The principal of Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Mike Fatukasi, has advised youths to shun cultism, drug abuse, and examination malpractice to actualise their future goals.

Mr Fatukasi gave the advice during the school’s valedictory service organised for the outgoing SSS3 students on Friday at its Iyana-Iyesi Campus.

One hundred and nine students graduated from the school for the 2025/2026 academic session.

He noted that cultism has destroyed the future of many youths by exposing them to violence, fear, and criminal activities, which can lead to expulsion from school or even death.

According to the educationist, drug abuse damages both the physical and mental health of youths, leading to addiction, organ damage, depression, and, in some cases, permanent brain damage.

“However, cultism, drug abuse, and malpractice rob youths of their potential, damage their reputation, and increase crime rates, poverty, and instability in the society,” he said.

Mr Fatukasi congratulated the graduating students and urged them to protect their characters, saying it was more valuable than wealth.

He added that while their certificates would open doors, their character would sustain the opportunities and keep those doors open.

The educationist reiterated the school’s commitment to producing intellectually competent, morally upright, technologically innovative, and globally competitive graduates through quality teaching.

Mr Fatukasi said that the students had continued to excel in both internal and external examinations, adding that they continued to represent the school with distinction in science, mathematics, technology, the arts, leadership, entrepreneurship, and sports.

Femi Bolaji, a leadership development consultant, urged the students to be prepared for a future filled with numerous challenges.

Mr Bolaji said that the only way to stay relevant in an ever-changing world was to continue learning new things and ideas.

He identified skill upgrade, character upgrade, wisdom upgrade, and understanding relation upgrade as necessary factors that would keep them relevant.

(NAN)