Events  

UK School Meets Alumni, Stakeholders To Deepen Relationship With Nigeria

By Suliyat Tella

23 November 2024   |   3:52 am

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As part of efforts to deepen the relationship with its alumni while also appreciating parents for sending their children to the school, Harrow School officials, an educational institution for boys in the United Kingdom, visited Nigeria recently. The visit, the first by Harrow School team to Nigeria, was to meet and network with current and…

As part of efforts to deepen the relationship with its alumni while also appreciating parents for sending their children to the school, Harrow School officials, an educational institution for boys in the United Kingdom, visited Nigeria recently.

The visit, the first by Harrow School team to Nigeria, was to meet and network with current and prospective parents and other stakeholders. The delegation from the school that included Head Master of Harrow School, Alastair Land were on hand to provide insight about the school and appreciate stakeholders at a reception organised by High Achievers Academy in Lagos.

In an interview, Land said the visit is partly about showing gratitude to parents who have sent their boys to the school in their numbers although not ruling out the possibility of expanding to Africa through Nigeria.

“Lots of boys, current students in our school are from Nigeria and we have had some former students as well because boys from Nigeria have been coming to our boarding school for a while. It is very important to us at this time in the school’s development to have this opportunity to recognise and honour our growing association with Nigeria through the families that send their sons in our direction,” Land stated.

Expressing his excitement about the visit to Nigeria, Land said: “I’m very pleased to be here and to be here with some of my colleagues. It is my third time on the African continent, my first time here in Nigeria. More than anything else, for me, is to honour the existing family ties.

We’re a boarding school so, mums and dads send their children a long, long way to be part of us for five years. That young man then becomes part of the Harrow community for life, wherever he goes in the world; whether he comes back home here or he goes to a different part of the world, he is always part of the Harrow family. Family, for us, is essential so I’m here, not symbolically but in real terms to honour the family ties between Harrow School and Nigerian families that have honoured us by sending two really precious things, their children and their money, to us,” he stated.

For the Proprietor of High Achievers Academy, Yemisi Akindele, who put together the reception, the event was organised to foster a greater connection between current and prospective parents and the Harrow community.

“This is a unique opportunity to meet the distinguished Harrow leadership team and hear about the school’s rich legacy, academic excellence, and exciting developments. We are eager to connect with current and prospective parents, share insights into Harrow’s approach to education, and answer any questions regarding admissions, programs, and future opportunities. In addition to this, we look forward to strengthening ties with the Harrovian community in Lagos, and this event offers a chance for everyone to network, share experiences, and celebrate the enduring bond of the Harrow spirit,” she enthused.

Harrow School is a full boarding institution for boys that is located in a leafy 300-acre estate, encompassing much of Harrow on the Hill in north-west London and was founded in 1572. One of the world’s leading independent schools, Harrow School is renowned for its academic excellence, outstanding care, and commitment to nurturing young leaders.

Drawing on its distinguished history and a global network of alumni, Harrow School continues to offer an exceptional educational experience, preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world. William Landale, a former Head of School and current Director of the Harrow Association which seeks to connect a total of 11,000 old boys and Douglas Collins, Chief Executive of the Harrow Development Trust, were part of the delegation.