(Some pupils of Aisha ISLAMIC SCHOOLS, (AIS), EDE)
– Your education is not just about passing examinations; it is about preparing yourself for the person you will become – Zinat Opeyemi
By Biola Lawal
EDE (Osun) FLOWERBUDNEWS: As Schools reopen nationwide for the 2026/27; academic session, an Ede-Based Educationist, Hajia Zinat Opeyemi has counselled students in the country to be hardworking, respectful and avoid bad peer groups.
Hajia Zinat gave the counsel while addressing students and pupils of AISHA ISLAMIC SCHOOLs (AIS), in the Country Home Area of EDE, Osun State on resumption and commencement of the new academic year.
Radiating love and care for the students and pupils, Hajia Zinat, who is the Head of AIS, a budding Educational institution, urged students to note that “Character matters too. Be respectful, honest, disciplined, humble, and responsible.”
Hajia Zinat Spoke further, saying; “whether you are in primary school, secondary school, college, polytechnic, university, or any other stage of education, there is one thing you should always remember:
“Your education is not just about passing examinations; it is about preparing yourself for the person you will become,” She told students, adding;
“Every student has a different journey. Some of you may understand things quickly, while others may need more time. Some may already know what they want to become in life, while others are still trying to discover their purpose.”
She counselled students further, “Do not allow someone else’s journey to make you feel that you are behind. Learn at your own pace, remain focused, and keep improving yourself.”
‘Take your studies seriously. The effort you put into learning today, can open doors for you tomorrow. Attend your classes, listen to your teachers or lecturers, ask questions when you do not understand, read beyond what you are taught, and never be ashamed of making mistakes,” She stressed.
She added: ‘Mistakes are not proof that you cannot succeed; they are opportunities to learn and become better.’
Hajia Zinat stressed that”academic success is not the only thing that matters. Character matters too. Be respectful, honest, disciplined, humble, and responsible.”
“The knowledge you gain will be more valuable when it is accompanied by good character. Treat your teachers, parents, classmates, friends, and other people with respect,” the Educationist stated, adding:
“Do not allow peer pressure to determine the direction of your life. Not everything that is popular is good for you, and not everyone around you has the same destination as you.
Learn to say “No” when something can destroy your future. Choose your friends carefully, because the people you surround yourself with can influence your decisions, your attitude, and your goals.
Also, do not be discouraged by failure. You may fail an examination, make a wrong decision, receive a disappointing result, or experience a setback.
It does not mean your story is over. A setback can be a lesson, not a life sentence. Identify what went wrong, learn from it, seek help where necessary, and try again.
Most importantly, believe that your future is worth working for. Your background does not have to determine your destination. You may not have everything you need today, but you can start with what you have, learn, grow, and continue moving forward.
Dear students, your school years will not last forever. One day, you will leave the classroom and enter a world where your knowledge, skills, decisions, discipline, and character will speak for you. Prepare yourself now.
Dream big, but do not stop at dreaming.
Work hard, but work wisely.
Respect others, but also respect yourself.
Ask for help when you need it.
Stay away from distractions that can destroy your future.
And never stop learning.
Remember You are not only studying for a certificate; you are preparing for life.
Make your education count. Make your time count. Make your choices count.
Your future self will thank you for the decisions you make today. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)