By Abdul-Mumin AbdulQuadir
One of Nigeria’s leading faith-based educational institutions, Vanguards Academy, Odosengolu, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Saturday marked another milestone as it graduated 71 students during its 20th Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony and unveiled the official logo for its forthcoming Silver Jubilee celebration.
The ceremony, held at the school’s premises, attracted parents, alumni, staff, governing board members, students and well wishers in a colourful celebration of academic excellence, Islamic values and leadership development.
The event featured the presentation of academic and Islamic awards, the certification of two additional Qur’an memorisers, and renewed calls for greater investment in education and digital infrastructure as the school commenced preparations for its 25th anniversary celebration scheduled for September 2027.
Muslim News gathered that the graduating class comprised 71 students, including 37 females and 34 males. Eighteen students, made up of nine males and nine females, received Shumuliyyah awards in recognition of exceptional performance in academics, Qur’an memorisation, Arabic language, leadership and character.
CEO hails G71 graduates as worthy ambassadors
Addressing the graduating students, parents and guests, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Board of Vanguards Academy, Dr. Adeniyi Omotope Zafaran, congratulated the Class of 2026, describing them as disciplined, well behaved and promising ambassadors of the institution.
He said the graduating class had distinguished itself through exemplary conduct, commitment to learning and strong moral values throughout their years in the school, expressing confidence that they would make meaningful contributions to society.
“It is indeed a joyful occasion. It is a great thing to see G71 going into the larger society. This particular set has proven to be well behaved and reserved throughout their studentship in Vanguards. They are relatively distinct, so we are very optimistic that they will go out there and make society a better place for everyone,” he said.
… Urges graduates to uphold faith, character beyond certificates
Delivering his keynote address titled As You Galvanize, the CEO of the school reminded the graduates that while they were leaving the school with academic certificates, they were also leaving with moral responsibilities that would define the rest of their lives.
“You came into this school as young boys and girls. You are leaving as young men and women with a certificate in your hand and a future in your heart,” he said.
According to him, the next phase of their lives would test not only their academic abilities but also their faith, integrity and character.
He urged them to remain grateful to Allah, preserve their reputation, choose righteous friends and pursue success with humility and sincerity.
“Define your success with character behind your certificate,” he said.
Dr Adeniyi warned that today’s society presents enormous moral challenges for young people, including excessive social media addiction, declining parental guidance, criminality, materialism and the growing obsession with quick wealth.
He described the 21st century as a difficult period for moral values, saying many young people were increasingly disconnected from Islamic teachings while becoming absorbed in worldly distractions.
He also reminded parents that raising responsible children remained their primary responsibility despite changing social realities.
Turning to the graduates, he advised them to remain spiritually grounded by making Salah their anchor, Qur’an recitation their daily companion, voluntary fasting and night prayers part of their regular worship, and beneficial knowledge their lifelong pursuit.
“Choose friends who push you towards Allah, not away from Him. Seek beneficial knowledge before money. Let the pursuit of barakah be your goal because it makes the little become blessed,” he said.
He further encouraged the students to guard both their reputation and relationships, reminding them that classmates today could become employers, business partners or leaders tomorrow.
School unveils Silver Jubilee logo
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the unveiling of the official logo for the school’s Silver Jubilee celebration.
Dr Adeniyi, alongside the Chairman of the occasion, Alh Salawu Sikiru Adetona and other distinguished guests, formally unveiled the logo before an excited audience of students, parents, alumni, staff and supporters.
He explained that the Silver Jubilee celebration, scheduled for September 2027, would commemorate 25 years of producing future leaders who continue to make meaningful contributions in different professions and communities across Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, the anniversary would celebrate the school’s legacy of combining academic excellence with sound Islamic education and strong moral upbringing.
He assured members of the Vanguards Academy family that details of the anniversary activities would be announced in due course, adding that the celebration would be memorable and worthy of the institution’s reputation.
Multimillion naira ICT Centre to boost digital learning, says CEO
Speaking on the school’s ongoing multimillion naira Information and Communication Technology Centre project, the Vanguards Academy CEO described the facility as a strategic investment that would prepare students for the realities of the digital age.
He explained that although the planned expansion was still in progress, students were already benefiting from the centre.
According to him, the facility would provide a conducive environment for computer based examinations while equipping learners with practical digital skills required for higher education and the modern workplace.
He added that the centre would also nurture students aspiring to build careers in technology related fields and eventually operate commercially to ensure sustainability while serving the wider community.
“It is a multimillion naira investment and it should be worth the commitment in the end,” he said.
Vanguards has stood the test of time: Guest speaker
Delivering the graduation lecture, renowned academic and former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic, Dr Nurudeen Olaleye, described Vanguards Academy as an institution that had successfully passed the test of time through its sustained contribution to human capital development.
He said the school had, over the years, produced graduates who were excelling in different professions within Nigeria and internationally.
According to him, Vanguards Academy had become one of the first choices for Muslim parents seeking quality education rooted in Islamic values.
“Vanguards has passed the test of time. The school has produced world class individuals who are making remarkable impacts in different walks of life,” he said.
Dr. Olaleye commended the management for maintaining high educational standards and preserving the institution’s vision despite changing educational realities.
He appealed to philanthropists, Islamic organisations, alumni and corporate bodies to support the completion of the school’s ICT Centre, stressing that improved infrastructure would further strengthen teaching and learning.
While addressing the graduates, he encouraged them to honour their promises, remain resilient in difficult times and regard failure as part of the journey towards success.
He urged them never to abandon their dreams because of temporary setbacks.
…certifies two new Huffaz at graduation ceremony
Another highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to two students who successfully completed the memorisation of the Holy Qur’an.
Speaking during the Shahadah (Qur’an graduation) presentation, the Mudeer (Director) of Vanguards Islamic Institute, Ustadh Sherifdeen Ahmad, said all members of the graduating Class of 2026 had memorised portions of the Qur’an according to their respective levels.
However, he explained that only students who completed the entire Qur’an and passed an assessment conducted by an independent external examiner qualified for certification as Huffaz (memorisers of the Holy Qur’an).
He noted that the two students honoured during the ceremony, Saalim Adebule and Ismail Omotayo, were unable to participate in the school’s previous Qur’an graduation because they had not completed the programme at the time.
“Having since fulfilled all the requirements, they were formally certified during Saturday’s graduation ceremony,” he noted.
Ustadh Ahmad also disclosed that two members of the graduating class had earlier attained the same milestone. They are Sikiru Ramlah and Olatunde AbdSalam, who were certified during the school’s Haflah (Qur’an graduation ceremony) held in October 2025.
With the certification of Adebule and Omotayo, a total of four members of the graduating class have now attained full Hifzul Qur’an (memorising of the Holy Qur’an) status.
Outstanding students receive academic, Islamic excellence awards
The ceremony also featured the presentation of several academic and Islamic awards to deserving students.
Among the male award recipients were Ismail Omotayo, who received the Academic Excellence Award, Lawal Faheez for Hifdh, Oguntola Al-Ameen for Arabic proficiency and Tilaawah, Oloko Shuayb for Punctuality, consistency in Dua and Tilaawah, Uthman AbdRahman for Front Row attendance in the mosque, Dhikrullah Muhammad for Fasting and Akinfenwa Zayd as Best Prefect.
Among the female recipients were Aasiyah Owodunni for Academic Excellence, Haneefah Olatunde for Hifdh, Ramlah Sikiru for Arabic proficiency and Best Prefect, Zaynab Arogundade for Tilaawah, Sumayyah Oyegbami for Punctuality and Front Row attendance in the mosque, Hamnah AbdRahman for Fasting and Sahlah Sheriff for consistency in Dua.
The award presentations attracted loud applause from parents and guests, who celebrated the achievements of the students.
Graduates praise Vanguards for instilling faith, discipline
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, one of the outstanding graduates, Ismail Omotayo, expressed gratitude to Allah, his parents and teachers for their support throughout his years at the school.
He said Vanguards Academy transformed him academically, morally and spiritually.
“Personally, I would say Vanguards Academy has made me a better person. This is where I learnt to attach greater importance to my memorisation of the Qur’an. We have also developed teamwork and discipline. By the grace of Allah, we will continue to live according to the lessons we have learnt here,” he said.
Also speaking, the best graduating female student, Aasiyah Owodunni, described her years at the school as demanding but rewarding.
She said the institution had prepared her to face the realities of life with confidence, knowledge and strong Islamic values.
“As a girl, Vanguards has prepared me for the realities of the larger society. It has not been an easy journey, but today makes every sacrifice worthwhile,” she said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates, special prayers for the graduates and group photographs involving students, parents, teachers and alumni.
As the celebrations came to an end, the atmosphere reflected not only the joy of academic achievement but also renewed confidence in Vanguards Academy’s mission of raising generations of knowledgeable, morally upright and socially responsible leaders equipped to contribute positively to society.
Beautiful faces at the event
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