Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has warned Senior Secondary School Three (SSS3) students against distractions, unhealthy friendships and excessive attention to social media, urging them to make decisions that support their long-term goals.
Jegede gave the advice on Wednesday during a Campus Flaws Awareness programme organised for final-year secondary school students in Lagos by the Etiquette Poise and Protocol Resource Academy, led by Keji Oladimeji.
The programme, held at Trinity University, Yaba, was designed to prepare students for the challenges they may encounter when they enter tertiary institutions, including peer pressure, social vices and decisions that could affect their academic and personal development.
The actress told the students that their choices at this stage of life could influence their future, encouraging them to think carefully before acting and to consider the kind of people they wanted to become.
She cautioned them against sacrificing important goals to fit in with friends or enjoy temporary pleasures, stressing that they should recognise when entertainment and social activities begin to interfere with their priorities.
Jegede also urged the students to be deliberate about the company they keep, warning that not everyone who appears friendly necessarily has their best interests at heart.
On social media, she advised them to pay attention to the content they consume and the material they share online, noting that their digital habits could gradually influence their behaviour and public image.
She further discouraged them from comparing their progress with what they see online, reminding them that social media does not always present a complete or accurate picture of people’s lives.
The actress encouraged the students to take their education seriously, avoid rushing into major decisions because of peer pressure and seek guidance from trusted mentors when necessary.
Also speaking at the event, Nollywood actor Tobi Makinde emphasised the importance of good character and manners, saying talent and skills could create opportunities, while good conduct could help young people build lasting relationships and advance in life.
Trinity University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Kolawole, said the institution was committed to preparing students for higher education and life beyond the classroom. He highlighted its academic programmes and the Trinity University Skills Acquisition Academy, which provides opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial and employable skills.
The Registrar, David Oyejide, also spoke about the university’s academic and character-building opportunities, while Oladimeji said the awareness programme was intended to help students recognise potential pitfalls on campus and prepare for a successful transition into tertiary education.
The event featured a stage play on the theme Campus Flaws, depicting the consequences of poor decisions and involvement in social vices.
Jegede’s message centred on self-awareness, responsible decision-making and the need for young people to protect their future by balancing social activities with their education and personal ambitions.
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