Vanguards Academy graduates 91 students, celebrates Qur’an, Hadith memorisation milestones

FAMILIES, friends and well-wishers from far and near gathered last weekend to honour students who completed their secondary education at Vanguards Academy.

The 2024/2025 prize-giving and graduation ceremony was held at the school field in Odosengolu, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The event featured a strong message urging graduates to resist societal moral decline and be driven by success and uprightness.

Vanguards Academy, a faith-based institution widely recognised among the top schools in Ogun State, graduated 91 students this year (G91), bringing the total number of its alumni since inception in 2002 to 1,183.

Among this year’s graduates, seven memorised the entire Noble Qur’an (Hufaadh), and 20 memorised the 40 Hadith of An-Nawawi, a widely studied compilation by the renowned Islamic scholar, Imam al-Nawawi.

The Qur’an memorisers (Hufaadh) are: Ojoele Abdullah, Olaonipekun Khalid, Jimoh Abdullah, Abdul Wasi Khubayb, Leshi Salman, Odusanwo Musab and Habeeb Zafaran, son of the school’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Zafaran Adeniyi.

The ceremony was chaired by Prince Saheed Lasisi, a distinguished parent and supporter of the institution.

According to school officials, 89 out of the 91 graduating students sat for the 2025 UTME. Maryam Balogun scored the highest with 356, followed closely by Mubarak Ajibade with 353. The rest also posted commendable performances, all scoring above 200.

Principal of Vanguards Academy, Alhaji Nafiudeen Ajayi, congratulated the graduating class and their families, urging the students to make the success stories of others a source of inspiration.

“Today is not just a ceremony. It’s a milestone, a reflection on the path you’ve walked, a celebration of your achievements, and a peek into the bright future that lies ahead. It’s a day to honour your academic excellence, spiritual growth, moral upbringing, and unwavering dedication,” he said.

Alhaji Ajayi praised the students for embodying the school’s values and excelling in both academics and character, noting their potential was evident from the beginning.

“This graduating set has been remarkable. We saw their potential early and worked to mould and mentor them. Alhamdulillah, they didn’t disappoint.

“Let the accomplishments of alumni like Zainab Ogunjimi (Best Graduating Student at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos) and Muadh AbdulLateef, a first-class graduate abroad, propel you to even greater heights,” he said.

In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Vanguards Academy, Dr Zafaran Adeniyi, congratulated the graduates and warned them against the moral pitfalls common in society today.

“Youths today are wasting away in pools of immorality, lounging around swimming pools in lewd company, indulging in drugs, shisha, pornography and mindless screen time. They may be physically alive, but their minds and souls are dead,” he lamented.

He urged graduates to resist the erosion of modesty and hold fast to the light of goodness within them.

“The real Hijaab/Jalbaab is fast disappearing. Trends glorifying indecency are taking over social media. You must be different. Do not follow the crowd, instead, invite them to what is right.”

Renowned Islamic scholar and guest speaker, Alhaji AbdurRazaq AbdusSalam (Abu Umar Al-Faruq), also addressed the gathering with a strong message to parents.

“Every child comes from a family. Those who wreak havoc in society and those who contribute positively, all originate from specific homes. What a family produces determines its legacy,” he said.

The former Director of Public Affairs at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) urged parents not to abandon their post once their children leave school.

“Vanguards Academy has done its part, academically and morally. If tomorrow these students are seen engaging in misconduct, it means the parents have failed in their role of follow-up and reinforcement,” he said.

He cautioned against condoning bad behaviour and warned that enabling immorality only leads to greater harm, even to its supposed beneficiaries.

The Vanguards Academy Old Students Association (VAOSA), in partnership with the school, presented awards and cash prizes to outstanding students in various categories.

The awardees included Mubarak Ajibade, Overall Best Student (Male); Maryam Balogun, Overall Best Student (Female); Khadeejah Mosuro, Most Improved Student; Firdaws Ismail, Most Outstanding Leadership (Female); Yusuf Akinremi, Most Outstanding Leadership (Male); and Ibrahim Olabamidele, Best in Mathematics

In an emotional reflection, Overall Best Graduating Student, Maryam Balogun, said graduating still felt surreal.

“It’s strange. I know I’ve graduated, but it hasn’t really sunk in. I’m still trying to process it all,” she said, attributing her success to purposeful reading and focused effort.

Reflecting on his memorisation journey, Hafidh Habeeb Zafaran said: “There were tough times, especially during exam periods, but I set personal targets and kept going. The Qur’an has made me more conscious and reserved. Looking back, the whole Vanguards experience makes me smile.”

Khalid Olaonipekun, who memorised 40 Hadiths, shared how the teachings influence his behaviour.

“Some Hadiths touch on social conduct. When I’m about to do something wrong, they flash in my mind and pull me back. They help keep me in check,” he said.

At the event, there was a renewed charge to the graduates to uphold Islamic values, reject moral corruption and lead purposeful lives.

Parents were also reminded that the real work of parenting continues beyond the school walls, and their role remains critical in raising a morally upright generation.

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