Ogbomoso Grammar School: Gifts galore as 1976 set marks 50th graduation anniversary

Ogbomoso Grammar School: Gifts galore as 1976 set marks 50^th graduation anniversary

Niyi AJALA

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The 1972/1976 set of Ogbomoso Grammar School, Paku, Thursday, August 13, 2026, celebrated its 50th graduation anniversary with a colourful reunion party that brought former students, current students, school management and dignitaries together in a celebration of memories, friendship.

The celebrants also donated laptops and other gifts to their alma mater and to students who excelled in their academic.

The celebration began at the school assembly, where members of the set joined the current students, with many of the old students wearing the school uniforms in a nostalgic display of bonding. The programme featured the roll call of former school prefects, the National Anthem, Oyo state anthem and the school anthem, while the school anthem, “Wherever You Go,” further rekindled memories of their school days.

Speaking during the ceremony, Alhaji Rasaq Alabi urged the students to embrace discipline, noting that the discipline they received during their own school days contributed greatly to their achievements in life.

The chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Elder Adejumo John Kayode, JP, described the occasion as a significant milestone, expressing gratitude to God for allowing members of the set to reunite after five decades. Prince Adeoye, CEO of Makari Exclusive Suites, said the reunion provided an opportunity for the old students to mark 50 years since leaving the school and to give back to the institution despite not having had a valedictory service when they graduated.

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The event also featured goodwill messages from dignitaries, including Hon. Deji Akande, represented by Mr. Muyiwa Oke, Hon. Remi Odetomi, Dn. Aderinto, Mr. Francis Ogunlowo and Mr. Olaniran Daniel. They urged the students to take their education and discipline seriously and described the old students’ return to their alma mater as commendable.

A major highlight of the anniversary was the presentation of laptops and other educational materials to the school, alongside cash awards for outstanding students and recognition for teachers and school administrators. Awards were presented to students who distinguished themselves in subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and Yoruba, while outstanding WAEC performance was also recognised.

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The old students also shared nostalgic memories of the discipline that characterised school life in their time. They recalled an era when students feared school prefects and teachers, while parents rarely interfered with disciplinary measures. Some members, including Elder Adejumo and Alhaji Rasaq Alabi, shared personal experiences which underscored the role of discipline and character in their development.

The anniversary celebration continued with a get-together at Makari Exclusive Suites, Ogbomoso, where members of the set wined and dined while reconnecting after 50 years. The chairman of the planning committee thanked God for giving them the opportunity to meet again, while a moment of silence and prayers were observed in honour of deceased members.

Dr. Oladoye, in his goodwill message, stressed the importance of preserving old friendships, while Dn. Samson Kehinde Adenrele, representing the 1973/1977 set, congratulated their seniors and recalled the strong junior-senior relationships and academic support that characterised their school days.

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The Senior Prefect of the set, Alhaji Rasaq Alabi, also expressed gratitude to God and prayed for good health and another opportunity for the members to reunite in the future.

The current principal, Dr. Tolani Adewumi, expressed appreciation to the 1972/76 set for remembering their alma mater and supporting the school, while praying for the continued wellbeing and safe journeys of the old students.

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The golden jubilee reunion ultimately served as more than a celebration of five decades. It became a bridge between generations, as former students returned to inspire the younger generation, honour their departed colleagues, renew old friendships and contribute materially to the continued development of the institution that helped shape their lives.