Seventy-two students of Corona Secondary School (CSS), Agbara, were celebrated on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the school’s valedictory service, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s 70-year legacy of shaping young leaders.
The event, held on the school’s campus in Ogun State, echoed with tributes to academic excellence, character development, and bold aspirations for the future.
In his address, Innocent Oaikhena, principal of the school, reflected on the uniqueness of each graduating class and the values that distinguish the institution’s students beyond academic achievement.
“Every class comes with its unique ways, and we celebrate the individual,” Oaikhena said. “Our students are quite brilliant, especially when it comes to leadership. They are champions—public opinion leaders, music experts, and compassionate contributors to society.”
Oaikhena also highlighted the school’s commitment to empathy-driven education, citing student-led outreach efforts that include adopting under-resourced schools, supporting orphanages, and donating books and libraries, all funded from students’ personal savings.
Niyi Yusuf, Corona Secondary Schools board chairman, also commended the Class of 2025, describing them as an embodiment of the institution’s core values: excellence and integrity.
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“A Corona student represents excellence and values that reflect who we are as a nation and as Africans,” Yusuf said. “This set excelled academically and in co-curricular activities, they won 18 out of 22 awards at a recent competition among private schools.”
Yusuf celebrated alumni who have gone on to excel globally in music, sports, and academia, including Grammy-winning musician, Burna Boy. He revealed that the board is currently exploring the establishment of a Corona University as the next phase of the brand’s 70-year legacy.
“We’ve done nursery to college of education. Why not a university? That’s what the next 70 years should look like,” he said.
Gbenga Alalade, guest speaker and project director of the Ark of Legacy, charged the graduating students to be relentless in learning and questioning.
“Stay hungry. Stay foolish,” he said, borrowing from Steve Jobs. “Always question the status quo, why can’t water power cars? Why can’t a woman be the Nigerian president? This mindset drives innovation and social change.”
Alalade emphasised that despite Nigeria’s current challenges, it remains fertile ground for big dreamers and urged well-placed alumni and citizens to invest in replicating the Corona model in underserved communities.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We owe it to the country to scale the kind of impact Corona has made,” he said. “If every successful alumnus gives just a cent, we can birth 100 Coronas across Nigeria.”
Anne Kenjang Nnorom, mother of the valedictorian, Princess Wokeyim Nnorom, recounted her daughter’s journey to Corona, following a transfer from another school and the untimely death of her father during her studies.
“Our investment here is nothing compared to what we’ve gained. Princess now has scholarships from the University of Toronto and University of Alberta, worth over $345,000 combined,” Nnorom revealed.
She urged parents not to be deterred by cost when seeking quality education.
“Don’t count the money. If you know what you want for your child, go for it. God knows how to meet you halfway, and even all the way,” she said.
Nnorom credited both the school and her home upbringing for instilling diligence, discipline, and excellence in her daughter.
“The school didn’t just build her academically; it nurtured her all-round, her leadership, oratory, creativity. It’s rare to find such balance,” she added.
