*Pathbuilders International School, Ipapo, Receives Representatives from Oyo State Ministry of Education to Celebrate Oladokun Christiana — 2nd Overall Best Winner in the 65th Independence Essay Competition*
By Folarin
Tuesday, October 14, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the history of the Ipapo community as representatives from the Oyo State Ministry of Education paid a courtesy visit to Pathbuilders International School, Ipapo, to celebrate Oladokun Christiana Marvelous, who emerged as the Second Overall Best Winner in the recently concluded 65th Independence Day Essay Competition held at the Ministry of Education, Secretariat, Ibadan, on September 29, 2025.
Oladokun Christiana Marvelous, a Basic Four(4) pupil of Pathbuilders International School, represented the Kajola Zonal Educational District, which covers Iseyin, Kajola, Iwajowa, and Itesiwaju Local Government Areas. Her impressive performance earned her the 2nd position statewide.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Jose M. F., the Permanent Secretary for the Kajola Inspectorate, commended Christiana for her outstanding performance, which brought honor to the Kajola Zonal Educational Inspectorate. She also appreciated the proprietor , educators, PTA executive, headmistress,director and the teachers of Pathbuilders International School, Ipapo, for their dedication and commitment to nurturing academic excellence among pupils.
The achievement of Christiana received wide commendation during the Association of Primary School Head Teachers (AOPSHON) meeting held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the School Board Office, Otu. The meeting, attended by the Local Inspector of Education (L.I.E.) for Itesiwaju Local Government, Mr. Popoola O. S., and officers from Itesiwaju LGUBEA led by Hon. Mrs. Akinleye B. A., applauded the school for making Itesiwaju Local Government one of the best-performing councils in the state in the area of education.
In her remarks, Mrs. Balogun, Chairperson of Itesiwaju LGUBEA AOPSHON, urged parents to continue supporting schools in their communities to ensure more remarkable achievements like this.
Christina received a plaque of honor as the 2nd Best Performing Pupil, alongside other winners from different zones. Anjola Lawal (Zone 2) won the 1st Overall Best Award, while Joseph Titus (Ibarapa Zone) clinched the 3rd position. The awards were presented on October 1, 2025, at Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Oyo State, Mr. Emmanuel Olusegun Olayiwola.
During the AOPSHON meeting, Mr. Popoola O. S., the L.I.E. for Itesiwaju Local Government, announced that His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, plans to organize a special retreat and dinner for the competition winners, with details to be communicated to Pathbuilders International School, Ipapo, and other concerned authorities soon.
Among the dignitaries who visited Pathbuilders International School, Ipapo, to celebrate Christiana’ outstanding performance were Mr. Abideen R. A. and Mr. Bamigbala S. G. from the Kajola Zonal Educational Inspectorate.
