Imoke charges Nigerian students on character, knowledge, selfless service

Former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, has urged Nigerian students to make character, knowledge and selfless service the foundation of their lives, saying the country’s future depends on a generation of disciplined, innovative and responsible young people committed to solving societal challenges.

Imoke gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2026 of Surefoot International School in Calabar during the institution’s 18th anniversary of providing quality international education and nurturing future leaders.

Addressing the graduating students, the former governor, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Surefoot International School (SIS), encouraged them to uphold integrity, pursue excellence without compromise, and use their education as a catalyst for positive change, stressing that character remains one of the greatest assets for achieving lasting success.

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“The education you have received has prepared you not only to succeed academically but also to lead with integrity, courage and compassion,” Imoke said, urging the graduates to remain disciplined, innovative and committed to solving societal challenges while making meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the founder and President of the school, Mrs Obioma Liyel Imoke, said the institution remains committed to raising graduates who are not only academically sound but also possess integrity, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.

She explained that the school’s vision is to produce responsible global citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities, Nigeria, and the wider world.

According to her, Surefoot International School has consistently recorded a 100 per cent success rate in both the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), reflecting its commitment to maintaining world-class academic standards.

Mrs Imoke commended the graduating students for their dedication while appreciating teachers and parents for their unwavering support in sustaining the institution’s culture of excellence.

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and awards to students who distinguished themselves in academics, leadership, character and other areas of excellence.

Parents, alumni, education stakeholders, government officials, captains of industry and other distinguished guests attended the event to celebrate the graduating class.

An affiliate member of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), Surefoot International School was established in 2008, combining  British and Nigerian curricula to equip students with academic excellence, leadership skills, innovation, digital competence, and strong moral values.

The institution says it is committed to delivering globally competitive education that combines academic rigour, innovation, and values-based learning to prepare students for higher education, leadership, and service in an increasingly interconnected world.