pannigeriannews 
By Sunday Adepoju
Last week, Ogbomoso came alive as the Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso, celebrated its golden jubilee, marking 50 years of academic, cultural and moral contributions to the ancient city and beyond.
The celebration, organised by the Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso Old Students’ Association (AGSOSA), attracted old students, former and serving teachers, education administrators, parents, current students and other stakeholders from within and outside Ogbomoso.
Although the school dates back to 1958, when it was established as Anglican Secondary Modern School, Ogbomoso, by the Anglican Mission, it attained the status of a secondary grammar school on August 18, 1976, following its upgrade by the Oyo State Ministry of Education.
The golden jubilee, therefore, provided an opportunity for generations of students and teachers connected with the institution to return to their alma mater, reconnect with one another and reflect on the school’s journey over the decades.
The celebration began with courtesy visits to strategic stakeholders and media houses, as AGSOSA members took the anniversary message to key institutions and personalities within Ogbomoso. The programme also featured indoor and outdoor sporting activities, bringing together old students and members of the school community in a relaxed atmosphere. As part of efforts to leave lasting reminders of the golden jubilee, anniversary trees were planted within the school premises, while a memorial corner was established to preserve the memories of the institution and those who had contributed to its development.
The following day was devoted largely to the “Back to School” programme, which brought old students back to the environment where many of them received their secondary education. Excitement filled the school as alumni interacted with current students and teachers, while a football match and other activities further enlivened the celebration. The day also featured an anniversary lecture, fundraising and the presentation of awards to deserving individuals and contributors to the development of the school. These activities provided an opportunity for old students to reflect on their experiences at the institution and discuss the future of their alma mater.
The third day featured a health and medical intervention programme for members of the association, staff and members of the surrounding community. The programme was followed by a gold jubilee luncheon and award ceremony, providing another platform to recognise individuals who had contributed to the growth and development of the school and its old students’ association. One of the notable projects inaugurated during the celebration was the Sick Bay built by the 1984 set of the school. The project was described as part of the alumni’s contribution towards improving the welfare and learning environment of students.
The anniversary activities climaxed on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with a thanksgiving service at St. David’s Anglican Church, Agbohin, Ogbomoso. His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, was represented at the occasion by the Abese of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Kasali Oladipupo, and Aare Alasa of Ogbomosoland, among other dignitaries. The thanksgiving provided an opportunity for the school community and its alumni to express gratitude for the institution’s journey over the past five decades.
The celebration also featured the launch of a commemorative book titled Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso (1976–2026), documenting aspects of the history, development and legacy of the institution. A major highlight was the presentation by the school’s French Choir, established in 1979, alongside a French troupe rendition. The cultural troupe of the school also added colour to the occasion, showcasing aspects of the institution’s cultural heritage and the talents of its students.
Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, the President of the Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso Old Students’ Association (AGSOSA), Prof. Olugbenga Solomon Bello, said the celebration was an opportunity to honour the founding fathers of the school as well as past and present teachers, students and alumni who had contributed to its growth and reputation.
Bello traced the development of the school to the vision of its pioneers, noting that despite limited infrastructure and other challenges in its early years, the commitment of teachers and students helped to establish a strong foundation for the institution. He said the school had, over the past five decades, produced professors, legal practitioners, medical doctors, engineers, captains of industry and public servants who were contributing to different sectors of society.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief James Akinola Kasler J, expressed appreciation to all sets and individuals that contributed to the success of the golden jubilee. He thanked the school authorities, AGSOSA members, past and present teachers, students, parents, invited guests, sponsors, donors, volunteers and members of the wider Ogbomoso community for their support, cooperation and participation throughout the anniversary programme.
Kasler J said the successful completion of the activities was a result of the collective commitment and sacrifice of everyone involved. He particularly appreciated members of the planning committee for their dedication, noting that their efforts helped to ensure the smooth coordination of the various programmes. He also thanked the old students who travelled from different parts of the country and abroad to reconnect with their alma mater and support its development.
The Principal of Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso, who is also an old student of the school, commended the old students, teachers and other stakeholders for sustaining the institution over the years. He said the anniversary was a reminder of the school’s enduring legacy and the responsibility of the present generation to preserve and improve it.
He urged the students to take their studies seriously, remain disciplined and uphold the values of integrity, hard work and service. According to him, the achievements of the school’s alumni should inspire current students to pursue excellence and contribute positively to society.
The Principal further appealed to the government, alumni and well-meaning individuals to support the school with improved infrastructure, learning materials and other facilities needed to create a better environment for teaching and learning. He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help the institution meet the demands of contemporary education.
The AGSOSA president urged current students to uphold the values of hard work, integrity, discipline and service associated with the institution, stressing that they represented the future of the school. Looking ahead, Bello said the golden jubilee should not be seen merely as a celebration but as a call to renew commitment to academic excellence and infrastructural development.
He disclosed that AGSOSA was commissioning a number of anniversary projects as part of its contribution to the school, while calling for stronger collaboration among alumni, corporate sets and government to further develop the institution. Bello also announced plans to use the anniversary to strengthen the alumni network and sustain support for the school beyond the jubilee year. He urged the students to study hard and uphold the values that had defined Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso over the past 50 years.
For many of the old students who returned to the school, the golden jubilee was more than an anniversary. It was a reunion with a shared past, a celebration of enduring friendships and a reminder of an institution whose influence has extended beyond the walls of its classrooms.
As part of activities marking the golden jubilee, the Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso, honoured a number of distinguished individuals and alumni for their contributions to the development of the school and their achievements in various fields of endeavour.
The Pioneer Service Award was presented to Mr Aworinde Olawale, the Late Pa B.A. Oke Family and Chief James Akimose (Castla-J).
The Distinguished Alumni Award went to Arc. Sakiru Suara, Mr Oluwarotimi A. Adewole, Dr Ayinde Akintunde Kehinde, HRH Oba Prof. John Akintola and Prof. Olajide Ajao.
Under the Alumni Special Award category, the recipients were Dr. Tayo Magbagbeola, Chief Mrs Funmilayo Afon, Engr. Bolaji Ajao, Mr and Mrs Jide Areo, Mr Kayode Olaniyan, Akande Adewale Esq., Engr. Oyekale Oyetola and Mrs Awodeji Lydia Funke. The school also recognised outstanding individuals under the Education Excellence Award category, with Dr. Dapo Ishola, Prof. Olugbenga Solomon Bello and Mrs Aremu Emiola receiving the honours.
For their leadership contributions, the Golden Jubilee Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Adiatu Tayo, Engr. Dr. Yinka Ajao and Mr Onilede Solomon ‘Yinmi (LIMO).
Other categories included the Faith and Character Award, presented to Mr. Jacob Ojo; the Alumni Service Award, which went to Mr Olushola Ajani, Rev’d Akintayo Babajide, Dn. Abiodun Olowe, Mr Olufemi Ishola, Dr. Sanjo Ayandele, Pastor Adebayo Aderinto, Mr Adewale Remi and Dr. John Adetona Adeniran, MBBS, FWACS.
The Young Achievers Award was presented to Mr Remi Oladoye and Dr. Oluwabukola Olatunji, while the Posthumous Honour Award went to the late Mr John Ojekanmi and late Mr. Rafu Lawal. The anniversary committee also instituted the sets–Golden Jubilee Award, with former students from the 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2005 sets listed for recognition. This array of awards, according to the organisers, formed part of the activities designed to celebrate individuals who have contributed to the growth of the school, distinguished themselves in their professions and helped sustain the legacy of Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso, over the past five decades.
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