The Anglican Grammar School Old Students’ Association (AGSOSA) and the management of Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso, have unveiled the official logo for the institution’s 50th anniversary, marking the commencement of activities for the school’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
The unveiling took place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Pa. B.A. Oke Hall, Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, during a press conference organised to formally announce the anniversary and present the institution’s rich history, achievements and aspirations for the next 50 years.
The Golden Jubilee marks five decades since Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso, formally commenced as a full-fledged grammar school in 1976, following the earlier establishment of Anglican Modern School by the Anglican Mission.
In his foreword to the Golden Jubilee publication, the Principal of the school, Deacon Joseph Abiodun Olowe, described the 50-year journey as a testimony of vision, sacrifice, faith, perseverance and service.
Olowe said the anniversary provided an opportunity to look back with gratitude, celebrate the present with humility and look forward to the future with renewed determination.
According to him, the history of Anglican Grammar School cannot be separated from the missionary vision and educational commitment of the Anglican Mission in Ogbomoso, which established Anglican Modern School to provide sound education and Christian formation for children in the community.
He explained that as the demand for secondary education increased, the institution gradually evolved into what became Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso.
He recalled that schools established and nurtured by Christian missions were later taken over by the Government of the then Oyo State, with Anglican Grammar School among the institutions affected by the transition.
According to Olowe, the Anglican Mission surrendered the school and a vast expanse of land measuring several hectares without receiving monetary compensation for the property, stressing that history must continue to acknowledge the role of the mission in planting and nurturing the foundation upon which the school stands today.
The full-fledged grammar school formally took off in 1976, when Mr Oke, then Headmaster of the Modern School section, handed over the remaining structure and facilities to the late Pa. Benjamin Adeniyi Oke, who became the pioneer Principal of the secondary school.
Olowe noted that the institution had since produced generations of men and women who have made meaningful contributions to education, public service, business, politics, medicine, engineering, religion, academia, agriculture, the military, sports and other fields.
Successive Principals
The Principal also documented the contributions of successive heads of the institution, beginning with Pa. Benjamin Adeniyi Oke, who served from July 1, 1976, to December 31, 1983.
He was succeeded by Pa. O. Oladotun, who served from January 1984 to December 1989; Mr T.A.O. Onifade, from January 1990 to September 1994; and Mr D.A.O. Oladunni, from October 1994 to September 2000.
Others were Prince Ezekiel Olalere Ajiboye, who served from October 2000 to September 2005; Mr Oladipo Lanipekun, from October 2005 to August 2014; Mr Adesina Samuel O., from October 2014 to December 2016; and Mr Adeeko Segun, from December 2016 to September 2017.
Mr Akintaro Edward Olagunju served from October 2017 to 2019, followed by Mr Akindele John, who served from 2019 to April 30, 2022. Olowe has served as Principal since May 1, 2022.
Olowe described his emergence as the first old student of Anglican Grammar School to become Principal as both a historic honour and a responsibility to give back to the institution that helped shape him.
Academic and Sporting Excellence
The Principal highlighted the school’s record of academic excellence, recalling the outstanding achievement of Dapo Isola, who emerged as the best candidate in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations throughout West Africa in 1985.
He said the achievement remained a major source of pride and a reflection of the academic pedigree of the institution.
Beyond academics, Olowe noted that students of the school had distinguished themselves in football, athletics, handball, basketball, volleyball, badminton and other sporting activities.
He also listed debates, literary activities, cultural programmes, science and quiz competitions, Christian activities and social development programmes among the areas in which the school has participated actively.
He stressed that education was about developing the whole person intellectually, morally, spiritually, physically and socially.
Infrastructure Transformation
Olowe also highlighted the physical transformation of the school in recent years, attributing the development to the contributions of government, old students, parents, individuals, groups, agencies and friends of the institution.
Among the projects listed were internal road networks, a block of three laboratory rooms, solar lighting, renovation of the school hall through a Federal Government project, two blocks of six classrooms, the supply of 250 palm-top computers, two boreholes, a three-classroom block, an ICT Centre through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), renovation of five blocks containing 12 classrooms, renovation of the administrative blocks and provision of two toilet facilities.
Recognition of Benefactors
The Principal commended individuals who have contributed to the development of the institution.
He particularly recognised Arc. Suara Sakiru for facilitating several major infrastructure projects, including two blocks of six classrooms, internal road networks, boreholes, a modern laboratory, renovation of the school hall and solar power installation.
Mr Rotimi Adewole was also commended for constructing a sports complex comprising handball, basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, as well as providing trophies and sporting equipment, scholarships and annual awards for outstanding students in Financial Accounting, Economics and Commerce.
Others acknowledged include Mr Tayo Adiatu, Mr Yinka Ajao, Engr. Bolaji Ajao, HRM Oba John Akintola Akintola Alapa of Okin Apa, Chief Mrs Funmilayo Afon, Dr Ayinde Akintunde, Prof. Gbenga Bello, Dr Tayo Mogbagbeola, Engr. Oyekale Oyetola, Barr. Adewole Akande, Mr and Mrs ‘Jide Adeola Alade and Prof. ‘Jide Ajao.
The Principal also expressed appreciation to Senator Buhari Abdul Fatai, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, for facilitating the ICT Centre through NITDA and the renovation of a block of three classrooms.
Old Students’ Contributions
The various sets of old students were also commended for their contributions to the development of the school.
Among the interventions are the commissioning of a new school gate by the 1981 Set in 2023; donation of 40 wooden chairs by the 1983 Set; construction of a sick bay by the 1984 Set; renovation of the laboratory and provision of reading tables and chairs by the 1985 Set; and construction of a toilet facility by the 1988 Set.
The 1989 Set renovated the administrative block, while the 1991 Set renovated the fence at the second gate and the security guard’s house.
The 1992 Set renovated a block of four classrooms and planted trees, while its Diaspora Set donated exercise books to senior secondary students.
The 1993 Set donated 30 wooden chairs, while the 1995 Set donated 10 desktop computers, five tables and 10 plastic chairs and supported WAEC fees for indigent students.
The 1996 Set restored the solar system in the ICT laboratory, while the National Body donated two medium-sized public address systems and ten bundles of roofing sheets to Anglican High School for classroom roofing.
PTA, Anglican Mission and Teachers Honoured
The Parent-Teacher Association was also recognised for its longstanding support, including the purchase of the school bus during the institution’s early years and renovation of classrooms and support for school programmes.
Olowe paid tribute to the Anglican Mission, describing it as the foundation of the institution and expressing appreciation for its continuing interest in the school.
He particularly appreciated the Bishop of the Diocese, The Rt. Revd. Dr Titus Babatunde Olayinka, for his support, including visits to the school, the purchase of 100 copies of Songs of Praise and sponsorship of the annual Carol Service.
The Principal also paid tribute to past and present teachers, noting that their influence extended beyond the subjects they taught to shaping the character, careers and destinies of generations of students.
AGSOSA President Calls for Continued Support
Also speaking as part of the Golden Jubilee activities, the National President of AGSOSA, Prof. Olugbenga Solomon Bello, congratulated the school on its 50th anniversary and described the milestone as a celebration of academic excellence, character building and community transformation.
Bello said the school’s journey had demonstrated the value of investment in education and the importance of producing graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
He highlighted the achievements of the institution and its alumni across various professions, noting that graduates of Anglican Grammar School had distinguished themselves as doctors, engineers, policymakers, artists, academics, entrepreneurs and professionals in several other fields.
He urged old students and other stakeholders to continue supporting their alma mater and contributing to its development.
“As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee, we do not just look back with pride; we also look forward with immense anticipation. This milestone is a call to action for all alumni and current students. Let us continue to support, give back to, and elevate the legacy of the place that shaped us,” Bello said.
‘What Next?’ — Principal Challenges Stakeholders
Looking ahead, Olowe said the most important question after 50 years should not only be what the institution had achieved, but also what should be done next.
He called the Golden Jubilee a launching pad for the future and urged the Government, Anglican Mission, Old Students Association, PTA, School Governing Board, parents, teachers, philanthropists, corporate organisations and friends of the school to renew their commitment to its development.
He identified academic excellence, moral discipline, digital education, science and technology, sports development, modern infrastructure, teacher development and students’ welfare as key areas requiring sustained attention.
He stressed the need for the school to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of the future without losing its identity, values and heritage.
The Principal further challenged old students to see their relationship with the institution as a lifelong responsibility.
“Let every set ask: What can we do for our school? Let every successful old student remember the institution that helped to lay the foundation of that success,” he said.
Activities for Golden Jubilee
The logo unveiling and press conference formally set the stage for activities marking the 50th anniversary.
The anniversary programme is expected to feature reunions and interactive sessions, sporting activities, academic and career programmes, community service and outreach initiatives, awards and recognition of distinguished alumni, cultural and social events, fundraising and development initiatives, thanksgiving activities and other programmes culminating in the grand finale of the Golden Jubilee.
The Central Planning Committee, sub-committees, volunteers, donors, supporters and all stakeholders involved in the anniversary planning were commended for their contributions to the historic celebration.
The Golden Jubilee provides an opportunity for the Anglican Grammar School community to celebrate five decades of faith, service, academic excellence, character formation and enduring legacy while laying the foundation for another 50 years of growth and development.
In his concluding message, Olowe said the greatness of an institution should be measured not merely by its buildings but by the quality of people it produces and the values it transmits.
He expressed hope that the next 50 years would bring greater academic achievements, stronger infrastructure, improved sporting performances, deeper Christian character, greater technological advancement and more distinguished alumni.
He prayed that when another generation gathers to celebrate the school’s centenary, they would look back at the Golden Jubilee generation as one that did not merely celebrate the past but also secured the future of Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso.
