Beyond Certificates: How Living Winners Model Schools Is Raising Globally Competent Leaders By Romeon Okwo

In an era where education is increasingly measured by innovation, critical thinking and global relevance rather than examination scores alone, Living Winners Model Schools, Dutse-Sokale, Abuja, has positioned itself as an institution determined to produce graduates equipped to compete beyond Nigeria's borders.

Chief Dr. Paul Hassan Proprietor of WMS Dustse and Staffs of the school.

This vision came into sharp focus during the school's 2026 Graduation and Prize Giving Day, where the recurring message from management, teachers, parents and graduating students was that education must produce competent, ethical and globally competitive leaders.

At the heart of the ceremony was the keynote address by the Director and Founder, Chief Dr. Paul Hassan Akpa, who challenged students to see education as a lifelong journey of transformation rather than the acquisition of certificates.

Speaking on the theme, "Global Competency," Akpa observed that the world has become increasingly interconnected, making adaptability, innovation, integrity and problem-solving the new currencies of success.

"We live in an era where geographical boundaries are becoming increasingly insignificant, while knowledge, innovation, adaptability and character have become the true currencies of relevance," he said.

According to him, the world no longer measures individuals solely by academic qualifications but by the value they create, the problems they solve and the impact they make across cultures and nations.

He stressed that Living Winners Model Schools was established not merely to produce pupils who excel in examinations but to nurture leaders capable of thinking critically, communicating effectively, embracing diversity and competing confidently on the global stage without compromising moral values.

For the graduating class, Akpa's message was both a charge and a challenge.

He urged them to allow competence, creativity and character to become their lifelong credentials, reminding them that higher education and future careers would test not only their intelligence but also their integrity.

"As you leave the gates of Living Winners Model Schools today, go forth with confidence. Stand tall among your peers. Compete with excellence. Lead with integrity. Serve with humility," he charged.

Students at school at graduation 

Achievements that speak

Rather than merely outlining aspirations, the Director backed his vision with measurable accomplishments recorded during the 2025/2026 academic session.

He revealed that the school secured third position in the Green Club Climate Change Competition, emerged champions at the All Stars Debate Competition, finished third overall in the Global Spelling Bee after producing three finalists among the top ten, placed second in the General Knowledge Competition and won first place in the Bible Knowledge Competition.

The institution also received an Award of Excellence from the Advocacy for Youth Leadership in Governance Nigeria in recognition of its educational standards, digital innovation, leadership and outstanding performance.

For Akpa, these achievements demonstrate that the school's philosophy of global competency is producing tangible results.

A school that feels like home

While the Director focused on preparing students for a competitive global future, the Principal, Mr. Okeke-Elem David Chukwuemeka, described the institution from another perspective.

To him, Living Winners Model Schools is not simply an educational institution but a family where every learner is valued.

"When people ask me what Living Winners Model Schools means to me, I simply tell them that it is far more than a school; it is a home," he wrote in the graduation brochure.

According to him, the school deliberately transforms weaknesses into strengths, nurtures every child's unique abilities and creates an atmosphere where discipline, compassion and excellence become everyday habits rather than occasional achievements.

Graduating student at the college 

He maintained that the institution's greatest strength lies in its culture of mentorship, respect and inclusiveness, where teachers function not merely as instructors but as mentors while students grow together irrespective of cultural or religious backgrounds.

Shared vision across leadership

The same philosophy echoed through messages from different sections of the school.

Vice Principal (Academic), Mrs. Faith Maria, attributed the institution's success to visionary leadership, dedicated staff and supportive parents, thanking the proprietor and proprietress for creating an environment where excellence thrives.

Head of the Primary Section, Mrs. Ufomba Glory, reaffirmed the school's commitment to raising children who excel academically while remaining firmly rooted in discipline, leadership and godly values.

Former Head Teacher, Mr. Ojah Clement Ejim, who served from 2011 to 2025, described Living Winners as "a great school where learning is effective for greatness," expressing pride in having contributed to the institution's growth over the years.

Teachers also shared personal reflections.

Foundation Class teacher, Mrs. Itodo Emmanuel Joy, described the school as a place that nurtures professional growth and expressed gratitude to the Director for providing an enabling environment where staff members are encouraged to learn, develop and contribute meaningfully.

Students testify to transformation

Perhaps the strongest endorsement came from the graduating students themselves.

Their testimonials consistently reflected themes of discipline, confidence, teamwork, leadership and personal growth.

Ayeta Oghenemine credited the school with shaping academic excellence while teaching teamwork, time management and critical thinking.

Oghenero Dominion praised teachers for providing unwavering support that developed his confidence, leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Akpa Omojo Vivian described the school as a family that helped build confidence, discipline and self-belief, while Ebiangasou Anita simply concluded that Living Winners is "where dreams are built and leaders are made."

More than academic success

Beyond speeches and awards, the graduation ceremony projected a broader educational philosophy—that schools must prepare learners for a rapidly changing world by combining academic excellence with moral discipline, digital literacy, leadership and emotional intelligence.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with educational reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, Living Winners Model Schools is presenting itself as an institution seeking to align local education with global expectations without abandoning the values of integrity, compassion and the fear of God.

The message from the graduation ceremony was unmistakable: in the 21st century, certificates may open doors, but competence, character and creativity determine how far graduates will go.

For the Class of 2026, the challenge has now shifted from the classroom to the wider world, where, as their Director reminded them, they are expected to prove that they are not merely graduates but ambassadors of learning, innovation and excellence.

Others side attraction includes cultural dance performances by the various students ethnic troupes groups and a take away gift from Winner Model Management.