Seven students of Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Abuja, have officially matriculated at the University of Abuja, marking a major milestone for the institution and reinforcing its commitment to preparing students for life beyond secondary education.
The matriculation ceremony, held on February 12, 2026, saw the students formally admitted into the university, becoming the fourth cohort from WISE to transition into higher education with what school officials described as “confidence, clarity and competence.”
Representing the WISE Senior Management Team at the ceremony was Mr. Kabiru Abass, Technical Monitor, whose presence drew excitement from the newly admitted undergraduates.
According to one of the students, the transition felt seamless due to the school’s Higher Education and Leadership Programme (HELP).
“Sir, we’ve already started writing our strategic plans — HELP 103 got us ready for this!” the student said jokingly during a post-ceremony interaction.
HELP Programme Credited for Success
WISE management attributed the students’ readiness to its HELP initiative, a structured programme introduced from Senior Secondary School 1 to equip learners with academic preparedness, leadership exposure, career readiness, digital literacy and psychosocial support.
A student at the gathering noted, “HELP didn’t just teach us how to pass exams — it taught us how to survive and thrive in university.”
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Ekene Ibe, Senior Prefect and valedictorian of the 2025 WISE graduating class, described the programme as transformative.
“I didn’t wait for university to teach me how to lead — WISE gave me the platform. HELP gave me the tools. Now, I’m not just a freshman — I’m a future founder. I’ve already drafted my semester plan and started networking with tech clubs on campus,” Ekene said.
Another matriculant, Chisom Onwabusim, said the programme instilled discipline and resilience.
“HELP opened my eyes to what it really takes to succeed in university — time management, resilience, asking for help when needed. I used to panic before exams; now I strategize. I’m ready to handle medical school — and I owe it all to WISE,” she stated.
Taiwo, one of the newly admitted students, added that practical simulations and project-based learning under HELP made the difference.
“At WISE, we didn’t just learn academic and soft skills — we practiced them. HELP gave us real-world projects, media simulations and taught us how to pitch ideas. I walked into matriculation feeling like I already belong,” he said.
Parents Applaud Initiative
Parents also expressed satisfaction with the impact of the programme on their children.
Mrs. Adeleke, whose two children were among the matriculating students, said she witnessed significant growth in her son.
“I strongly agree that the HELP programme has really helped my son Taiwo to navigate life in the university. I was worried about him initially, but I was surprised at the way he adapted so easily. He gets to school early for his classes, turns in his work on time and even submits assignments online as requested by lecturers. He is more confident now,” she said.
She added that her son recently served as stage manager for his department’s production and was assigned the role of Kurunmi in one of the plays by renowned Nigerian playwright Ola Rotimi.
“The HELP programme is highly commendable. Thank you, WISE,” she added.
Community Celebration
Following the matriculation, WISE hosted a reception attended by parents, guardians and faculty members. The gathering featured shared meals and prayers, symbolising what the school described as a strong culture of community and shared responsibility.
Reflecting on the moment, Mr. Abass said, “It wasn’t just a matriculation ceremony — it was a covenant moment. We ate together, prayed together and laughed together. This is what WISE stands for: education rooted in love, purpose and community.”
Setting a Benchmark
School authorities noted that the achievement reinforces WISE’s education model, positioning it as a launchpad for leadership and employability, rather than just academic certification.
“WISE doesn’t send kids to university — WISE sends leaders,” Abass stated. “These learners didn’t just enter university — they entered it armed with strategy, supported by community and fueled by purpose. That’s the brighter future we build — one scholar, one leader, one dream at a time.”
