How LAMHS Ogbomoso SS1 student dazzled with recitation of 12 WAEC prescribed poems

How LAMHS Ogbomoso SS1 student dazzled with recitation of 12 WAEC prescribed poems

Yinka ADETUNJI

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Miss Justinah Olasumbo, a student of Laogun Adeoye Memorial High School (LAMHS), Ogbomoso, Oyo state, recently dazzled guests at the retirement programme of the principal of the school, Mr. Kola Ogundipe, with seamless recitation offhand of the 12 selected poems by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Literature-in-English syllabus for the 2026–2030 block including six African poems and six non-African poems.

Held at the Baptist Beulah Centre, Ogbomoso, Olasumbo, then a student of SS I (now in SS 2) featured as one of the side attractions in the well-attended event, during which she mesmerized the audience with her dexterity and mastery of the 12 selected poems by the leading examination body.

The African Poetry Selection include “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara, “New Tongue” by Elizabeth L. A. Kamara, “Night” by Wole Soyinka, “Not My Business” by Niyi Osundare, “Hearty Garlands” by S. O. H. Afriyie-Vidza, and “The Breast of the Sea” by Syl Cheney-Coker.

For the Non-African Poetry Selection, works by Lord Byron, Geoffrey Chaucer, Seamus Heaney, Maya Angelou, Fleur Adcock, and Wilfrid Wilson Gibson, were featured.

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Her delivery elicited wild applause that in appreciation, a political office holder at the event rewarded her with cash donation.

Olasumbo is 15-year-old, and first of three siblings. She lost her mother some years ago and is being solely trained by her commercial motorcyclist father.

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