an informed and well-guided will all agree with me that His Royal and be purpose driven. Bear it in mind that decision before this time. Some may not Majesty, Oba Oladele Olashore made a you are not here for yourself alone. In the yet have done so. It is possible that some mark that cannot be erased. This journey of life, others will cross your path of you have life plans clearly mapped out remarkable centre of excellence is one of that you are intended to impact, you must as early as your first year at OIS, while the living testaments to that fact, and OIS make this impact positive not negative. some are just drawing up theirs in the will continue to be the flagship of Kabiyesi’s Your OIS experience is nurturing you penultimate or final year of school. major legacies to this country and the to be able to fulfil your purpose on Earth. The young teenager needs to be well world. To make a mark is really to make a Before you graduate from OIS, the training guided by parents and the school difference in someone else’s life. The fact you acquire here would have raised to a Guidance and Counselling department to is, most often when you do that, it has a large degree the bar of the potential you prepare for life after secondary school. ripple effect because when you help or will need in life. This is, therefore, a very Going by my observation from the ivory guide someone else, it touches many lives important stage in your life. OIS is nurturing tower over a period of more than three and by virtue of having touched one. and packaging you for what is next. Surely, a half decades, I have noticed that some Finally, let me conclude with this ‘what is next’ will be determined by the secondary school graduates enter the special ‘take away’ for you. Psalm 37:3 knowledge and experience you are university totally unprepared says, “Trust in the Lord and do good”. As acquiring from OIS during the period of psychologically, emotionally and even you think about what to do crossing into the your schooling here. OIS is globally intellectually to embark on the tertiary next frontier after OIS, remember that God acclaimed as a secondary school of phase of learning. This is very sad. In most created us for a purpose; He did not create excellence, and so it is incumbent upon countries across the globe, transiting from us for our self alone, but also to reach out you, not merely to pass through OIS, but secondary to tertiary stage is not just taken to others. In the journey of life doing good ensure OIS passes through you and leaves as a ‘given’. It is seen as a big deal brings great satisfaction and it feels great that indelible impression of excellence on because the next frontier for the secondary to put a smile on the faces of others. It is a you. school graduates has come to be regarded door opener for God’s blessings in your After OIS what next? Take on your as a rite of passage for teens to pass into life. Get busy trusting God and doing good. purpose and run with it. Are you dreaming adulthood and a good career. Most people In the words of Keith Harrell, “You have big or small? You must dream big. Set a are quick to cite Bill Gates as an example. greatness within you. It’s time to let the rest goal. Define your vision and purpose. Start But remember, Bill Gate years after of the world know”. Go into your next working at it. It is never too early. Be a returned to Harvard to complete his degree frontier and be divinely blessed.

44 OASIS OASIS 45 The next frontier after OIS OIS ‘O’ ROAD RACE Excerpts from the speech delivered by Professor Margaret Okorodudu-Fubara at the 22nd Founder’s Day of Olashore International School t is a great pleasure for me to be here programme. I can assure you that post- with you this morning. Today brings back secondary or call it tertiary/university Ivery sweet memories from way back in education is surely an icing on the cake for the early turn of the new millennium when a successful work/professional life my son, Samuel, was a student in this experience. secondary school of excellence. OIS is I believe in guided ‘free decision’ by very dear to me for multiple reasons and I the kids. At this stage, the teen needs to mean this from the very core of heart. decide what he/she is going to do with the Let me start by congratulating every rest of his/her life. This no doubt will one of us who share in this great vision set influence or define what you do after by our highly Reverend Father and secondary school, in other words, which Monarch of blessed memory, His Royal route you decide to follow based on the Majesty, Oba Oladele Olashore, on this different post-secondary choices at your auspicious occasion of the 22nd Founder’s disposal. What do I mean by ‘guided free Day. The Founder’s Day event is worthy of decision’? It means that as a sustenance. It keeps alive the remarkable parent/guardian, you must not impose your vision of the founder, a great man of own choice of career on a child. Engage By Elizabeth Adeyemo inestimable value to his family, community, the child in a free flow discussion on the country and the world in his lifetime, His child’s career choice; understand where lue and Red Houses After the students’ race, Royal Majesty, Oba Oladele Olashore. Let he/she is coming, what’s driving that choice emerged winners of the there was a staff race which me also congratulate the principal and and understudy his interests/passion. Is it OIS ‘O’ Road Race. The was for only the members of teachers for the excellent work they are sustainable? Is it merely a passing fancy B race began with all Year 7 girls. staff that were interested. At doing in moulding the lives of our young Professor Margaret Okorodudu-Fubara result of peer influence/imposition? You This was followed by the Year 7 the end of the staff race, Mr ones in this school, particularly their world changer. can calmly and lovingly steer him/her off of boys and continued in this Salami took the lead closely relentless effort towards the development Most people gravitate across three that line of thinking if you believe that’s not followed by Mr Harrison, the of the mind and intellect of these young major institutional education learning the right way to go. Very important, don’t manner throughout the year ones as future leaders of Nigeria, Africa platforms -primary, secondary and tertiary- leave the child dry and empty. Fill in the groups until the Year 11 boys. sports coordinator. and the world. in the journey of life. Now is the time to empty void now with motivational Every student was expected to Now to the students, I am sure you are decide what you are going to do with the materials/information on better suitable run except if there is a certified here in Olashore International School for a rest of your life. This is a very critical career choice. Thanks to the internet, soul- report from the clinic that a Elizabeth Adeyemo is in Year purpose and not for fun or the fun of it. decision-making time. You have probably lifting and positive career choice materials student cannot take part. 11 Although you can make learning fun by heard it said that once you graduate from can be accessed on the internet and enjoying every minute of studying and secondary school real life begins and how experts publications on career choices. creative scientific experiments in school, or that life plays out is shaped by what you As you enter into the next frontier after even playing games on the field at the decide to do after secondary school. OIS, I advise you consciously strive to appropriate time. But what is that driving Absolutely true! Some of you may have make a mark and make a difference. You purpose? It is important you have a goal made an informed and well-guided will all agree with me that His Royal and be purpose driven. Bear it in mind that decision before this time. Some may not Majesty, Oba Oladele Olashore made a you are not here for yourself alone. In the yet have done so. It is possible that some mark that cannot be erased. This journey of life, others will cross your path of you have life plans clearly mapped out remarkable centre of excellence is one of that you are intended to impact, you must as early as your first year at OIS, while the living testaments to that fact, and OIS make this impact positive not negative. some are just drawing up theirs in the will continue to be the flagship of Kabiyesi’s Your OIS experience is nurturing you penultimate or final year of school. major legacies to this country and the to be able to fulfil your purpose on Earth. The young teenager needs to be well world. To make a mark is really to make a Before you graduate from OIS, the training guided by parents and the school difference in someone else’s life. The fact you acquire here would have raised to a Guidance and Counselling department to is, most often when you do that, it has a large degree the bar of the potential you prepare for life after secondary school. ripple effect because when you help or will need in life. This is, therefore, a very Going by my observation from the ivory guide someone else, it touches many lives important stage in your life. OIS is nurturing tower over a period of more than three and by virtue of having touched one. and packaging you for what is next. Surely, a half decades, I have noticed that some Finally, let me conclude with this ‘what is next’ will be determined by the secondary school graduates enter the special ‘take away’ for you. Psalm 37:3 knowledge and experience you are university totally unprepared says, “Trust in the Lord and do good”. As acquiring from OIS during the period of psychologically, emotionally and even you think about what to do crossing into the your schooling here. OIS is globally intellectually to embark on the tertiary next frontier after OIS, remember that God acclaimed as a secondary school of phase of learning. This is very sad. In most created us for a purpose; He did not create excellence, and so it is incumbent upon countries across the globe, transiting from us for our self alone, but also to reach out you, not merely to pass through OIS, but secondary to tertiary stage is not just taken to others. In the journey of life doing good ensure OIS passes through you and leaves as a ‘given’. It is seen as a big deal brings great satisfaction and it feels great that indelible impression of excellence on because the next frontier for the secondary to put a smile on the faces of others. It is a you. school graduates has come to be regarded door opener for God’s blessings in your After OIS what next? Take on your as a rite of passage for teens to pass into life. Get busy trusting God and doing good. purpose and run with it. Are you dreaming adulthood and a good career. Most people In the words of Keith Harrell, “You have big or small? You must dream big. Set a are quick to cite Bill Gates as an example. greatness within you. It’s time to let the rest goal. Define your vision and purpose. Start But remember, Bill Gate years after of the world know”. Go into your next working at it. It is never too early. Be a returned to Harvard to complete his degree frontier and be divinely blessed.

44 OASIS OASIS 45 Red House wins inter-house basketball game

ellow House played against Red House in a basketball challenge. YFor the game, they were grouped into categories - junior (year 7 and year 8), intermediate (year 9 and year 10) and senior (year 11). In the junior category, Annabel Green scored 2 points for Red House, Boluwatife Owoborode scored 2 points for Yellow House and Egwono Ekewenu scored another 2 points for Yellow House. Towards the end of the game, a free shot was taken by Annabel Green and it ended up as a tie between the two houses. In the intermediate category, Seyi Afolabi scored 5 points, Esther Ola-Ojo Olashore Vs scored 3 points and Feyishola Lamidi scored 2 points for Red House while Uduak Obioh and Eyimofe Osinlu scored TAICO a total of 6 points for Yellow House. In the senior category, Timilehin lashore International School Male Adeyemo scored 4 points for Red House Soccer Team engaged Thomas and Eme Obioh scored 2 points. OAdewumi College in a soccer At the end of the game, Red House friendly match. The first leg of the match won with a total of 24 points while Yellow took place at the Dr Burgess Stadium in House had a total of 22 points. It was an the school. exciting game with Yellow House in the lead at the beginning and Red House coming back strong to win the game. The game was anchored by Mr Agboola, Mr Harrison and Miss Yetunde Komolafe.

46 OASIS OASIS 47 Red House wins inter-house basketball game

46 OASIS OASIS 47 Oluwatunmike Graduates with First Class Degree from RUN

first class degrees that year and I felt like if they could do it so could I.

What did you do differently to accomplish this?

The only thing I did differently was to prioritise. I did what I was meant to do at the right time. I was focused on my goal.

What would you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to God and hard work. A lot of hard work went along with prayers. Also, I had a good support system. Abdul-Hafiz Alako Why did you choose to study at Redeemer’s University and why economics?

I’ve always loved economics right from Abdul-Hafiz: Lancaster University First Class Graduate my days in Olashore when I offered it as one of many subjects. The moment I bdul-Hafiz Alako studies. To obtain the award, I knew I was staying back in Nigeria for graduated in 2017 What were some of the Why did you choose to study had to fulfil all of these my first degree, I had to ask myself what Afrom Lancaster challenges you faced while at Lancaster University? requirements, from which I I wanted at a university. I wanted a University in the United in school? detailed and highlighted school that will encourage learning Kingdom with a first class Lancaster University has one instances where I without being stuffy, good academic degree in mechatronic The main challenge I faced of the most conducive demonstrated a set of skills environment with good hostel facilities. engineering. He also was with my health, both atmospheres for academic such as leadership, teamwork Redeemer’s University fits the received the following physical and mental. Mental study and research in the U.K. and time management which I description of what I wanted when I awards: Best Student health is often taken for It is located in the countryside. developed from participating in granted in our culture and not This made me very these activities. considered the options I had at the time. Certificate, Lancaster I also wanted to avoid the delays usually acknowledged but I think it’s comfortable to focus on my Award Gold Certificate, and very important because it studies coupled with the fact You also received Institution associated with strikes in the public Institution of Mechanical universities. It was my desire to affects one's confidence, that as a famous university, I of Mechanical Engineering Engineering (IMechE) Best motivation, work ethics, and was never too far away from (IMechE) Best Project Award complete the course within the stipulated Project Award in time and not have to incur extra years relationships with others whom any facility I needed during my in Mechatronics Mechatronics Engineering. due to incessant strikes. we interact with. What helped stay. The collegiate system Engineering. What was the He is currently a graduate me was I had people who cared was also very important project about and what does Oluwatunmike Olowe How involved were you in other intern at Siemens Limited - my parents, the porters at because it meant I had a the award entail? school activities? Nigeria. Oasis Magazine university and some good dedicated college staff that I team spoke to him in this friends who supported me one could always approach for any The project focused on luwatunmike Olowe graduated I was involved in a number of leadership interview. way or another through this advice or support I required. designing and developing key with a first class degree in It was easy and at the same time not so activities. I was the president of the journey. To them, I am thankful. components of a novel Oeconomics from the easy. It was easy because I set out to Students’ Welfare Scheme (STUWES) How did it feel to graduate You received the Lancaster microfluidic cellular detection Redeemer’s University in Ede. She is get a first class right from my Year 12 at and the financial secretary of the with a first class degree as What would you attribute Award Gold Certificate. What system. I received the award currently carrying out her mandatory Olashore International School, and I Redeemer’s University Economics well as receive the award for your success to? specific activities did you do for scoring the highest mark National Youth Service Corps scheme worked hard by reading and prioritising Students’ Association. I was also the best student in your set from to qualify for this? among other Mechatronic in Lagos State. Oasis Magazine team right from my first semester. On the other Assistant Course Representative a U.K. university? God first, putting in the extra Engineering students on my spoke to her in this interview. hand, it wasn’t so easy because of the throughout my stay in the university. effort and hours to make sure I The Lancaster Award has a individual dissertation project. stress of juggling a lot of courses each I feel relieved. All the hard was always on track with my defined set of activities How did it feel to graduate with a first semester. What is next phase for you? work, extra effort and long studies and meeting up with required to be completed in What is the next phase for class degree from a private hours I put into it were crowned coursework deadlines. I was fulfilment of the award. These you? university? So you had set your target before you I am currently carrying out my NYSC in with success, thanks to God. bold enough to speak up and include attending career gained admission into the university? an investment and securities trading The course was very approach my professors when workshops, participating in I am currently working as an It felt wonderful to graduate with a first company. I’m gaining a lot of experience demanding. I had to commit I wasn’t clear about the course. volunteer activities within the intern to gain more class degree in economics from Yes, I did. I set out to graduate with a that I believe will be useful in my career long hours, especially with I also made sure I learnt from Lancaster community, helping professional experience, while Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State. first class right from Year 12 when I as a Financial Economist. After NYSC, challenging projects. I had to my mistakes after each test or to run a club or society I seek admissions and My hard work had finally paid off! heard about some past Olashore the next phase is to go for a master’s work on and deliver tangible coursework feedback in recognised by the student scholarships to pursue a PhD students graduating with a first class. I degree in Financial Economics abroad, innovative results to receive a preparation for future union, and holding a part-time in my intended field of How easy was this feat? think a number of them graduated with hopefully on a scholarship. good grade. examinations. job alongside your university specialisation.

48 OASIS OASIS 49 Oluwatunmike Graduates with First Class Degree from RUN

first class degrees that year and I felt like if they could do it so could I.

What did you do differently to accomplish this?

The only thing I did differently was to prioritise. I did what I was meant to do at the right time. I was focused on my goal.

What would you attribute your success to?

48 OASIS OASIS 49 Alumnus Bags First Class Degree in Accounting and Finance from U.K. Varsity

luwatobi Agbaje graduated from OLancaster University in the United Kingdom with a first class degree in accounting and finance. He also received the Lancaster University Award. He is currently carrying out his National Youth Service Corp scheme at Meristem Nigeria. Oasis Magazine team spoke to him in this interview.

How did it feel to graduate with a first class degree from a U.K. university?

It felt great! It still remains the best day of my life. At that point in my life, that was my biggest goal and it was a very good feeling seeing my hard work pay Oluwatobi Agbaje off.

How easy was this feat? final year project, I developed a close because they got me out of the library relationship with my supervisor who (all work no play makes Jack a dull boy) Well, I wouldn’t say it was easy but I guided me through the process. and they also impacted me positively. wouldn’t say it was difficult either. I just They didn’t affect my school work believe that with the right amount of work What would you attribute your because I used them as a break from put into a degree, it’s very achievable for success to? school work. anyone. My plan from the onset was to try as much as possible to get a first My success was as a result of the You are currently serving. How is that class degree and for a major part of the relationships I had. In my third year, I working out for you? course, I tried to keep to that plan. made friends who shared the same objectives as I did and were studying Yes, I am. Actually, my service year is What did you do differently to similar courses. My small group had a coming to an end soon. Nonetheless, accomplish this? healthy competition where we would my service year has been great so far. I strive to get the highest mark in every am lucky to work in the investment I set a lot of targets for myself, some of test/exam. I always wanted to be ahead banking division of a financial services them unrealistic. At the beginning of my in the group, so this fueled me to study company. Through this experience, I third year, I had a target of 90% in every more. Even in situations when I was not have learnt a lot about the industry which course I took. And although I eventually the best in the group, we all did well so I believe would be very useful in my didn’t come close to meeting this, the we were happy either way. career. Also, I serve as the president of fact that I had this target made me put in my Community Development Service my all into my courses. How involved were you in other (CDS) group and through this role, I activities as a student? believe I have gained a few skills. What were some of the challenges you encountered in school and how During my final year, I tried to make my What is the next phase for you after did you deal with these challenges? time as productive as possible. I wanted NYSC? to be in a situation where when I was not I think my biggest challenge in school doing school work, I was doing Although my NYSC year is almost done, was essay writing. By the end of my something that would still benefit me I can’t say I have a very concrete plan. I second year, I realised that I was not positively, taking on roles including being plan on doing a post-graduate degree, doing very well in essays. To this end, in a student ambassador at the either a master’s degree or an MBA right my class selection for my third year, I management school, a student mentor to after or in the near future and I have tried as much as possible to avoid two first-year students, volunteering at started working on some applications. In courses which were concentrated on UNICEF on campus, analyst at the the meantime, I plan to study for a written work, going for courses that had investment and finance society etc. I professional examination I am writing more tests. Also when carrying out my particularly liked doing these things soon.

50 OASIS Alumnus Bags First Class Degree in Accounting and Finance from U.K. Varsity luwatobi Agbaje graduated from OLancaster University in the United Kingdom with a first class degree in accounting and finance. He also received the Lancaster University Award. He is currently carrying out his National Youth Service Corp scheme at Meristem Nigeria. Oasis Magazine team spoke to him in this interview.

How did it feel to graduate with a first class degree from a U.K. university?

It felt great! It still remains the best day of my life. At that point in my life, that was my biggest goal and it was a very good feeling seeing my hard work pay Oluwatobi Agbaje off.

50 OASIS