By Prisca Nguzo
The Managing Director and Proprietor of Shekinah British International School, SBIS, Chief Dr. Obinna Smart Unegbu has described students of the institution as society catalysts, record breakers and limitless in academic excellence.
Unegbu stated this on Saturday, at the 5th Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony of the school which attracted parents, guardians, partners and other distinguished guests who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the school and its graduating students.
He recounted the school's journey, noting that despite numerous challenges, it had grown into a centre of academic excellence where every child is nurtured holistically with care, empathy, discipline and purpose to become champions above limitations.
Dr. Unegbu disclosed that his passion for establishing the institution was to raise great future leaders who would contribute meaningfully to society as well as help advance quality development for the collective good of the people.
Congratulating the graduates on reaching an important milestone in their academic journey, he urged them to uphold the values and virtues the school had instilled in them throughout their years of study.
The proprietor maintained that education and human capital development remain the greatest tools for societal development, appealing to governments at all levels to invest more in both private and public educational institutions to enable the state and the nation produce citizens who are problem solvers and global champions.
Earlier in his 2026 Graduation Speech, the Principal of SBIS, Mr. Christian Modebe, described the event as "a celebration of purpose fulfilled, dreams nurtured, and lives transformed," adding that it marked "another glorious chapter in the remarkable journey of Shekinah British International School."
He explained that excellence had become the culture of the institution, while innovation and character remained its practice and foundation respectively, as demonstrated through the school's rich curriculum, vibrant extracurricular activities and the impressive performances of its students in national and international examinations and competitions.
Modebe stated that the mission of the school "remains to develop the whole child — academically, spiritually, morally, socially, emotionally, physically, technologically, and entrepreneurially — raising young people who will become transformational leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and responsible global citizens."
He urged the graduating students to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution, stressing that they had been prepared holistically to excel in their future endeavours and positively impact society.
"Today, therefore, marks not the end of your education, but the beginning of an even greater journey," the principal said.
Delivering the Graduation Lecture on the theme, "The Catalyst: Accelerating a Brighter Future," Professor Omenihu Chiemela Nwaorgu of the University of Port Harcourt observed that government was not doing enough to improve educational standards in the country.
Professor Nwaorgu described the theme as "remarkably fitting in the present society," explaining that leadership, innovation, responsibility and service serve as catalysts that enable change, unlock potentials, accelerate progress and make new possibilities achievable.
According to him, "society becomes better because of the vision, courage, integrity and determination demonstrated by catalysts who inspire transformation."
The university don applauded the school for building a center of holistic academic excellence.
He further challenged the graduates to reflect on the positive difference they would make in society, having received quality education and holistic training at SBIS; to also shun negative attitudes and remain steadfast in the four pillars of good character, intellectual excellence, innovation and service.
In their separate submissions, some parents and guests including the Clerk of the Imo State House of Assembly, Barrister Chinelo Emeghara, Dr. Casmir Nwoga and Mrs. Ngozi Osuji-Oforji commended the management of SBIS for sustaining outstanding academic standards and holistic education.
They also called for increased government investment in both public and private education through improved infrastructure, employment of competent educators and the provision of grants to educational institutions.
The colourful ceremony featured inspiring speeches, cultural performances, academic presentations and the presentation of prizes to outstanding graduating students.
