IN commemoration of its 30th anniversary and as a way of giving back to the community, Ferscoat School, Ipaja, has launched a scholarship scheme for indigent pupils of the Olude community, where the school is located.
Director of Studies, Pastor Felix Opata, who disclosed this at a media briefing to highlight activities lined up for the school’s anniversary, reminded that education is the bedrock of any growing or developing economy and must not be relegated to the background, adding that, already, 10 pupils have benefitted from the scholarship scheme and plans are on to extend the list.
Opata, who is the school’s founder, announced plans to introduce subjects in vocational and technical fields, including tailoring, carpentry, bricklaying, hairdressing, catering, welding, and metal works.
He restated the school’s zero tolerance for examination malpractice, saying their students are taught to be independent and not cut corners, disclosing that several of its graduates made First Class and Second Class Upper in the university because they were trained to be independent.
“In fact, Ferscoat School does not assist its students in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examination Council Examination (NECO), as our niche is zero tolerance for examination malpractices.
“We have zero tolerance for exam fraud. We sacked one of our staff for helping our students. We mean business when we say we have zero tolerance for exam malpractice,” the proprietor said.
Opata tasked examination bodies to monitor the activities of schools during examinations, including supervisors sent to conduct the examination.
The proprietor said in the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), its 10 best students performed excellently well, scoring between 280 and 300.
An elated Opata, who was supported by the school’s management team, said Ferscoat, over the years, has contributed to the human capital development needs of the country.
He said: “In 30 years, we have seen the school grow in infrastructure from a rented block of four flats to a two-storey building of 28 rooms and currently to three- a storey building consisting of 40 classrooms and more.
“As of today, our primary school is 30 years old, while secondary school is 25. Over the years, the primary arm has graduated about 1,200 learners, while the secondary arm has turned out about 1,000 learners. Currently, our primary school has about 300 pupils, while the secondary arm has 700 students.”
Among activities lined up for the anniversary include, a health check for staff, students, parents and the community on October 15, a literary and debating event on October 21, a health walk, a visitation to orphanages, games and sports, community service, dedication/thanksgiving on December 14, 2022, and would be rounded off on December 16 with an art exhibition and church service.
