The Cradle High School in Benin City, Edo State, has marked its first graduation ceremony, where it celebrated the achievements of its pioneering Class of 2025.

The event brought together the chairman, director, principal, as well a staff, proud parents, students, and distinguished guests to celebrate academic excellence, cultural pride, and character formation.

The highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the school’s top-performing students. Shalom Agbuza, the school’s first valedictorian, emerged as the overall best graduating student with an exceptional JAMB score of 356 and five A-stars grades in the IGCSE examinations. In recognition of her academic excellence, Agbuza got a N100,000 award from United Bank for Africa (UBA), the school’s banking partner.

In her valedictory address, Agbuza reflected on the class’s transformation from a group of four students to a graduating class of thirteen, and spoke of the value of perseverance, legacy, and leadership.

Delivering the salutatorian speech was Benjamin Obazee, who also served as head boy. Obazee attained a remarkable JAMB score of 349 and five A-stars IGCSE grades, embodying both scholarship and leadership. Speaking, Obazee encouraged his peers to embrace the next phase of their lives with purpose and boldness, while expressing heartfelt gratitude to the school community for their unwavering support.

The school’s Director, Pastor (Dr.) Josephine Atibi-Brown, congratulated the students and a urged them to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and service as they step into adulthood. Pastor Atibi-Brown concluded by inviting Pastor Frank Omobude, Board Chairman of the Edo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, who led the prayers at the occasion, committing the graduating students into God’s hands.

The ceremony featured a vibrant showcase of student talents and cultural heritage. Guests were treated to elegant dance performances, a lively French and Edo cultural exhibition, and moving choir renditions that reflected the school’s diverse and inclusive spirit. In addition to the graduating class, students from other year groups were honoured with awards for academic excellence, creativity, and leadership.

Recognitions were also extended to teachers, staff, and parents for their unwavering dedication to the school’s mission. These acknowledgements reinforced the strong sense of community that has supported the Cradle High School’s growth over the years.

The day culminated in the formal presentation of diplomas, a powerful and emotional moment that symbolised both a completion and a beginning. For many in attendance, it was not only the end of a five-year journey but the launch of a future shaped by strong foundations in learning and character.

The Cradle High School’s vision is to “nurture future leaders by providing a world-class education that balances academic excellence with character development,” and its mission is to “create a supportive and innovative learning environment where every student can achieve their full potential,” said Pastor Josephine Atibi-Brown.

She added that as the Class of 2025 sets out into the wider world, they do so as torchbearers—young men and women formed not only by books and examinations, but by a culture of discipline, faith, resilience, and purpose. They are a living testimony to what The Cradle High School stands for: a cradle of excellence, leadership, and impact, she said.

The Cradle High School is a Christian, co-educational British-Nigerian secondary school in Benin City, Edo State. Established to provide a robust blend of global academic standards and strong moral values, the school prides itself on holistic development, academic rigour, and leadership training.

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