By Esther Onyegbula

The proprietress of Cornel Holy Child School, Mrs. Cordelia Osuji, has called on the government to broaden the scope of education beyond classroom learning, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that nurtures students’ talents and prepares them for real-world challenges.

Speaking at the Career Discovery Week organized by the school, Osuji highlighted the limitations of a strictly academic curriculum, stating that children need exposure to diverse learning experiences to become well-rounded individuals.

“When education is confined to the four walls of a classroom, we are not hitting the nail on the head. To catch them young, we must extend our teaching methods and integrate practical experiences,” she said.

Osuji explained that the Career Discovery Week was designed to provide students with hands-on engagement with their immediate environment, allowing them to develop both academic and vocational skills. She urged the government to prioritize extracurricular activities in schools, arguing that they help students discover and refine their innate talents.

As part of the event, Osuji also inaugurated a new school building complex dedicated to the memory of her late husband, Mr. Chukwuemeka Osuji, a retired customs officer who was kidnapped and killed while traveling in southeastern Nigeria.

“His death was painful, and I see this as a challenge for us to continue the mission and vision of our family in advancing quality education,” she said.

The event also featured notable speakers, including former Badagry Federal Constituency lawmaker, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, who urged students to complement their academic qualifications with vocational skills.

“While working towards a degree, ensure you acquire practical skills that will help you achieve greatness in life,” Hunpe advised.

Similarly, the Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr. Oluwaseyi Adigun, commended the school management for fostering a collaborative learning environment. He praised the Career Discovery Week, stressing that education should go beyond textbooks.

“Some children are naturally gifted in areas outside the academic field. This initiative helps identify and nurture such talents,” Adigun said.

The three-day Career Discovery Week featured a variety of activities, including a health awareness walk, sports competitions, and talent showcases.

A football match between Yellow and Purple House saw Purple House emerge victorious with a 3-1 win.
A beauty pageant crowned 17-year-old Kadijat Abubakar from Niger State as the school’s queen, while 13-year-old Ifeanyi Okafor was named Master Cornel.

Kabirat Adigun, a 16-year-old SS3 student, won a cooking competition.

The final day of the event featured the inauguration of the new school building, award presentations for outstanding students and teachers, and the distribution of medals and trophies.

The event underscored the importance of integrating extracurricular activities into education, reinforcing calls for government intervention to support schools in developing well-rounded students.