By Gilbert Ekezie
Recently Google, the reputable internationally acclaimed web group acknowledged Prince Charles International School, Olodi Apapa Lagos as the best school in the area. The school tucked in the heart of Ajegunle has churned out many students who have over the years , proven their mettle in various areas of their endeavours.
A passion which started 22 years ago, Prince Charles International has grown to become a standard bearer for what quality education should be. Surprisingly, the school is located at Ajegunle, an area seen as a societal backward area in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area; infested with criminals, street urchins and never do wells. But this feat by the school has proven that something wonderful can come out of Ajegunle.
An over excited proprietor of the school, Mrs Fidelia Nkem Anumudu said she did not know that the world was taking note of the advancement the school has been making in all areas of education. The great impact they are making in the lives of the people , especiall the students, both those still in school and those who graduated from the school.
Taking a retrospect to the beginning of the school, Anumudu said the inspiration came while schools were on strike which lasted for three months. At that time, she was combining her teaching job with a professional course she was doing in the university, which she later upgraded with a B.sc from the same university.
According to her, a certain morning, while schools were still on strike, she had just served her husband his breakfast when he suggested that she could use a plot of land they acquired in the area, to start up her own school. So, what started from a small hut, has grown to an edifice accommodating both pupils and students of all cadres of pre- higher institution level. “Today, Prince Charles International School has a well-built boarding school and has an array of buses to convey students to school and back home.”
Asked to do a comparison between her school with others, the proprietor said; there would not be need for that as her school has a bench mark which makes their style scientific. This method she explained, helps to build the students for the future, right from the foundation stage. “Our British style module helps to prepare the students for the challenges of the larger society. To get the best out of the staff, every organization should train and retrain its staff and keep them updated with current trends in their profession. Apart from training of man power, and probably human resources; we are also giving job opportunities to citizens, help the government to reduce unemployment and ensure that we pay them when necessary.”
She advised both private and government entities to train their employers and as well , be transformed to uphold integrity. “Starting a business like school should not be based just on money; one must have passion and the drive. You should have fund before you establish your own. You must have also done due diligence.”
Anumudu explained that Education helps one to understand all the basic skills of human endeavours, while finance will helps to chase and achieve one’s vision.
On the issue of education policies in Lagos Statetate and how they have helped in developing education, Anumudu admitted that the state has done well in the area of education, pointing out that the state has some good education policies that have made the business of education thrives.
