Our Reporter
DAILY COURIER — Deenfield International Academy marked a significant milestone in its history with its second graduation ceremony, celebrating the academic achievements of 46 students transitioning from kindergarten to primary and primary to secondary levels.
The graduation event, held over the weekend in Abuja, was a momentous occasion for the students, parents, and staff. The school's Proprietress, Binta Ibrahim, expressed her overwhelming joy and pride in the accomplishments of her pupils. “I'm happy and proud of my pupils. In fact, I'm overjoyed,” Ibrahim said. “We started very small, but today, you can see how far we have come. I'm really, really happy that we have attained this height.”
Ibrahim highlighted the successful integration of Islamic values with academic education at Deenfield International Academy. “With Deenfield, we are grateful to Almighty Allah. We have been able to achieve that, as you can see vividly in what is happening today,” she noted. She expressed her aspirations for the school’s future, including plans to introduce a secondary school and, eventually, a university.
The event was graced by esteemed guests, members of staff, parents, and the graduating students. The Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association, Sulaiman Yaro, delivered a congratulatory speech to the graduating class, celebrating their hard work, dedication, and perseverance. “Today, we celebrate our children's academic achievements and successes. This graduation and prize-giving day is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that every one of you has shown throughout your academic journey,” Yaro said.
Emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge in Islam, Yaro cited Surah Al-Alaq and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. “The command to 'Read' is not only about literacy but also about seeking knowledge, understanding, and reflecting on the signs of Allah's creation,” he explained. He encouraged the graduates to remain true to themselves, follow their passions, and continue learning and growing.
Yaro also addressed the challenges of maintaining Islamic identity and values in a non-Islamic educational environment. “Seek knowledge from reputable sources, uphold Islamic principles, and stay connected to the Muslim community for support and guidance,” he advised. He praised the school’s management, led by Binta Ibrahim, for their dedication and commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching educational environment.
Aminu Tukur, a parent, shared his excitement and pride as his daughter, Hanifa Tukur, graduated from primary school. “As parents, we are really excited and very happy to see her progress,” he said. Tukur commended the quality of education provided by the academy, describing it as top-notch and believing it has thoroughly prepared his daughter for the future.
“I have three children in the school, and it is my belief that they will continue to be in the school because of the quality of education they are receiving,” he added. Tukur encouraged other parents to enroll their children at Deenfield, highlighting the advantage of the school’s combination of Islamic and conventional education. “The curriculum is really a very good one,” Tukur noted. “You can see from the quality that Hanifa has been demonstrating year after year since joining this school up to this moment that she is graduating and moving forward to her secondary school.”
The best graduating student, Hanifa Tukur, expressed her joy and pride upon graduating from primary school. “I'm really happy graduating from primary school. I still have a lot ahead of me, but I'm proud of myself and very happy,” she said. Hanifa aspires to become a surgeon in the future and encouraged her peers to continue working hard, emphasizing that dedication and effort would keep them out of trouble.
The graduation ceremony at Deenfield International Academy marked a significant achievement for the school, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality education and integrating Islamic values. The school looks forward to continued growth and success in the coming years.
