Mrs. Olanike Adekunle Amos, an educationist and proprietress of Kunike International School, Osogbo, Osun State, reflects on the school’s contributions to Nigeria’s education sector, its role in nation-building as well as its ongoing efforts to maintain its high standards.
Foundation and growth of Kunike International School
Kunike International School was established in 2013 in Osogbo, Osun State. It has since grown significantly, with a comprehensive offering from creche to secondary education. The school has experienced rapid expansion, both in students numbers and curriculum offerings, consistently producing graduates who excel in higher education and their careers.
Exceptional academic performance of alumni
Kunike has graduated 10 sets of students, with many of them excelling in prestigious universities both in Nigeria and abroad. Notably, Kunike alumni have achieved first class degrees in Law and Medicine from top institutions such as Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) and international universities in Canada, Europe and the U.S. The school’s commitment to excellence reflects in the successes of its students across various professional fields.
Alumni giving back: Inspiring the next generation
Kunike alumni are not only excelling in their careers but also returning to inspire current students. The school regularly invites alumni from various professions to share their experiences and motivate students in career talks. This initiative helps bridge the gap between education and the real world, inspiring students to pursue careers in Engineering, Medicine, Architecture and many more.
Contributions to the Nigerian education sector
Kunike International School plays a vital role in enhancing education in Osogbo, the state capital and Osun State in general. The school serves as a centre for major exams such as JAMB, IELTS, and other professional exams. By hosting these exams locally, Kunike has significantly reduced the need for students to travel to other cities, thus promoting education accessibility in Osogbo.
International collaborations and student exchange Programmes
Kunike offers its students unique opportunities to study abroad, even before completing their secondary education. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the British Columbia Government in Canada, the school facilitates student exchange programmes and diploma pathways. This collaboration allows Kunike students to gain international exposure and credits that are recognized for university admissions in Canada and the U.S.
Global approach: Excursions and cultural exposure
In addition to academic excellence, Kunike provides students with cultural and educational exposure through international excursions to countries in Africa and Europe. These experiences aim to broaden students’ perspectives and prepare them to compete globally, reinforcing the school’s mission that being Black is not a barrier to success.
Academic excellence in national and international examinations
Kunike students consistently perform well in national exams such as WAEC and JAMB. In the recent WAEC results, majority of students earned A’s and B’s, with the least grade being a C4. The school prides itself on delivering quality education that prepares students not only for exams but also for real world challenges.
Addressing school dropout through scholarships
Recognizing the issue of school dropouts, Kunike has implemented a scholarship scheme that supports students from underprivileged backgrounds. The school admits up to 10 students per session on full scholarships, offering them equal opportunities alongside their peers. Many of the students have gone on to excel academically, proving that financial hardship should not define a student’s future.
Call for more support in combating dropout rates
Mrs. Amos encourages governments at all levels as well as philanthropists to invest in the education of underprivileged students. She enjoined more schools to adopt similar scholarship programmes to reduce the number of children dropping out of schools due to financial constraints, thereby addressing broader societal issues such as crime and unemployment.
Looking ahead: The future of Kunike International School
Kunike aims to continue improving academically, morally and globally. The school’s vision is to produce graduates who are equipped to become solution providers in their communities and beyond. With a focus on maintaining its international standard, Kunike is committed to furthering its impact on both national and global education systems.
Ensuring global competitiveness Through a strong curriculum
Kunike International School has modeled its curriculum on international standards, ensuring that its students are well prepared to compete on a global scale. By blending local values with global best practices, the school provides quality education that meets the aspirations of parents and students alike.
