The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, has urged the graduating class of 2025 of Queen’s College Lagos, to take their destinies in their hands and become who they want to be despite limitations.
Prof. Ogunsola who was a guest speaker at the graduation ceremony of the college, gave the charge on Sunday in Lagos.
The theme of the ceremony is: Breaking the Barriers.
According to her, every girl who pass through the college has the DNA of a carrier breaker, noting that the institution doesn’t just teach, but rather, ignites the spirit.
She added that it also prepared the girls, not only for examination, but for impact.
“It is a privilege and joy to return home again today to this school that carries so many of my memories, dreams and beginnings. I am proud to be here, not just as a guest, but as a daughter of the house, a proud Queen’s college alumna.
“This is a time in our world that needs the voices of women to be at the decision making table, to bring pragmatic, inclusive and humane solutions to challenges that plagued mankind.
“As we gather to make this year’s torch passing ceremony, we reflect on a theme that couldn’t be more befitting for this moment in Nigeria and globally; Barrier Breakers.
“What does it mean to be a barrier breaker, it means defying limits that others set for you. Do not accept limitations; it means saying yes to possibilities in a world that too often, says no, especially to young women. Infact, barrier breaking is about not staying on your lane, or becoming something that the world expect you to be.
“Therefore, how do you break barriers?. It is by not accepting limitations, nor that voice in your head that says you cannot.
“I call those voice Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTS). These ANTS are your greatest barriers; and what do we do with ANTS? -we step on them and move on.
“They sow seeds of fear and inadequacy in your mind; ignore them. If your thoughts scare you, if it means you are unto something positive that is what pursuing, pursue it. It takes one step at a time. Do it and do not be afraid and I promise you, it will get easier, as the end will be success,” she stated.
Speaking further, Ogunsola, first female vice chancellor of UNILAG and an alumna of the college, said that the institution started off as a barrier breaker in 1927, through the efforts of the New Era Ladies Club, group of enlightened women, who argued that the same government that ventured into the provision of all boys secondary education must also have it replicated with the girls.
According to her, the club fought for the establishment of Queen’s College, against the discrimination of providing a school for boys only.
She noted that already, the world had created a box for women, without their consent and expected them to fit into them, adding: “ being a female, has no bearing on our brains”.
According to her, when women earn, they reinvest into their families and communities, enabling change from the ground, up.
“It is in our DNA. When we say barrier breakers, we celebrate those who do not wait for permission to shine or soar. We honour those who push through expectations, doubts, silence and emerge as voice leaders and change agents and women are agents.
“You can be whatever you want to be, an engineer, dancer, basket weaver speaker of House of Representatives or Senate President, state governor or even Madam President.
“You are smart, you are able and we need you. As you leave this gate, I challenge you to break new barriers. I know some of you will go into fields where women are underrepresented, technology, Engineering, politics and Space. Be the first, if you must.
“Never be the last and always leave doors open for others to follow and always carry the torch to pass on because every torch carried, is a light passed on,” she stated.
Speaking earlier in her farewell address, Principal of the college, Dr (Mrs) Oyindamola Adetutu Obabori expressed heart felt gratitude at the efforts by not just the 376 graduating students, but also the entire staff of the college, in ensuring the end of a successful academic journey at the secondary stage.
She noted that the students had journeyed through challenges, both expected and unforeseen, and had emerged stronger, wiser and ready.
“It is with deep joy and heartfelt gratitude that I stand before you today – not only to welcome you to this celebration of achievement, but also to bid a proud and prayerful farewell to our graduates, the Class of 2025 – our Barrier Breakers.
“Today is a day of joy and reflection. It is a day that marks both an ending and a beginning.
“We gather to celebrate triumphs won, lessons learned and lives transformed.This ceremony is more than a tradition. it is a rite of passage, a symbol of courage and a testimony to growth.
“True to your theme: Barrier Breakers; you’ve broken through academic, personal, emotional and global barriers; not just passing through them, but rising above them.
“To the graduating class of 2025, I say congratulations!. You entered Queen’s College with dreams in your hearts and questions in your minds. And now, you leave with knowledge, character and purpose. You have excelled in the classroom, on the stage, in laboratories, on the playing field and in leadership.
“You have served, spoken, created and competed. You have grown into young women of vision, strength and integrity. You have indeed embodied our core values: Excellence, Continuity, Hard Work, and Integrity,” Dr Obabori stated.
The principal of the foremost girls college also lauded the parents and guardian of the institution for their sacrifices, prayers and partnership, that made the occasion possible.
“To our dear parents and guardians, we thank you sincerely. Your sacrifices, prayers, and partnership have made this day possible. You trusted us to nurture your daughters and together, we have shaped them into stars ready to shine in the world.
“To our ever-committed teachers and non-teaching staff: thank you. You have poured out your time, talent and hearts. Through late nights, extra lessons, patient guidance and steady encouragement, you have left lasting imprints on the lives of these graduates. You are the quiet heroes of this story.
“To our special guests and dignitaries: thank you for honoring us with your presence and helping us make this day truly memorable,” she stated.
She then urged the graduating students go with confidence and conviction noting that the world was vast and complex.
“As you step beyond these walls, go with confidence and conviction. The world is vast and complex, but you have been equipped with more than just academic knowledge. You carry within you the legacy of Queen’s College – a legacy of leadership, service, resilience and grace.
“In keeping with the spirit of your theme, I leave you with three final charges: Break Barriers with Vision.
Let your imagination be unafraid. Dream big, pursue boldly and innovate passionately. The world needs your ideas and your courage.
“Break Barriers with Virtue. Let your values be your compass. In a world full of shortcuts, hold fast to integrity. Be kind. Be just. Be excellent.
“Break Barriers for Others.
Lift others as you rise. True greatness is not in climbing the ladder alone, but in building bridges for others to follow.
“This is not goodbye; it is go forth. You will always be a part of this great Queen’s College family. Our doors remain open and our pride in you remains constant. Wherever you go, may you be remembered not just as a graduate, but as a Queen’s College Barrier Breaker – one who dared to dream, dared to do, and dared to make a difference.
“ I say with love and pride; Farewell. Godspeed. Break barriers. Shine on,” she said.
High point of the event was the lighting and passing on of the torch by the graduating students, as well as their induction into the Queen’s College Old Girls Association (QCOGA) by the President,
Mrs. Olabowale Ademola.
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