The Founder and Director of Halifield Schools, Lagos, Mrs Halima Oke, has called for a broader approach to education, saying academic performance alone should not be the only measure of a child's potential or preparation for the future.

Oke made the remarks during the 30th anniversary and thanksgiving celebration of Halifield Schools at the Muson Centre in Lagos, where she reflected on the institution's three-decade journey and the philosophy that has shaped its approach to educating children.

According to the founder, children have different abilities, and some may not necessarily excel academically but can demonstrate exceptional creativity, confidence, ingenuity, talent or practical skills when given the opportunity to discover themselves.

She explained that this belief has been central to Halifield's educational philosophy from its early years, with the school incorporating skills acquisition alongside conventional academic learning.

Oke said the objective was to create an environment where children could develop different abilities rather than being defined solely by examination results.

Her position is consistent with the school's stated philosophy, which emphasises academics, character, sports and skills under its “I CAN” approach. The school says its co-curricular activities are designed to help students discover entrepreneurial and creative abilities in areas including music, craft, robotics, graphics, photography, cooking and chess.

Reflecting on the institution's beginnings, Oke recalled that Halifield started in September 1996 with just 10 children covering pre-school to Primary 4. She described the early years as challenging, particularly financially, but said her commitment to the vision kept the school moving forward.

The school later moved to its permanent site on Oki Lane in 2003. As the first set of pupils progressed through primary education, parents began asking what options would be available to them after primary school. Their questions eventually contributed to the establishment of Halifield College in 2012, allowing pupils to continue their education within the institution.

Halifield subsequently expanded its presence with the establishment of its Lekki campus in 2018, marking another stage in the school's development from the small institution Oke founded three decades earlier.

Oke, who previously worked at the National Universities Commission, has maintained that education should equip children with more than academic knowledge. Her earlier public comments on the school's philosophy similarly emphasised skills development, character and exposing pupils to different areas of interest.

The Principal of Halifield Schools, Mrs Frances Osuchukwu, also highlighted the institution's emphasis on helping students discover themselves while pursuing academic achievement.

Osuchukwu said the school's students had recorded achievements in examinations including WAEC, NECO and JAMB, while its broader educational approach seeks to ensure that pupils develop beyond examination performance.

She stressed that the purpose of education should include helping students understand their abilities and transform ideas into meaningful outcomes.

The anniversary celebration also featured a keynote address by Professor Abiodun Adebayo, former Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, who urged the school community to maintain a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Adebayo described the 30-year journey as a reflection of vision and perseverance, while stressing that the real measure of education extends beyond what students know to the people they eventually become.

For Halifield Schools, the 30th anniversary therefore represents more than a celebration of longevity. It also marks three decades of an educational philosophy built around the belief that children should be given room to identify their strengths, develop practical abilities and grow in confidence while pursuing academic excellence.

As the school looks ahead, its founding philosophy remains centred on preparing children not only to perform in the classroom but also to develop the character, skills and confidence needed to navigate life beyond school.