As hundreds of Senior Secondary School (SSS3) students in Lagos State prepare for their final examinations and transition to higher learning, Nollywood actors Yvonne Jegede and Tobi Makinde have warned them about the dangers of campus vices, peer pressure, and social media distractions. The warning was delivered at the Campus Flaws Awareness Programme, organised by the Etiquette Poise and Protocol Resource Academy (EPRA) at Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos. This initiative aims to expose outgoing secondary school students to social traps and behavioural pitfalls common in tertiary institutions.
Yvonne Jegede, in her keynote address, urged students to approach their impending independence with deep sobriety and personal accountability. She stressed that the choices made at this critical juncture would shape the rest of their adult lives. Jegede cautioned against sacrificing long-term ambitions for short-lived thrills and urged the youth to be hyper-aware of their environment and selective about their social circles. She advised them to reject the pressure to compromise their values just to belong and to seek mentorship before making major life choices.
Jegede also warned students against falling into the trap of false online personas and unhealthy social comparisons. She noted that what young people consume online gradually shapes their character and public reputation. The actress concluded by advising the students to ask themselves if the choices they make today will make them proud of whom they will become tomorrow. Her words of caution aimed to guide the students in making informed decisions that would positively impact their future.
Tobi Makinde echoed Jegede's sentiments, emphasising that while talent and academic ability can create opportunities, only good manners and character can sustain long-term success. He stated that good manners and good character are crucial and that talent and skill will take students far, but good manners will take them farther and open doors. Makinde's address reinforced the importance of character and manners in achieving and maintaining success.
The Vice Chancellor of Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, highlighted the importance of preparing students for higher education by addressing their character alongside their academic readiness. He mentioned that Trinity University currently boasts 22 fully accredited programmes and the Trinity University Skills Acquisition Academy, designed to give students practical entrepreneurial tools. The Vice Chancellor's remarks underscored the university's commitment to holistic education.
The EPRA Director, Keji Oladimeji, explained that the seminar was created to address the growing concern over secondary school leavers succumbing to social vices like cultism, substance abuse, and academic fraud upon entering university campuses. Oladimeji stated that equipping students with foresight and practical advice before they leave secondary school is key to curbing campus delinquency. The seminar aimed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions.
The event featured a live stage drama titled Campus Flaws, which vividly illustrated the consequences of bad peer pressure and poor decision-making. The drama offered the students a visual reminder to protect their future and reinforced the lessons of the day. The programme provided a comprehensive approach to guiding SSS3 students as they transition to higher education, with key takeaways to help them navigate potential pitfalls.
Key points
- Nollywood actors Yvonne Jegede and Tobi Makinde warn SSS3 students about campus vices and social media distractions.
- The Campus Flaws Awareness Programme aims to expose students to social traps and behavioural pitfalls common in tertiary institutions.
- Experts stress the importance of character, good manners, and informed decision-making in achieving long-term success.
