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Dansol school set to pioneer Dansol University, maintain legacy in raising godly children
By Omolola Dede Adeyanju
The International Day for Education globally commemorated on the 24th January also marked a special Day for a great citadel of learning in Lagos state, Dansol High School. The institution began her Noble journey to raising godly, total children on the same day twenty nine years ago and is set to birth a University.
In celebration of her 29th Founder’s Day, Dansol High School occasioned a significant event to re-orientate the students, reflect on the vision and purpose that brought the school into existence—a place dedicated to nurturing not just minds but also hearts in alignment with godly principles yet instilling the best academics, character, values and equipping the young minds to pursue excellence in their respective endeavours.
Examining the significance of Dansol School Founder’s Day Ceremony, the head of Quality Assurance and Christian Education, Danso Christian Mission, Mr Atobalo Oluwole explained that the school is likened to a project aimed at raising children for God. He noted that Dansol school ensures students stand out, do God’s will and also become redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
“This means they know what it means to have repented from their sins and to pursue the purpose and plan of God for their lives. This makes Dansol’s products men and women of integrity wherever they go,” He said.
Mr Oluwole further commended the school, being complete in every aspect, including 21st century Innovations. He explained, “We have moved from the era of white markers or whiteboards to what we now call interactive boards. Our students are now global students; Each classroom has an interactive board. Hence, while they are taught, the students have access to all the information they need to check and do not need to come to the school with a phone.
“Each classroom is just like when you are in the U.S. or any of these developed countries. The school has been well equipped to meet challenges of the 21st century. Therefore, speaking about AI, we have been able to actually blend it very well. Despite this, we emphasize more on critical thinking, team collaboration, and other things. We don’t just want our products to be lazy and over reliant on Artificial Intelligence,” he stated.
In terms of mentorship, the quality assurance head submitted that the school has this scheme for all students on their respective fields of studies; the issue of collaboration, working with others is also effectuated here; facilitators come here to train the staff members, train the students likewise and there is zero tolerance for examination malpractices and other offensive or illegal vices.
Mr Oluwole enumerated the school’s operation in regards to her CSR. He said that as a means of giving back to the community, Dansol School observes an annual community scholarship for the Agidingbi community indigenes, since the school is situated in Agidingbi, Lagos.
Mr Oluwole stated, “The Community picks the best five students, then we do an internal exam for the best two. The best from the two is awarded the scholarship and it’s not just tuition free, the scholarship covers the student’s uniform, books and other necessities from JSS1 to SS3.
“There is also what we call ‘Presidential Essay’ for those that are already students in our school. It runs from JSS1 to SS3 and for the best three participants from senior school, the first position is tuition free, the second position is 50% tuition free while the third position is 25% tuition free, the same applies to the junior school.
“Meanwhile, this year, the president of the school, by the grace of God, is looking into other benefits for other participants apart from giving them certificates of participation. Therefore the school is planning to include more benefits for participants,” he revealed.
However, the Students’ Counselor, Dansol High school, Mr Samuel Maradesa expressed that the school is an institution that supports children to grow with spiritual guidance. He stated that he has been able to help students discover themselves, understand adolescence, understand the reason for being in school and also help those struggling academically with Strategies to become the best of themselves and achieve academic excellence.
In respect to students’ choice of career paths and tertiary institutions, Mr Maradesa noted the counselors’ role in ensuring that the students understand their strengths, weaknesses and assisting them in planning for a direction for the future with psychological tests. Also the counselors help write recommendations for University placements and prepare transcripts in order to help them compete in the global space.
He submitted that the only challenge he finds being a counselor in the Dansol school is from the fact that there is a large number of students but limited number of counselors.
He applauded the school for the move ongoing to establish a university in order to help parents continue the legacy that has been instilled in their wards. He also hoped that the school spreads its tentacles to having more annexes.
In addition, Mr Samuel advised all students not to keep their challenges to themselves but to open up and seek help from teachers, parents and others they can get help from mostly when they are faced with academic challenges.
Meanwhile, Dansol High School’s aspiring head girl, Oluwafunto Afonja, examined the uniqueness of the school viz-a-viz other institutions. According to her, it isn’t just a mere word of mouth when the school boasts of breeding godly students.
“The fact that the school doesn’t default to regular devotions, vigils and everything that makes students be the best version of themselves is very much commendable” she lauded.
Afonja also examined the criteria for being a prefect in Dansol High School- “No disciplinary case, a certain level of academic performance, character, spiritual formation and teachers being able to attest for a candidate.”
She acknowledged that being a student of the school has fetched her so many wins academically, spiritually and in her personal growth.