{
  "id": 11317428,
  "title": "Academic excellence alone not enough – school founder tells children",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/academic-excellence-alone-not-enough-school-founder-tells-children-11317428",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T00:44:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/academic-excellence-alone-not-enough-school-founder-tells-children/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Halima Oke, the Founder and Director of Halifield Schools in Lagos, has emphasized that academic prowess is not the sole determinant of a child's success in life. At the 30th anniversary and thanksgiving ceremony of Halifield Schools held at the Muson Centre, Oke highlighted the importance of nurturing creativity, talents, confidence, and practical skills in children.\n\nOke explained that the school's philosophy is based on the belief that every child possesses unique gifts, even those who do not excel academically. She stated, \"Not every child is academically inclined, but every one of them is gifted in one way or the other.\" Oke emphasized that Halifield is not merely a school, but a community that believes in the limitless potential of each child.\n\nThe founder recounted how the school's unique approach to education emerged from her own experience in building it from scratch. Despite starting with a modest enrollment of ten students across pre-school to Primary 4, Halifield Schools grew over time, overcoming financial challenges and eventually introducing skills acquisition into its curriculum. Oke expressed her joy in witnessing her vision come to life, even amidst difficulties.\n\nThe school's Principal, Mrs. Frances Osuchukwu, highlighted the institution's focus on discovering the whole child beyond academic achievements. She emphasized that Halifield aims to help children become more than just examination successes. Osuchukwu praised the school's emphasis on education, skills, and other areas of interest, contributing to the students' personal growth and development.\n\nHalifield Schools' commitment to nurturing creativity, talents, and practical skills has played a significant role in the institution's recognition among leading schools in Lagos. The school has produced students who excel in WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations, showcasing the effectiveness of its holistic approach to education.",
  "summary": "The Founder and Director of Halifield Schools, Lagos, Halima Oke, has said academic excellence alone is not enough to prepare children for the future, stressing the need to identify and nurture their creativity, talents, confidence and practical skills. Oke spoke at the 30th anniversary and thanksgiving ceremony of Halifield Schools at the Muson Centre, Lagos, Read More:…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Academic excellence alone not enough – school founder tells children",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/academic-excellence-alone-not-enough-school-founder-tells-children",
        "published": "2026-10-02T00:32:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}