pannigeriannews 
A review of the book, Anglican Grammar School Ogbomoso (1976 – 2026), by Mr. Femi Ogunlana, CEO of Stone Communication Ventures
(publishers of The Insight Newspaper and ogbomosoinsightonline.com) produced by the Alumni Association, in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the School
The title of the book is Anglican Grammar School Ogbomoso (1976 – 2026).
The author/compiler is the Historical Committee constituted by the Anglican Grammar School Ogbomoso Old Students Association (AGSOSA). It is a non-fiction, historical book with 168 pages (130 main body plus 38 prologue). It features photos. And it is embossed with International Standard Book Number (ISBN), which makes it a standard book.
The book is published in September, 2026. This is the first edition. It is published in Nigeria by Stone Communication Ventures, Ogbomoso. The book is published to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the school, Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso.
Thematically, it beams light on the history of the school, from the founding of its forerunner, Anglican Modern Secondary School, Ogbomoso (founded in 1958) to the establishment of the grammar school in 1976, and through the five decades of its existence. It is a remarkable legacy.
The book is presented in ten chapters with the preface flaunting, “From the Editorial Desk” by Adewuyi Adegbite, a historian and newspaper columnist, and who is the Editor-in-Chief of the project; a piece titled, “The Trajectory of this Book,” by the chairman (Prince Tunde Jacob Ojo) of the Historical Committee commissioned to cobble the valuable book; an insightful remark by the incumbent principal, Deacon Joseph Abiodun Olowe (who unapologetically but justifiably described his tenure as the Golden Era); and the introduction.
The book is dedicated, appropriately in my opinion, to the Anglican Communion of Nigeria for its foresight in founding the school, the highly respected pioneer principal, Mr. Benjamin Adeniyi Oke, and the first recognized President of the Alumni Association, the cerebral Mr. John Adelubi Ojekanmi.
The eight chapters the book is divided into are: Foundation and Growth; Pioneering Principal and Teachers as a catalyst for Growth; Successive Principals and their Times; Extra-Curricular Activities; Iconic teachers of All Time; Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso: Factor in Nation Building; Anglican Grammar School Old Students’ Association; Views and Reminiscences. It also comes with References and Appendix.
The writing style is simple, free flowing, in simple prose and is easily comprehensible. It remarkably achieves its mission of retelling the story of the past as it concerns the citadel of learning. The project is laudable because it is a coalescence of several writers, several contributors, most importantly members of the first set (1976 – 1981), which makes it all encompassing, and making it a book that has major eras projected. Why the historical committee can actually be stated to be the compilers of various views, you have elements of history, as it should be expected when a historian indeed, serves as editor-in-chief. Among others you will see the long-held view of Osupa Baptist Day School Ogbomoso as the pioneer primary school in Ogbomoso being boldly challenged, and its bandied year of founding, 1855, being punctured, these new claims are supported with relevant literatures, among.
However, the book leaves some parts which could have improved its rating. One would have expected photographs of the iconic (now Dr) Dapo Isola, who bested all across West Africa in the 1985 WAEC, to appear in the book; photos of sports men and women with laurels won in the past. Also, the influence of the environment the school is located and how this is navigated would have made an interesting read – talking of the old abattoir, the nearby graveyard and the once notorious Sabo area. Also, the book fails to capture the disarticulation and rearticulation of the school in the recent past, including that of the most recent one last year, which makes the original school three now – viz the parent school, Anglican High School and the newest – Anglican Grammar School Two. The current state of the school and the lofty heights envisioned, one would also have expected to be weaved in.
Furthermore, it focuses mainly on the exploits churned out decades ago, of students and teachers, ignoring the feats of the last few decades. Perhaps, those generations are left to fend for themselves when they come of age really, and have the book reviewed to make it more encompassing.
On a final note, however, the book fulfils its stated purpose of recreating the past of the school, and has added to the knowledge of education particularly in Ogbomoso. The courage is saluted; another legacy has been bequeathed. It is commendable because I think this is the first time an alumni association would nick such in Ogbomoso zone. You have thrown down a daunting challenge. Kudos.
The book is a must for all who ever donned the colours of this school including the present students, hoping the price will be subsidized for them. Alumni associations elsewhere should pick copies too in order to emulate this bragging feat. Also, researchers will find it useful.
I recommend it for all.
…Book reviewer, Femi Ogunlana, is CEO/Publisher of the popular Ogbomoso Insight Newspaper and Online
About The Author
