Education Minister, Dr Maruf Alausa, visits Start-Rite Schools in Abuja
Start-Rite Schools, Abuja, long regarded as one of the country’s most forward-thinking educational institutions, known for maintaining high standards and academic excellence, on Wednesday, played host to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.
The visit, which coincided with the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was part of the Minister’s oversight mission to monitor the implementation of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in senior secondary assessments.
Start-Rite Schools is one of the pilot centres selected for this landmark transition to digital assessments.
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Just two weeks ago, a delegation from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) comprising board members and senior officers had praised the school’s impeccable conduct, sound infrastructure, and readiness. Yesterday, that endorsement was echoed at the highest level.
Accompanied by members of his team and received by the school leadership, the Honourable Minister toured the school and observed students in real-time as they wrote their English examination using the CBT system. Impressed by what he saw, he commended the school’s administration for its meticulous preparation and the students for their confidence and competence.
“This initiative is part of a broader push to curb examination malpractice and modernise our testing systems,” Dr. Alausa stated during his remarks, adding that “Seeing these young learners so at ease with this format is encouraging. It tells us that the future of digital education in Nigeria is not just possible, it is already here.”
Dr. Alausa noted that the students displayed a rare blend of focus, technical fluency, and composure under exam conditions. According to him, that is a reflection of both strong teaching and an enabling learning environment.
Also present was the Chairman of the Start-Rite Advisory Board, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, who described the visit as a milestone not just for the school, but for private education in Nigeria.
“What you see here is the outcome of vision, consistency, and the deliberate pursuit of excellence,” Senator Ndoma-Egba said. He further stated that “We are proud of our learners, proud of our teachers, and deeply honoured by your visit, Honourable Minister. This is a day we will not forget.”
In her vote of thanks, the Head Girl, Ogechi Abaribe, expressed the students’ excitement at the Minister’s visit and gratitude for the attention given to their growth and development.
“Your presence here today makes us feel seen and valued. Thank you for believing in us and in the work our teachers do daily,” she said.
Beyond the examination hall, Start-Rite Schools is redefining the benchmark for education in Nigeria. It is a place where infrastructure meets intention, where every space, every system, and every interaction is designed to support learning that lasts. The culture is one of integrity and high expectations, and the students reflect that standard: technically skilled, intellectually curious, and grounded in strong values.
From academic innovation to student-led initiatives, global exposure, creative development, and strong character education, Start-Rite continues to invest in a well-rounded learning experience that prepares students to thrive on any stage. Dr. Alausa’s visit was more than a commendation. It affirmed Start-Rite’s role as a model of what education in Nigeria can, and should be.
FROM START-RITE SCHOOLS MEDIA UNIT
