The Director/Principal of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, Dr Oyindamola Obabori, has announced that the school emerged as the second-best Federal Government College in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (School Candidates).
She disclosed this at the school’s Speech and Prize-Giving Day ceremony, held on the school premises on Friday.
Obabori described the ranking as a significant achievement, noting that it was particularly gratifying after nearly two decades without similar recognition.
Displaying the plaque of honour received from the Federal Ministry of Education, she said the achievement had challenged the school to work towards emerging as the best-performing Federal Government College in the country.
“I just received the award from the Federal Ministry of Education that Queen’s College, Yaba, was the second-best Federal Government College in WASSCE (School Candidates) 2026.
“It’s exciting for me because for close to, if not more than 20 years, we have not received anything like this. And we must strive to be the number one FGC in terms of WASSCE results,” Obabori said.
Congratulating the students, the principal said the recognition reflected the collective efforts of the school community, adding that every student was a champion, not just those who received prizes at the ceremony.
She, however, reminded them that excellence went beyond winning trophies and obtaining good grades, stressing the importance of discipline, integrity, kindness and resilience.
“As we celebrate, remember that winning a prize is a wonderful milestone, but it is not the finish line. It is a reminder of what you are capable of achieving when you dedicate your heart and mind to a goal.
“So, to this class of champions sitting before me, keep pushing your boundaries, keep asking bold questions, never be afraid to fail because every setback is merely a setup for an even greater comeback.
“Go out into the world with your heads held high, carry the values of this institution with immense pride, and continue to shine so brightly that the world has no choice but to take notice,” she added.
Friday’s ceremony featured the presentation of prizes to students from JSS 1 to SSS 3 for their outstanding performances in the 2025/2026 academic session.
Subject prizes were also presented to outstanding students in SSS 1 to SSS 3, alongside college awards for exceptional performance and recognition awards for staff.
The Executive Director, Business Development and Innovation, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Omowunmi Tunde-Obe, who was the guest speaker, cautioned the prize winners against complacency, urging them not to regard their awards as the culmination of their efforts.
Rather, she urged them to “stay humble, stay hungry and keep going.”
Addressing students who did not receive prizes, Tunde-Obe, an alumna of the school from the Class of 1985, encouraged them to continue exploring their interests and discovering their talents and strengths.
She described their talents as clues that should be followed, investigated, sharpened and taken seriously.
“Whatever you choose, do it with excellence and integrity. There is dignity in every honest profession and honour in work done exceptionally well.
“Success is what you achieve. Significance is who you impact positively along the way. Talent opens doors. Character decides what happens when you walk through them. Let your ambition be big. Let your integrity be bigger,” Tunde-Obe said.
Congratulating the prize winners, she urged them to continue raising the bar and remain committed to personal growth.
Tunde-Obe said, “Be curious enough to keep learning. Be courageous enough to try. Be disciplined enough to improve. Be humble enough to accept correction. Be kind enough to lift others as you rise.”
She distributed copies of the latest publication of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, PUNCH nextGEN, to all Queen’s College students present at the event.
Tunde-Obe encouraged them to read the publication, which features news, knowledge, inspiring stories, quizzes and pop culture.
The chairman of the day and member representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Olanrewaju Oshun, commended the principal and staff for sustaining and improving the school’s standards.
Oshun, who recalled attending St Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, said it was encouraging that Queen’s College had maintained its reputation for excellence over the years.
He also commended the school’s Parents-Teachers Association for its financial contributions to the institution’s development, stressing that the responsibility of running educational institutions should not rest entirely on the government.
“The responsibility of running educational institutions should not be left entirely to the government,” he said, urging the association to sustain its support for the school.
He encouraged the award recipients to improve their performances, stressing that their achievements should inspire them to greater accomplishments.
The chairman also announced plans to establish an annual award programme and scholarship scheme for the school’s students through his foundation from 2027.
Oshun urged the students to see themselves as inheritors of a legacy they must preserve and improve.
“To the students, see today as a challenge. You have achieved something, but you can do better. I saw your grades, but you can do better. There’s room for improvement. Every Queen’s student should be proud. You have a legacy to preserve and improve,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Group Managing Director of Sahara Energy Group and Chairman of Ikeja Electric Distribution Company Dr Kola Adesina, urged the students to combine courage with patience in pursuing their ambitions.
Using the metaphor of a hunter and a farmer, Adesina said students needed the courage and alertness of hunters to identify and seize opportunities, as well as the patience and perseverance of farmers to nurture their ambitions into achievements.
“Stop wasting time complaining about societal challenges instead of seeking opportunities to make positive contributions,” he said.
Adesina also urged the students to uphold integrity and avoid negative influences, saying their lives should reflect values they could be proud of.
Citing the experiences of successful Queen’s College alumni, he encouraged the students to remain open to opportunities beyond their original fields of study, acquire additional skills and use their abilities to improve the lives of others.
He stressed that success should not be measured solely by personal accomplishments but also by the positive impact individuals make on society.
In her remarks, the President of Queen’s College Old Girls’ Association, Temitayo Okunoren-Makindipe, represented by Olutuke Kuku, urged the prize recipients to continue striving for excellence, remain curious and approach future challenges with confidence and determination.
Addressing students who did not receive awards, she said, “Remember that each day presents an opportunity to learn, grow and improve.
“Do not be discouraged by setbacks or compare your journey with that of others. Continue to work diligently, believe in your abilities and make the most of the opportunities available to you.”
Some of the students who received prizes for outstanding performances were Okonkwo Chukwudalu (JSS 1), Abu Emoshioke (JSS 2), Oloruntoba Precious (JSS 3), Orji Solace (SSS 1), Okpala Adaugo (SSS 2) and Isioma Oghoghosa (SSS 3)
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