Fun-Un-To International Academy Old Students Association, FIAOSA, has offered scholarships to six students from the top three secondary schools that took part in its recently held inter-school debate competition.

Among them are: Afolabi Olalekan and Aderemi Adeola from Obokun High School, Ilesha; Adepoju Temitope and Adebiyi Phebian from Saint Margaret Anglicans Girls school, Ilesha; and Obi Chinecherem
and Oluwafemi Ifeoluwa from Saint Lawrence Grammer School.

The scholarship initiative, which covers external examination fees including WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, according to Emmanuel Fadipe, President, FIAOSA, is part of a broader commitment to supporting academic excellence and contribute to the overall development of the students and schools involved.

The debate program began with a Good Conduct conference, which served as a platform to prepare the minds of all participants for the academic journey ahead.

The conference addressed key topics such as career development, the importance of maintaining good character, and the virtues of being a responsible and exemplary ambassador in both academic and societal circles.

This conference set the stage for the subsequent series of debates, which were centered around impactful and purpose-driven topics.

Amongst topics addressed were drug abuse orientation, moral uprightness among teenagers, being good ambassadors and the pursuit of excellence.

In addition to the scholarships awarded, participants and attendees were gifted writing materials, souvenirs, counseling sessions, mathematical sets, school-customised textbooks, and certificates of participation.

Giving a recap of his administration, Fadipe said: “Under my leadership, FIAOSA has achieved numerous unquantifiable milestones.

“These include a significant increase in membership, series of empowerment programs aimed at enhancing the personal and professional growth of members, and the reunion with old teachers and alumni for meaningful interactions.

“Furthermore, there have been regular capacity-building sessions, mental health discussions, humanitarian projects, welfare improvements, and the promotion of mutual love, empathy, collaboration among members, among many others.

“Importantly, the association has also successfully included all previous sets within its organisational framework, creating an expansive and supportive network that binds together alumni from across generations. This inclusive approach has strengthened the organisation and created a powerful sense of unity and continuity.

“One of the most notable achievements has been the constitutional amendment of the association. This structural change was introduced to ensure the sustainability of the association’s impactful initiatives and provide a more solid foundation for future administrations.

“The amended constitution will make it easier for subsequent leaders to continue the work started by the current administration, ensuring that the organisation remains effective and relevant for years to come.”

Fadipe noted that the electoral process for new executives was set to begin April, and that by the end of the month, a new era will begin for the association.

Further reflecting on the achievements of his tenure, Fadipe attributes the success to the collective effort of his executives, the heads of various working committees, and all members of the association who believed in its mission and worked in unity toward achieving its goals.

He emphasised that the spirit of positively impacting the world and making it a better place should be carried forward by all members.

“From the moment we are born, we begin the inevitable journey toward the end,” Fadipe remarked.

“As long as we live, we should strive to make the world a better place than we found it. History is being written today, and as we complete our life cycle, we should aim to write our names in gold,” he added.

When asked about his feelings as his tenure comes to an end, he said: “It has been a privilege to serve this great association. Every leadership phase must come to an end. After each phase, we are subject to the assessment of those we served, our conscience, and God. Leadership should always be about the growth of the organisation, with self being the last to benefit. Leadership is about bringing smiles to people’s faces, and time passes quickly.”

He also acknowledged the importance of collaboration in leadership, stating, “Leadership is a partnership. It takes both the leaders, who are servants, and the members to make a meaningful impact. We are all part of this journey, and together we achieved great things.

“I have enjoyed the unwavering support of our members, executives, and the heads of our support working committees, including Mr. Owoeye, Ms. Ope Fadahunsi, Madam Ojoniyi, Madam Christianah Oke, Mr. Elujoba, Mr. Olawole, Mr. Ebire, Ms. Folashade Agboola, Ms. Ifeoluwa Omisakin, Ms. Yejide Adelekun, Mr. Godwin Fasugba, Ms. Wumi Aluko, Ms. Ibijoke Omole,Ms Tomilola Awojobi, Ms Opeyemi Arowolo, Mr Adelokun Tobiloba and all the dedicated committee members. Together, we made a difference. Every one of us contributed!”

As the association prepares for its new leadership transition, Fadipe expresses a bittersweet farewell, saying, “It hurts to say farewell, but every good journey must come to an end.”