There is a growing mindset among final-year students in secondary schools across Nigeria—a mindset that suggests you’ve reached the pinnacle of your academic journey. Many of you now see yourselves as “candidates” rather than students, and with that label comes a false sense of entitlement: the belief that you’re now free to do as you please.
Let me be clear—completing secondary school is only one step on a much longer academic and life journey. It is not a license for misconduct. Rather, this stage is the foundation upon which every other phase of your future is built. Your attitude now will echo far beyond these classroom walls—it will shape the person you become.
As you prepare to transition into university or other higher institutions, understand this: it is a completely different world. In that space, no one will spoon-feed you. No one will chase after you to attend lectures. Whether your courses are well taught or not will be no one’s concern. Your success—or failure—rests squarely on your shoulders.
University life often feels like stepping into a strange land. You’ll be responsible for yourself, your choices, and their consequences. Misconduct in that environment attracts severe penalties, including expulsion.
The privileges you currently enjoy in your secondary school will no longer be available. Excuses won’t matter. There will be no teachers to defend you, no one to blame for your poor performance.
I say this with love and sincerity: if you choose to misbehave now, it will come back to haunt you. Many students before you have struggled and regretted their careless actions during this critical phase. Don’t fall into that trap. You’ve not reached the peak of your journey—not even close. There’s still a long road ahead.
Respect your teachers. Avoid actions that may earn you their anger or lasting curses. Be polite. Be responsible. Be honourable.
Because in the end, character counts—and it will always be one of the most important factors in your success.
Yours sincerely,
Akeem Alao
