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By Ahmed Dantala
Glisten International Academy, Abuja, celebrates its 20th anniversary and annual Cultural Day, with a renewed commitment to quality education, innovation and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The celebration, held on Saturday under the theme, “Empowering Innovation, Strategic Collaboration and Sustainable Solutions for Transformative Growth,” featured cultural displays representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and international communities.
The event also featured traditional foods, cultural attire, music and spoken-word renditions, showcasing the country’s rich cultural diversity.
Speaking at the event, Dr Samira Jibir, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the academy, expressed gratitude to God, parents, teachers, and alumni for their contributions to the institution’s growth.
Jibir said the academy, established in 2006 with fewer than 50 people, had grown into a community of more than 10,000, comprising students, staff, alumni, parents and other stakeholders.
She disclosed that the institution currently had no fewer than 1,000 students and more than 300 staff members.
According to her, the milestone reflects the institution’s commitment to perseverance, quality education, character development and collective responsibility.
She described the academy’s growth as a product of divine favour, dedication and the continued support of its stakeholders.
Jibir commended parents for entrusting their children to the school, stressing that effective education required strong collaboration between the home and school.
She also urged students to believe in themselves, embrace challenges and use their talents to make positive contributions to society.
“Twenty years is a significant milestone, but it is also the beginning of another chapter.
“Our commitment remains to provide quality education, build character, embrace innovation and prepare our children for a future filled with possibilities,” she said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Jibrin Baba-Ndace, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) and a student’s parent, commended the academy for its commitment to quality education, innovation and character development.
Baba-Ndace particularly praised the institution’s investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, especially robotics, saying the initiative encouraged students to think creatively, solve problems and acquire practical skills.
He also commended the school’s student leadership system, which allows students to campaign and contest for positions, including president and ministers responsible for various portfolios.
According to him, the system exposes students to democratic participation, accountability and responsible leadership from an early age.
In his remarks, Mr Abba Saidu, Executive Director of the academy, said the Cultural Day was designed to promote appreciation of Nigeria’s diverse cultures and traditions.
Saidu said the school deliberately exposed students to the cultures, food, music and traditions of the six geopolitical zones to deepen their understanding of the country’s heritage.
He said Nigeria’s cultural diversity remained a valuable national asset that should be preserved and harnessed for the benefit of future generations.
“Our culture is important. It cannot be lost. We cherish it because it is rich and vibrant, and we must harness its potential for the benefit of our children,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Charles Eneh-Chibuzor, Chief Education Management Professional and Head of Schools at the academy, said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s achievements and renew its commitment to educational excellence.
He said the celebration recognised the contributions of students, teachers, parents and other stakeholders who had supported the academy’s development over the past 20 years.
Eneh-Chibuzor noted that education extended beyond academic achievement to include identity, values, history, language, creativity and appreciation of human diversity.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
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