Stakeholders have advocated need for Nigeria to produce more business-oriented graduates rather than mere certificate holders. They spoke at 2025 Founders’ Day of St. Joseph’s Secondary School Agege.

The event, organised by the school’s Global Alumni Association at Lagos Country Club, featured announcement of a pledge of N20 million donation to promote entrepreneurial education in the school.

The money was donated by Chief Samuel Adebakin Foundation, represented by Oluwajimi Adebakin, a 1980 alumnus and chair of the occasion.

The celebration brought together former students, teachers, and dignitaries to reflect on the school’s legacy and explore ways to enhance learning.

In his address, Adebakin stressed importance of equipping pupils with skills rather than theoretical knowledge.

“The world is evolving, and Nigeria needs graduates who can create jobs,” he said.

Adebakin, who described himself as a fortunate, shared his journey from a struggling pupil to entrepreneur.

“I came to this school as a failure, with my mother begging for my admission. Today, I run a thriving logistics business as a qualified accountant.”

“This donation, made in honour of my late father, Chief Samuel Adebakin, will support our school in fulfilling the vision of its founders, who named it St. Joseph’s Commercial School to foster innovation and self-reliance”, he added.

Mrs. Toyin Ukana-Bisiriyu, president of the Alumni Association, said the donation would upgrade the school’s vocational and business studies curriculum.

“This contribution will empower  our pupils, who have entrepreneurial skills and need support”, she said.

The event also featured a lecture by Prof. Pius Adejoh, of University of Lagos’ Sociology Department.