Chapter 11: The Badge and the Burden
The following Monday, the sun rose bright over Bosol. Students bustled around, chattering about the long-awaited Prefects' Inauguration Ceremony. It wasn't just another school function—it was a passage into leadership, and the excitement was tangible.
By 8:00 a.m., the assembly ground had been transformed.
A long table stood on the raised platform where the Director, Directress, and teachers sat. Each table had a polished wooden box containing gold-lettered prefect badges. The air smelled faintly of polish and fresh-cut grass.
Students were assembled in neat lines, their green-on-green uniforms pressed, white socks sharp, and black shoes gleaming—strictly enforced that day more than ever.
Mr. Rasheed, wearing a grey kaftan and a rare smile, stood at the podium.
"Good morning, students."
"Good morning sir!"
"This morning," he continued, "we honour the students chosen by both you and the staff to carry the responsibilities of leadership."
He paused, letting the silence sink in.
"Leadership in Bosol is not for decoration. It is service. It is accountability. It is obedience to school rules and protection of the school name."
He motioned to Mrs. Ayoade, who stood with a crisp file. The ceremony began.
Each prefect was called forward one by one. When they stepped up, the Director pinned their badge neatly on their chest, shook their hand firmly, and said, "Serve with honour."
Dining Prefect: Esther Okafor
Library Prefect: Emmanuel Udo
Sports Prefect: Precious Fadeyi — she beamed proudly, tossing a salute to her classmates.
Time Keeper: Elumezie Victory — yes, she chose Time Keeper over Social Prefect, believing she could help both students and teachers stay on track. The crowd applauded loudly.
"Social Prefect runner-up Ruth will be stepping in," the Director announced. "She came close, and we believe in shared leadership."
Victory smiled, happy her friend would also serve.
Then came the most anticipated moments.
"Head Boy: Precious Ajiboye," Mr. Rasheed called out.
Ajiboye stepped forward with dignity, his hands behind his back. The Director pinned his badge, nodded, and added, "Lead without pride. Guide with wisdom."
"Head Girl: Adeniji Ayomide."
Ayomide walked with measured grace. Her face was calm, but inside, her heart pounded. As the Directress pinned her badge and whispered, "We believe in you," Ayomide felt the weight of her role settle on her shoulders.
After the last prefect received their badge, the Director returned to the podium.
"You are not just prefects. You are models of Bosol's values: excellence, respect, discipline, and unity."
He turned to the rest of the school.
"And to the rest of you—watch them. Challenge them when they stray. Support them when they do right. Because in Bosol, leadership is not above the people. It walks with them."
The students broke into a standing ovation.
---
Later that day, during break, the newly elected prefects met in the conference room for their first official meeting.
Ajiboye sat beside Ayomide, his notebook already open.
"Let's talk priorities," he said. "First, late coming."
Victory raised her hand. "We need to reset the bell times. Some teachers ring it late, and it affects everything."
Elumezie nodded. "Agreed. We should have synchronized bells. I'll talk to Mr. Rasheed."
Ayomide added, "We also need to address toilet hygiene. Esther might need student volunteers to support the cleaners."
Esther looked surprised. "Volunteers?"
"Yes," Ayomide said. "We'll make a duty roster. If people feel involved, they'll take responsibility."
Ajiboye smiled. "That's why you're Head Girl."
They moved on to hostel matters, library rules, and a suggestion for inter-class debates. Ideas flew across the room like sparks.
By the end of the meeting, the prefects felt like a true team.
---
In the weeks that followed, the new prefects faced their first real test.
On a humid Thursday, a group of SS3 students sneaked out during prep.
A JSS2 boy saw them and whispered to Victory. She reported it, unsure if it was her role.
Ayomide called a prefect meeting.
"This is serious," said Fadeyi. "SS3 students? That's big."
"What if they threaten us?" Ruth asked nervously.
"We have to act," said Ajiboye. "The rules don't change for age."
Elumezie spoke up. "We'll inform the staff. Let Mr. Daniel or the hostel matron handle the discipline. But we must stand firm."
They submitted a report the next morning. Mr. Daniel praised them for their boldness and said the matter would be dealt with "swiftly but wisely."
Later that week, one of the SS3 students approached Ajiboye in the hallway.
"You ratted us out."
Ajiboye stood his ground. "I followed the rules. You broke them."
The SS3 boy looked like he might push him—but he didn't. He turned and walked away.
Word spread.
And just like that, the prefects had earned their respect.
---
At the end of the week, Ayomide walked past the school gate, where a new signboard had been mounted:
> BOSOL HIGH SCHOOL
"God is our Refuge."
She smiled to herself.
Leadership was no badge—it was a burden.
But she had chosen it willingly.
And with her team by her side, she was ready for anything.