The Journey of Covenant Child Academy
Rev. Dr. Delight Uzezi Olise, the Project Director and CEO of Covenant Child Academy in Lagos, has built a remarkable legacy in education and ministry. A renowned educationist, ordained gospel minister, author, former lecturer, and President/Convener of Daughters of Zion International Fellowship (DOZIF), she is married to Apostle Divine Olise and blessed with beautiful children. The school recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with the dedication of an ultra-modern complex. Rev. Mrs. Olise shared insights on the uniqueness of the school and other educational issues.
The Beginning of a Vision
The journey of Covenant Child Academy began over 25 years ago, and it was a challenging yet dramatic path. After receiving divine revelations about children crying and being called to provide them with knowledge, Rev. Mrs. Olise faced the challenge of transitioning from university lecturing to working with young children. Despite financial difficulties, she persisted, eventually starting free evening lessons for neighbors' children in March 2000. The initiative grew rapidly, leading her to recruit additional teachers and collect fees from parents.
As the number of students increased, her apartment could no longer accommodate them. She then set up an open school on the ground floor using wooden chairs and tables. Parents began requesting a formal school, but she lacked the means. Eventually, she secured a warehouse from her landlord, only to face a setback when the warehouse was rented out to a church. Undeterred, she organized the launch under canopies in the compound, with many colleagues attending the inauguration on 24 August 2000.
What Makes the School Unique?
The uniqueness of Covenant Child Academy lies in its continuous growth and innovation. Every year brings new experiences, whether through international trips or staff development. The school is known for its exceptional academic results, with students consistently achieving high marks. One of the first secondary school exams at the WAEC level saw a student securing admission into UNILAG on merit, later passing the exam with nine distinctions. This trend has continued, with students excelling in all subjects.
One of the school's staff members, Anna Young, is nicknamed Annie A1 due to his students' consistent A1 grades in Mathematics. The school’s reputation for excellence is well-known, with parents often recommending it to others. Professional training and retraining of teachers are integral to maintaining these standards.
The State of Education in Nigeria
Rev. Mrs. Olise emphasizes that the call to Christian education stems from a desire to address moral decadence and declining educational quality. Her slogan, “Teacher is not taught if the learner has not learnt,” reflects the belief that true teaching occurs only when learning takes place. She highlights the need to combat corruption, exam malpractice, and moral decay in society to enable educational success for all children.
Managing a Dedicated Team
From the inception, Covenant Child Academy has maintained a loyal team of staff who have remained with the institution. Leadership, according to Rev. Mrs. Olise, requires understanding and connecting with people. The school supports its staff through various challenges, including personal events such as weddings and bereavements. Recently, 35 staff members, including environmental officers, were financially rewarded for their long-term commitment.
Advice for the Private Sector
Rev. Mrs. Olise advises the Nigerian private sector to move away from the notion that a teacher’s reward is solely in heaven. Employers should appreciate and reward their dedicated employees, ensuring they benefit from the organization's progress. In harsh economic conditions, recognizing and rewarding hard work is essential for fostering motivation and productivity. Society should encourage and value those who contribute, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor.