The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has commissioned a fully renovated Ife Girls’ High School in Ile-Ife, Osun State, under its Customs Cares Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

At the commissioning ceremony on Monday, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, urged students to remain committed to their studies, describing education as a key pathway to a better future.

“Education is the passport that you need for a better life, for a better future, not just for you, but for your parents, your community and the country. It is education that is going to make a difference in you, irrespective of how difficult it is for you,” Adeniyi said.

The Customs boss also announced university scholarships for the three best graduating students of the school, challenging the students to strive for academic excellence.

“What this means is that I have thrown the ball into your court. I now want you to reward me back. What we are doing today is part of our wider corporate social responsibility programme, which we are executing in different parts of the country,” he added.

Osun State Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, described the intervention as a major contribution to the development of education in the state, noting that the project extended beyond physical renovation.

“This is indeed a comprehensive intervention. It addresses the school’s educational, administrative, sanitary, recreational, environmental and worker needs. It demonstrates an understanding that for students to learn effectively, their physical environment must also support their well-being,” he said.

In her remarks, the Principal of Ife Girls’ High School, Martina Akinremi, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for investing in the future of the students and assured that the facilities would be properly maintained.