Image: Bijamic Class of 2026 College Graduates

By Ochefa

LAGOS — BIJAMIC College, Ajah, Lagos, on Saturday graduated 33 students in its Class of 2026 and promoted 46 junior students to the senior secondary level, with a strong message on resilience, determination and lifelong learning.

The graduation ceremony, held at the school’s auditorium on Badore Road, Ajah, was themed “Building Dreams, Achieving Goals.”

In his welcome address, the Director of the school, Mr. Abiola Bolarinwa, commended the graduating students for successfully completing the academic session despite its challenges.

He also expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for their unwavering support, sacrifices and commitment to the education of their children.

“Your partnership with the school has played a significant role in the success of our students, and we sincerely appreciate the confidence you have placed in us,” he said.

•Students entertain parents and guests during the event, Saturday July 18, 2026.

Addressing the graduating students, Bolarinwa described graduation as the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, urging them to remain consistent, determined and open to learning.

Drawing inspiration from the life of renowned inventor Thomas Edison, he reminded the students that success often comes after repeated setbacks.

He recounted how Edison struggled in his early years and encountered thousands of unsuccessful attempts while developing the electric light bulb.

According to him, when Edison was asked about his numerous failures, he famously replied: “I have not failed. I’ve just found thousands of ways that won’t work.”

“The lesson for all our students is simple: never give up. Failure is not the opposite of success. Your future is bright if you remain focused, hardworking, disciplined and determined,” Bolarinwa said.

” Drawing inspiration from the life of renowned inventor Thomas Edison, he reminded the students that success often comes after repeated setbacks.”

Also speaking, the school’s Education Development Director, Mrs. Chinyere Jane Abiola, described resilience as the bridge between dreams and success.

According to her, every ambition—whether to become a medical doctor, engineer, lawyer, entrepreneur, scientist, business executive or political leader—depends largely on resilience.

“Many people believe success is reserved for the most talented. However, experience often teaches a different lesson. Success frequently belongs to those who remain standing after others have stopped trying.

“Talent may open a door, but resilience keeps it open. Intelligence may create opportunities, but resilience sustains progress. Dreams may inspire us, but resilience carries us through the difficult seasons between inspiration and achievement,” she said.

She encouraged the students to remain steadfast whenever they encounter academic, professional or personal challenges.

“As you advance to higher levels of education and eventually into professional life, you will encounter obstacles.

There will be examinations that challenge you, opportunities that do not come as quickly as expected and circumstances that test your confidence. When those moments come, remember to keep moving despite the difficulties,” she advised.

The Principal, Mrs. Buhari Muinat Titilayo, also urged the graduates to uphold good character, integrity, respect, responsibility and perseverance as they pursue higher education.

“As you move forward, remember that success is not measured only by academic achievement but by character, integrity, respect, responsibility and perseverance. Continue to be worthy ambassadors of BIJAMIC College wherever life takes you,” she said.

In his remarks, the Vice Principal (Academics), Mr. Abolaji Omotayo, stressed the importance of hard work, perseverance and dedication, reminding the graduates that education extends beyond certificates.

“As you leave the walls of this institution, remember that education is not merely about obtaining certificates but about developing character, acquiring knowledge and preparing for life’s challenges,” he said.

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and awards to outstanding students amid celebrations by parents, staff and well-wishers.

” Every ambition—whether to become a medical doctor, engineer, lawyer, entrepreneur, scientist, business executive or political leader—depends largely on resilience.”

•File photo: The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, will today inaugurate an ad hoc committee to investigate how budgetary provisions amounting to about N1.32 billion were made in favour of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC ) an agency that had not been legally established.

The inauguration and public hearing will take place at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the National Assembly to investigate matters relating to the administration of public institutions and the management of public funds.

The committee, chaired by the member representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi, was constituted two weeks ago following a resolution of the House during plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas.

The probe follows the arrest of Mr Adeyemi Adeniyi, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC and is accused of orchestrating the inclusion of the agency in the 2026 budget despite its non-existence.

Senegal’s President, Bassirou Faye, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States.

He took over from Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio.

Faye emerged as the new chairman during the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States in Sierra Leone on Sunday.

As the new chairman, he is expected to intensify efforts to rebuild trust and keep communication channels open with the three breakaway countries.

Aged 46, Faye represents a younger generation of African leaders.His leadership could inject new momentum into ECOWAS’ reform agenda, especially on governance, accountability, youth inclusion and institutional credibility.

His position places Senegal at the centre of major regional diplomatic and political decisions.

His position places Senegal at the centre of major regional diplomatic and political decisions.Also at the meeting, Biram Diop was appointed President of the ECOWAS Commission, taking over from Dr Omar Touray.