St. Joseph’s Catholic Grammar School, Idanre Honours 2024/2025 Set in a Grand Valedictory Celebration As Dr. Adegbite Applauds Students’ Excellence, Urges Parents to Restore Family Values
The serene atmosphere of St. Joseph’s Catholic Grammar School, Odode-Idanre came alive on Thursday 29th of October 2025 as the school community gathered in grandeur to celebrate the 2024/2025 graduating set in a colourful Valedictory Service.
The event, filled with emotion, reflection, and joy, marked the end of a remarkable academic journey for the outgoing students.
In his address, the visionary Principal, Dr. Abayomi F. Adegbite, commended the students for their commitment to excellence, discipline and resilience throughout their years at St. Joseph’s. He described the set as “a crop of exceptional young people” who have demonstrated brilliance both in character and academics.
Dr. Adegbite’s thought-provoking speech delved deeply into the decline of discipline and family values in today’s society. He lamented that many parents have become too lenient, resulting in a generation that lacks respect, self-control, and moral direction.
“There were times when a look from your mother sent a warning straight to your spine,” he remarked. “But now, parents worship their children. The world hasn’t changed because evil triumphed — it changed because parents became weak.”
He warned that children raised without discipline grow into adults without self-control, leading to social vices such as drug abuse, sexual immorality, and dishonesty.
“If you don’t discipline your children,” he said, “society will teach them the hard way — and it will come back to you.”
Highlighting the growing influence of social media on young minds, Dr. Adegbite expressed concern over parents who introduce children to the internet too early.
“Today, platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp, and Snapchat are raising children in place of parents,” he noted. “The result is a generation with no fear of God, no sense of boundaries, and no respect for authority.”
He urged parents to take back their roles as guides and moral leaders, emphasizing that giving children everything they want without effort only sets them up for future failure.
“A child who never worked for anything will grow up believing life has no consequences,” he cautioned.
Turning to the graduating students, Dr. Adegbite congratulated them for their resilience and achievements. He encouraged them to carry forward the values of integrity, empathy, hard work, and perseverance that St. Joseph’s instilled in them.
“Dear graduates, today marks a monumental milestone in your academic journey,” he said. “The world awaits you. Be courageous, be adaptable, and let every scar remind you that you are stronger than what tried to break you.”
He also reminded them that education does not end at graduation:
“Keep learning, stay curious, and continue to uplift others. Your future is bright if you remain focused and faithful to your values”
The colourful ceremony featured cultural dances, poetry recitations, and goodwill messages from staff, parents, and guests. Gifts and awards were presented to outstanding students for their exceptional performance and character.
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with pride and hope — a fitting farewell to a generation of young minds ready to make their mark in the world.