Halifield Schools, founded by Mrs. Halima Oke in 1996, has grown from a modest school for young children into a broader educational community with campuses in Maryland and Lekki, Lagos. The school's philosophy focuses on academics, character, confidence, and skills development. Over the years, Halifield has maintained a strong reputation for producing well-rounded students who excel in various fields.
Mrs. Oke, a former senior staff member at the National Universities Commission (NUC), recalled the school's humble beginnings as "a tiny mustard seed" planted by a simple question: could education be more than books, examinations, and grades? She took no salary in the early years, which were marked by financial difficulty, and it took several years for the school to break even. The school's defining feature from the start was building skills acquisition into the curriculum.
The school's approach to education has been praised by parents and educators alike. Pastor Femi Fasehun of KICC Maryland and Imam Jubril Saba of Workers' Mosque commended the quality of learning at Halifield and the sustained vision of its founder. The school's emphasis on practical skills such as cooking, hair-styling, baking, and cake-making has helped students discover their talents and build confidence.
As the pioneer pupils neared the end of primary school, parents began asking what came next. This demand led to the founding of Halifield College in 2012, extending the school's "I CAN" philosophy of academics, character, sports, and skills to a secondary level. The college has continued to uphold the school's values and provide students with a well-rounded education.
Keynote speaker Professor Abiodun Adebayo, former Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, urged the school's management, teachers, and students to sustain a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. He praised Mrs. Oke for leaving her NUC position to pursue her passion for education and charged teachers to see themselves as builders of future leaders.
School Principal, Mrs. Frances Ozuchukwu, called the milestone a testament to Mrs. Oke's vision, citing strong results in various examinations over the decades. She noted that the school kept learning through the COVID-19 pandemic using an online platform introduced ahead of the disruption. The school has also invested in new facilities, including a swimming pool commissioned in 2024 and a new hostel under construction.
As Halifield Schools looks to the future, Mrs. Oke and her team remain committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success. The school's 30-year journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and dedication to education.
Key points
- Halifield Schools has grown from a small school to a broader educational community with campuses in Maryland and Lekki, Lagos.
- The school's approach to education combines academic learning with practical skills acquisition.
- The school's 30-year journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and dedication to education.
