The new week started afresh. The rumors were still roaming, but not as loud as before.
All suspended students had resumed along with every staff member.
But was everything really back to normal?
Not in the Senior Lounge. 😶🌫️
The vibe was thick. Those who had birthdays, home warmings, or shopping plans during the suspension couldn't celebrate or brag as usual. It all felt… weird.
The first class of the day was Mathematics.
But it was unusual — Mr. Bamidele was late ⏰
Ten minutes passed. Even KayPrime, the class rep who went to check on him, hadn't come back.
Now it was 29 minutes past the hour… when suddenly the door creaked open. 🚪
It wasn't Mr. Bamidele.
It was Principal Lawrence.
Everyone froze. The man behind all their community service nightmares, the one who made them scrub toilets and clean dining halls stood at the door. 😬
But behind him was someone different.
Someone legendary🔥.
The Founder of AllStars Foundation College, Dr. Chuka Laurent Obiakor.
A name that carried weight of nobility, intellect, and global respect. 🌍
An Igbo man by heritage, a global visionary by destiny.
He founded AllStars Foundation College two decades ago, determined to redefine excellence in Nigerian education. From humble beginnings, the school grew into one of prestige known for brilliance, discipline, and leadership.
He now lived mostly in Île-de-France, France 🇫🇷, managing international education projects. Though rarely seen, his influence was everywhere — in the school's walls, its values, its pride.
Among students, he was called with deep respect: "Le Fondateur." 🖤✨
The air shifted. The scent of imported leather and rich cologne filled the lounge. The chatter died. Even the air conditioner seemed to hum in reverence.
Dr. Obiakor entered, clad in a deep navy agbada stitched with Parisian elegance. Two aides followed quietly behind him.
"Ah, mes étoiles brillantes," he greeted with a warm smile.
The students blinked.
"That means my shining stars," he said, chuckling. "But don't worry, I won't turn this into a French class… unless I must." 😄
A few students laughed awkwardly, unsure if he was serious.
He moved gracefully to the center of the lounge. "You know, when I was your age, we used to say 'Celui qui triche aujourd'hui, échouera avec style demain.'"
Silence🤐.
Then he grinned.
"It means — He who cheats today will fail tomorrow… but stylishly." 😎
Laughter broke out — some genuine, some sarcastic.
MideFlex whispered, "This man just roasted us in designer French."
Dr. Obiakor's eyes twinkled. Maybe he heard. Maybe not.
"Why does everyone look sad, Lawrence?" he asked, turning to the principal. "Lawrence, what's wrong with my students' faces?"
That was the first time anyone ever heard someone call him just Lawrence.
"They've just finished their 30 days of community service, sir," Principal Lawrence replied calmly.
"Ah…" Dr. Obiakor nodded, gently massaging his moustache. "So it was this class that made me spend over a billion for press control?"
"Yes, sir," the principal said softly.
Dr. Obiakor sighed. "Anyway, I hope you're all sorry for what happened. We're not interested in your social lives. We just don't want to be part of it especially when you're not in uniform."
The students' faces fell. They really had learned their lesson.
He smiled faintly. "So, to brighten your mood, I'll be around for a week. I'm here to conclude the school budget for next year. If you need anything whatsoever, my office is next to the principal's… the one with the glass walls, velvet chairs, and golden clock. 🪞💼"
"Understood?" he said, louder now.
"Yes, sir!" they chorused.
"Good." He clasped his hands. "Now, since it's just thirteen weeks to your exams, I'll be organizing a few events. After all — you're the stars of AllStars!" 🌠
He smiled, then switched effortlessly to French.
"Je veux que cette année soit inoubliable pour vous… pleine de souvenirs, de rires et de rêves."
The students stared, frozen.
He laughed lightly. "It means — I want this year to be unforgettable for you… filled with memories, laughter, and dreams." ❤️
Then, with a spark in his tone, he began listing events:
"First, there'll be a Talent Hunt Night 🎤 — I want to see the stars that shine off the books.
Then a Game Night Extravaganza 🎮 — inter-house, with teachers and students!
A Cultural Exhibition Day 🌍 — celebrating your roots and creativity.
And finally…" he paused, smiling.
"The biggest of them all — a school tour to Abuja for the Global Youth Connect Festival! 🏆✨
It's an international annual event with scholarships, celebrity performances, innovation expos, and global student challenges. You'll be among the best and be seen by the world,who is happy?" 🌎🎓
The lounge erupted in murmurs and gasps.
Faces that were once dull now glowed with excitement. 😮🔥
Dr. Obiakor looked around, amused by their energy. "See? Now that's better. My shining stars are smiling again." 😌
He waved lightly, glancing at his wristwatch. "Alright, I'll leave you to your Mathematics. Mr. Bamidele should be here soon."
Right on cue, the door opened and Mr. Bamidele stepped in, looking startled to see the Founder already leaving.
"Bonjour, monsieur," Dr. Obiakor greeted playfully.
Mr. Bamidele chuckled nervously, "Ah, good morning, sir!"
Dr. Obiakor gave one last smile to the class. "Work hard, shine bright, and behave. After all… stars don't misbehave, they glow." 🌟
He left the lounge with his aides behind him.
Oscar said with excitement "If this man stays for a month,we will all be finished with French"
And for the first time in weeks, the senior class was filled with something new — joy,hope and laughter. 💫