Pearly Gate Academy Ore was founded in 1997,The School has not only been imparting knowledge academically but also equipped pupils spiritually and morally to withstand future challenges.Pearly Gate Academy has severally been adjudged to be the best Secondary school in Odigbo Local Government of Ondo state having represented Ondo state in several national competitions and came back with laurels. Pearly Gate Academy has clocked 25 years.
In this interview with SEDARA OLUWADARA,The founder and Proprietor Of Pearly Gate Academy, Pastor Aremo spoke about what driven him into a founding a school,The challenges he faced abnitio, the preparations for the school Silver jubilee Celebrations and admonitions for the upcoming School owners.
Can we meet you?
I am Pastor Aremo,The proprietor of Pearly Gate Academy Ore
What brought about the Name “Pearly Gate”?
The name Pearly Gate was derived from Revelation 21:21.The verse talks about Pearl and something that is not adulterated,it reminds us of Purity,it helps us to achieve our visions which are purity and righteousness.The name implies purity and education should be clean as well
What prompted you into establishing a School?
It embarrasses me when people venture into Education for money making,The passion l had for imparting knowledge prompted me to establish a school,This passion has eaten deep into my nerves right from my teens,When l was in Lagos,I taught my uncle’s children extra lesson at home and even when l eventually got married,l was teaching my children at weekends.The passion l had for the youths made me to establish a School
How many Students did you start with?
We started with 25 students
Were you discouraged abnitio?
I was not discouraged because l was not being driven by money rather passion for imparting knowledge.
How many were the staff that kickstarted the School?
We started with 2 staffers
What is the Numerical strength of the School now?
This is what many School owners would not want to disclose but by the grace of God we have more than 400 students.
How many staffers are on the payroll of Pearly Gate Now?
We have more than 60 staffers
How have you been Managing them?
The head matters in any organization.We had visions abnitio and these visions have been propelling us.We recruit like-minded people, People who could easily align with our visions.
We do scrutinize our employees before absorbing them Although, Misunderstandings are inevitable in any organization but when it arises we settle it amicably.
What is your happiest moment as Pearly Gate proprietor?
My happiest moments are innumerable but l would specifically talk about two moments,firstly, When our students perform excellently and exceptionally academically and also display good characters morally and spiritually,it gives me alot of joy. Lastly,When our school got approved for WAEC and NECO.These two moments amongst many others exhilarated me.
As the School prepares for the Silver jubilee Celebrations,What are the security measures that have been put in Place?
We don’t take security lightly especially when our country is in precarious security situations,We have invited personnels from Nigeria Police force,Civil defense corps and Amotekun Corps to forestall breakdown of laws and orders. No one should panic as adequate security measures have been put in Place.
What is your advice for the upcoming School owners?
My advice for them is that they should not be propelled by money because School is a place where lives are remolded and reshapened. Anyone who plans to establish a school should be propelled by passion to impart knowledge rather than self-aggrandizement and self-centeredness.
