BENIN CITY, Edo State – Deeper Life High School (DLHS), Benin Campus, on Friday held its 10th Valedictory Service and Prize-Giving Ceremony, graduating 37 students under the theme, “Uncommon Champions.”
The colourful event, held at the school’s multipurpose hall, brought together education stakeholders, church leaders, parents, staff, alumni and well-wishers to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.
The ceremony featured special renditions by the school choir and orchestra, performances by the graduating students, the unveiling and commissioning of the Class of 2026 project, the valedictorian’s speech, goodwill messages, the launch of the school’s magazine, and presentation of awards and prizes to outstanding students.
Representing the State Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Edo South, Pastor Blankson Dudun, the Region Overseer of Bini East, Pastor (Dr.) Kennedy Ojo, delivered the keynote address titled “Uncommon Champion as Agent of Transformation.”
Drawing his message from 1 Samuel 17:3-5, 34-35 and 1 John 5:4, Pastor Ojo described a champion as one whose greatness is built on unwavering discipline, mental resilience and a continuous desire for self-improvement rather than trophies or medals.
According to him, “Uncommon champions are not born overnight; they are made in the private place through discipline, conviction and commitment.”
He emphasized that Deeper Life High School remains committed to producing students who are academically excellent, morally upright and adequately equipped to become trustworthy future leaders.
Speaking on “The Character of the Transformed Uncommon Champion,” he stressed the importance of genuine transformation through repentance, confession of sin, forsaking sinful lifestyles and wholehearted commitment to God.
On “The Conviction of the Uncommon Champion,” Pastor Ojo highlighted the example of Daniel, describing him as a man of purpose, conviction, purity and prayer who remained steadfast despite pressure.
Addressing “The Commitment and Confidence of Uncommon Champions,” he cited biblical figures including David, Joseph, Daniel, Esther and Apostle Paul as examples of individuals who overcame overwhelming opposition through faith and courage.
He challenged the graduating students to remain steadfast regardless of the challenges they may encounter and declared blessings upon them, saying they were winners, conquerors and a blessing to their generation.
Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs. James Comfort, welcomed guests and reflected on the remarkable growth of the institution since its establishment.
She noted that Deeper Life High School was founded on November 6, 2010, by the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor (Dr.) W.F. Kumuyi, with seven pioneer campuses across Nigeria. Today, the school has expanded to 24 campuses nationwide, while the Benin Campus commenced operations on October 9, 2011.
Mrs. Comfort said the school’s mission remains focused on raising academically grounded, morally upright and leadership-driven students through standardized curriculum delivery, quality control, technological innovation, leadership development and strong spiritual mentoring.
She highlighted several academic achievements recorded during the session, revealing that all 37 graduating students recorded a 100 percent success rate in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with every candidate scoring above the national admission benchmark.
The principal announced that the school’s Valedictorian, Master Umukoro Oghenevovwero Gift, emerged as the highest UTME scorer among all Deeper Life High School campuses nationwide with a score of 367, ranking ninth among the over 1.95 million candidates who sat for the examination across Nigeria.
She also disclosed that two students obtained straight A grades in the Cambridge IGCSE examination, with one earning five A* distinctions, while two others had already secured admission into foreign tertiary institutions through outstanding SAT performances.
Mrs. Comfort highlighted the school’s investments in modern learning facilities, including additional interactive smart boards, a standard Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre for WAEC examinations, solar-powered hostels, water purification systems, upgraded hostel facilities and improved infrastructure.
She reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to integrating Coding, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence into learning while maintaining zero tolerance for examination malpractice, bullying and other forms of indiscipline.
Charging the graduating students, the principal urged them to remain true ambassadors of their alma mater by upholding integrity, excellence, resilience and godliness wherever they find themselves.
She encouraged them to reject shortcuts to success and remain committed to hard work, discipline and unwavering faith in God.
Delivering the Valedictorian’s speech, Master Umukoro Oghenevovwero Gift attributed the success of the graduating class to God’s faithfulness, the sacrifices of their parents, and the dedication of teachers and the school management.
He assured that members of the Class of 2026 would remain worthy ambassadors of the institution while requesting continued prayers that they would remain uncommon champions throughout their future endeavours.
He also encouraged younger students to remain focused, diligent and confident in pursuing their academic goals.
In her goodwill message, the Chief Inspector of Education (CIE), Egor Local Government Area, Mrs. Ogbebor Obano, commended Deeper Life High School for its unwavering commitment to quality education, moral excellence and academic standards.
She praised the cordial relationship between the school and the local education authorities, describing the institution as a model school worthy of recommendation.
Mrs. Obano also applauded the administrative competence of the school’s principal and urged the management to sustain the vision and standards that have distinguished the institution over the years.
The event climaxed with the presentation of awards to outstanding students and the official commissioning of the graduating class project, marking another milestone in the history of Deeper Life High School, Benin Campus.
The ceremony celebrated not only academic excellence but also the school’s enduring commitment to producing future leaders distinguished by character, competence and godliness under the banner of “Leadership with Distinction.”
