LAGOS/Nigeria: The Principal of King’s College Lagos, Mr. Magaji Zachariah, has called on the graduating class of 2025 to enter the wider world as ambassadors of unity, integrity, and peace, stressing that the nation and the world urgently need calm, moral leadership, and purposeful citizens.
Addressing the students during the school’s SS3 graduation ceremony on Saturday at the historic 113-year-old all-boys institution, Mr. Zachariah charged the graduates to use the values instilled in them by the college to make meaningful impacts in society.
“There’s no greater joy than seeing yourselves make a difference in the lives of others. You must uphold the dignity of humanity and advance the social order around you,” he said. “You’ve been taught resilience, faith, and courage. These are ingredients of growth. Don’t quit when life challenges you; keep trying until you succeed.”
Encouraging them to forge healthy relationships and surround themselves with people who align with their values and vision, he added: “Continue to build good relationships wherever life takes you, just as you’ve done here.”
The principal urged the students not to forget their roots, encouraging them to return to their alma mater to share their successes with their teachers and younger students.
“Do not forget that this institution is a family. You can always come back when life throws its challenges. We shall stand by you and support you toward fulfilling your purpose,” he assured.
He praised the leadership shown by prefects, club heads, and class representatives, noting they had added value to the lives of their peers and to the college community. Mr. Zachariah also expressed deep appreciation to parents who supported the academic and personal growth of their children throughout their time at King’s College.
In his keynote address, legal luminary Mr. Chidi Ilogu, SAN, told the graduates that true achievement is not measured by applause or prizes, but by the seeds planted for the future. Speaking on the theme “Honouring Today’s Achievers; Building Tomorrow’s Leaders”, he said honouring students’ success was about nurturing confidence, affirming potential, and preparing them for leadership roles.
“Today, I speak not just to your achievements but your purpose. Achievement takes more than intellect, it takes courage, values, empathy, and resilience,” he noted. “Leadership is not about titles or popularity. It’s a mindset—it’s about using your influence to do good even when no one is watching.”
He told the students that tomorrow’s leaders would not necessarily be those with the best grades, but those with vision, character, compassion, and the courage to lead by example.
“True leaders know how to serve before they lead. They use whatever they have to make a difference instead of waiting for power to be handed to them,” Ilogu added, urging the students never to give up, except to convictions of honour or good sense.
Also speaking, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, former Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) and an alumnus, reminded the graduates of the values of King’s College—integrity, discipline, and service, which he said should guide them as they journey into the future.
“As you step into the next phase of your lives, remember that the world awaits your unique contributions. Strive for greatness, uplift others, and uphold the noble legacy of this prestigious institution,” Ibrahim said.
