Celebration galore! Earnest Schools marks 20th Anniversary, flaunts achievements 

By Abdul Mumeen Abdul Quadir and Aisha AbdulKareem

The journey of a thousand miles, they say, starts with a step. Twenty years ago, Earnest Schools, Ayobo, took that first step with the visionary zeal of its proprietor, Mr. Ismail Ogunyomi.

Between then and now, a lot of strides have been achieved, that’s why, the school’s management, members of staff, students, alumni, parents and well-wishers rolled out the drums on Sunday, 3rd August, 2025, to celebrate the successes and achievements made so far.

The celebration, held at the Onos Events Centre in Ayobo, was also used to mark the end of the academic session, and reward outstanding students across classes.

Many praised Allah for making the journey possible, noting that not everyone who started was able to come this far.

They merried over the moment, feasted and reflected on the journey, so far, remembering the time of little beginning and counting the gains over years. Pioneer pupils and students of the school were also present to witness the occasion.

The Proprietor expressed gratitude to Allah, noting that it’s now 20 years of impact, vision being fulfilled, a success in progress and dreams coming into reality.

“Today is not just about awards and certificates. It is a celebration of impact, vision being fulfilled, a success in progress, dreams coming into reality, and lives being shaped for better. Earnest Schools has positioned itself as a beacon of sound Islamic and western education – and by the mercy of Allah, we will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

Mr. Ogunyomi recounted the time of little beginning.

“We were driven by a vision back then. ‘The best dreams,’ they say ‘are the ones that rob you of your sleep’. We started in a very small way, with very few students, but we believed in our vision. We had direction and focus. Hence, didn’t deviate over the years, and we won’t do that now. Alhamdullah! The Earnest Family has continued to record massive growth and development.

“We’re not where we used to be, and we’re not stopping here. Greatness lies ahead, as Earnest is a success in progress,” he said.

He expressed pride and confidence in the outgoing students and prayed that Allah guides them in the journey ahead. He also appreciated parents who remained loyal to Earnest Schools over the last two decades.

The Guest Speaker, Ustadh Tajudeen Raheem, who happened to be the first pupil to enroll at the school, stressed the need for members of the Earnest Family to show gratitude to Allah.

He said: “Today’s anniversary is evident to one thing; Allah’s grace. This is a success story that we’re celebrating today. Only Allah made it possible. As such, there’s great need to appreciate him, in a bid to usher in more of his favours. We’ve come this far, not by our wisdom, nor by our strength. It is He who has chosen to favour us.”

Speaking on success, he noted that its meaning is relative, and charged parents to leave no stone unturned in attaining success in child upbringing.

A parent, according to him, is successful “when the child he/she raises grows into a well-formed adult, contribute meaningfully to societal development, and does not constitute any form of nuisance within the community. No one attains by thinking or dreaming about it only. You have have to real work, toiling day and night.”

Ustadh Raheem also gave some pieces of advice to 21st century parents.

“As a parents who wants to be successful, you have to raise your children to be Godfearing. They should be conscious Allah at every point in time. It’s also essential that you that they have good character It is upon you to see to that. They’ll be needing good character as they journey through life, and they must not be found wanting.

“Another thing to instill in your child is discipline. Spare the rod and spoil the child. Society is in a mess today because of the level of indiscipline in our homes. Finally, raise your child to be independent in every way possible. Financial, material or emotional dependence leads to vulnerability. Hence, teach your children how to live on their own terms.”

Also speaking at the event, Chief Imam of Megida Central Mosque, Sheikh Abdur-Rasheed, stressed the need for every Muslim to enroll their children in a Muslim schools like Earnest.

“As a Muslim who wants to have peace in this world and in the hereafter, it is pertinent that you enroll your child in an Islamic school where he/she will learn about the pristine message of Islam. You’re sending your child to schools where they’ll learn that are against the teachings Of Islam. That is detrimental to their spiritual well-being and your hereafter.”

He prayed for the proprietor, management and staff of Earnest Schools and sent prayers unto the immediate past Imam of Megida Central Mosque, late Alh. Abdur-Raheem Olohunkemi.

An alumnus of the school, Rofiat Akintunde, expressed great pleasure over the development of Earnest Schools.

“When we started at Earnest then, there were few members of staff. Even as pupils, our number was very low. I’m super excited about the way Earnest Schools has evolved over the last two decades. I’ll advise students to hold on to the values instilled in them at Earnest.

A parent, Mr Munirudeen Tewogbola, said: “Earnest is one of the best schools I know. Two of my children have graduated from here, and I still have one of them in school, but I’ve never had a cause for regret since I enrolled them at Earnest.“

A host of dignitaries were also present at the event including Alh. Folashade Oladimeji, Director Guide Bookshop and Alh. Raheem Babatunde Fatai, National Secretary, League of Muslim School Proprietors, LEAMSP.

Highpoints of the event were drama and kung-fu presentations made by the students, which stole the show.

The school also awarded pioneer members of staff, Mr Ismail Raimi, Hajia Ghaniyyah Ereola, longserving staffers Ms Sherifat Balogun, Ms Sherifah Junaid, and rewarded students who excelled academically throughout the classes.