Abuja: The President of the Africa School of Strategic Thinking, Dr Abdul Kokori, has urged graduating students to prioritize skill acquisition, highlighting the importance of practical skills for success in the 21st century. Kokori delivered this message at the 2026 SS3 Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Government Science Secondary School (GSSS) in Maitama, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kokori emphasized that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in today’s rapidly evolving world. He described practical skills as the new currency for success, encouraging parents to support their children’s talents and expose them to vocational and entrepreneurial skills to ensure self-reliance. ‘Head knowledge alone is no longer enough for success in the 21st century. True success belongs to those who transform knowledge into practical skills,’ he stated.
Dr Chinwe Ogbuka, Treasurer of the school’s Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), echoed Kokori’s sentiments, urging students to comple
ment their academic achievements with vocational skills to enhance financial independence. Ogbuka, who also serves as the Executive Director of De-prime Initiative for Advancement of Civil Liberty and Civic Duty, pointed out the role of vocational skills in addressing unemployment. ‘Skill acquisition is the in-thing. No matter how educated you are, it is important to have something you can do with your hands,’ she noted.
The school’s principal, Mr Isa Okuru, advised the graduating Class of 2026 to uphold integrity, resilience, and good character as they pursue higher education and other endeavors. Okuru stressed that education extends beyond acquiring certificates, emphasizing the significance of values developed during school years in determining success.
One of the graduates, Ize Tijani, shared her experience, stating that the school equipped her with practical skills, built her confidence, and prepared her to explore opportunities in the wider society. ‘The school has taught me discipline, focus, and con
fidence. It also gave me the opportunity to acquire practical skills that I can rely on in the future,’ Tijani said.
The ceremony also featured academic awards, recognition of top performers in the 2026 Post-UTME, cultural displays, special performances, and the unveiling of the school’s 2026 yearbook.