By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Principal of Kanadi Academy, Gombe, Mr Joseph B. Ishaya, has urged parents to make punctuality a top priority, warning that bringing children late to school disrupts learning, affects classroom schedules and hampers pupils’ academic development.
Speaking during the school’s 22nd Annual Speech and Prize-Giving Day held in Gombe on Saturday, Ishaya said education is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of parents, teachers, peer groups, government and the wider society.
According to him, no single stakeholder can successfully educate a child without the cooperation of others.
“Educating a child is never a solo task. It is a collective responsibility that requires the active partnership of parents, teachers, peer groups, the broader society and government. Together, we can shape the character, intellect and future of our children,” he said.
The principal stressed that parents who consistently bring their children to school late deny them valuable learning opportunities while disrupting classroom activities.
He also appealed to parents to pay school fees promptly, describing tuition fees as the financial backbone of the institution.
“School fees remain the financial lifeline of our operations. Timely payment enables us to maintain high educational standards, provide quality learning facilities and meet our obligations to staff promptly,” he added.
In her remarks, the Proprietress of Kanadi Academy, Mrs Naomi Philip Maiguwa, reflected on the school’s humble beginnings, saying it commenced operations in January 2004 with only six pupils and three teachers.
She noted that after 22 years, the school has grown into a reputable institution with numerous graduates making meaningful contributions in various sectors of society.
Mrs Maiguwa expressed gratitude to God for the school’s steady growth and acknowledged the contributions of her late husband, Elder Phillip Maiguwa, whose vision laid the foundation for the institution.
She said she was delighted that their children had continued to sustain the school’s vision through dedicated management and commitment to quality education.
The proprietress also appreciated the Chief Executive Officer of Bricks Nigeria Ltd for supporting the education of the girl-child through scholarships, provision of sanitary kits and other educational interventions aimed at empowering young girls.
The colourful event featured a variety of cultural and educational presentations by pupils, including Igbo, Hausa and Fulani cultural dances, a practical demonstration of local cloth-dyeing techniques by Class Three pupils, and science exhibitions on the human digestive system by Maryam Idris and the solar system by Hafsat Hamisu.
Other highlights included poems on the girl-child by Nabila Lamaran and security by Hauwa Mohammed Auwal, a valedictory address by the graduating class representative, Fatima Sani Ibrahim, as well as the presentation of prizes and awards to outstanding pupils for excellence in academics and extracurricular activities.