The Old Students Association of Ijebu-Ife Community Grammar School, Ogun State, has embarked on a massive rehabilitation of the school’s infrastructure as part of activities to mark its 50th anniversary.
Founded on September 5, 1975, through the efforts of prominent indigenes of Ijebu-Ife, the school has produced several notable Nigerians, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was a member of its second set.
In a statement co-signed by the association’s president, Adeniyi Afolabi, and the chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Rotimi Omoniyi, the alumni said they were committed to preserving the vision of the founding fathers by giving back to the school.
“This school is a community school. The founding fathers invested their time and resources to give us the best. We are what we are today because some people saw tomorrow. We have a responsibility to ensure that the vision of the founding fathers does not die,” the statement read.
To mark the golden jubilee, the alumni association is executing a tripartite signature project comprising the fencing of the school’s perimeter, installation of CCTV cameras, and provision of solar-powered lighting.
According to the statement, about ₦50 million has already been committed to the projects. The school’s gates have been rebuilt, a new rear gate has been installed, and plans are underway to introduce digital classrooms while rehabilitating several existing buildings.
Other distinguished alumni include Babalola Adejinle, a US-based surgeon once named among the 20 most prominent Nigerians in America, and Engineer Afolabi, reputed to be the first gas reservoir engineer of Shell Nigeria Limited.
The anniversary celebrations will begin on Thursday, September 4, with a courtesy visit to the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba Afolorunso Oguntayo. A health talk on cancer and hypertension, free medical tests, a novelty match between alumni and teachers, and a gala night will follow on Friday.
The keynote address, themed “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” will be delivered by Denloye Abiodun, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Lagos State University of Science and Technology, also an alumnus.
The highlight of the celebration, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, will feature the recognition of Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, and the school’s founding fathers, including the late Otunba Olajide Adebanjo and Adedeji Oyenuga.
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