By Julian Osamoto
The Igbo Language and Culture Department of Federal Government Boys College (FGBC), Gaki, Abuja, has underscored the growing importance of teacher-led mentorship and cultural education in promoting discipline, academic commitment, and moral values among young learners.
The message came during a graduation and send-off ceremony organised for graduating JS3 students by the Head of Studies, Igbo Language and Culture Department, Obiageli (Oby) Ezeilo, at the school’s e-library in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Akachukwu Reginald said the initiative extended beyond celebration, noting that it encouraged hard work, good behaviour, and dedication to academic activities among students.
Academic Commitment
Another student, Asadu kachi, explained that students who demonstrated obedience, seriousness in classroom activities, and consistent academic commitment received public recognition and gifts during the event.
“He called the people that always copy notes, Those that use to do take home assignments, the obedient children, and the most outstanding students, and gave them different gifts for being good students in her classes,” he said.
Other students including Asadu Kachi and Akaneme Chibuike, in JS3, members of Wiki club also commended the Wiki club initiative, describing it as a platform that promotes inclusion, responsibility, and academic focus among learners.
Combine Mentorship
They noted that programmes that combine mentorship, cultural identity, and reward systems can help strengthen students’ confidence, discipline, and commitment to learning both inside and outside the classroom.
The students noted that the teacher had maintained the culture of supporting and motivating learners since they were in JS1, describing her efforts as a strong example of commitment to holistic education.
“She has been doing this for us since JS1. We are here to tell her thank you for all her efforts and may God continue to bless and replenish her in different ways,” the students said.
Education stakeholders have continued to emphasise the role of positive teacher-student relationships and value-based learning in addressing declining moral standards and poor academic attitudes among youths.
According to them such initiatives that combine cultural education, mentorship, and reward systems can help strengthen students’ sense of identity, improve classroom participation, and promote values-based learning in schools across the country.
Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of gift to the graduating students; including mathematics sets, clothes, water bottles, pens, food packs, and cups as part of the send-off programme.
