Alumni renovates classrooms, offices as Ilogbo school marks 50th anniversary

Ilogbo High School, Ilogbo-Ekiti, recently celebrated its golden jubilee with a grand five-day celebration to showcase the school’s impact on the community. The anniversary which began on November 20 to 24, 2024 was filled with dignitaries, alumni, and stakeholders from across the country.

Established in October 1974, Ilogbo High School is a beacon of academic excellence in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State. For decades, the school has produced notable dignitaries and professionals in different walk of life. Its founding was made possible by notable indigenes such as the late Oba E.A. Jegede, Hon. Ebunola Jegede, Prof. Omotayo Olutoye, Prince Lola Akeju, just to mention but a few, whose vision was a school that would inspire future generations.

One of its notable Principals is late Rev. J. O. Olugasa whose name now graces the school’s assembly hall. He is always remembered for his discipline and commitment to promoting academic excellence in Ilogbo High School. The institution’s glory days in the 1980s saw its rise as one of the top-performing schools in the old Ondo State, excelling academically, culturally, and in sports.

The 50th anniversary celebration began with a community engagement that features a students’ parade and a courtesy visit to owa of Ilogbo-Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Edward Ajayi. The second day featured a career talk, quiz competition, prize-giving ceremony for exceptional students, and a medical outreach where over 250 people benefited from free medical services.

The third day of the anniversary featured an old School Lapel’s Show, where alumni wore the school uniform to create a nostalgic celebration. Taking themselve back to memory lane. Other activities included the election of new executives, Jumat prayers, a novelty football match, and a gala night.

The grand finale witnessed the commissioning of the renovated legacy building of the school, a block of nine classrooms and the legacy principal’s office of the school, fully funded by the Alumni national body and the members of 1984 set of the institution, costing over 20million naira.

Awards were also presented to distinguished individuals, including Comrade Segun Olugbesan, a former student and teacher who composed the school anthem, pioneer and outgoing executive council members of the Alumni association and some old teachers of the school, such as Pastor Kayode Adeleye, a prominent Yoruba teacher in the late 90s and early 2000s.

The grand celebration also marked the election of new executives for the Ilogbo High School Alumni Association. A crown Prince of Ilogbo-Ekiti, Mr. Idowu Jegede, who is a Port Harcourt-based oil and gas consultant and member of the 1986 set, was elected as the new president, succeeding Mr. Babatunde Joel Agbebi, a United Kingdom based Entrepreneur and Philanthropist. Other elected officers who assumed offices include:

Vice-President: Dr. Olajumoke Oguntoye, General Secretary: Mr. Olamide Awogbemi (reelected), Treasurer: Mrs. Monisola Adebanji, Publicity Secretary: Mr. Olufemi Alonge, Mr. Michael Adebayo as Financial Secretary, Mrs Bukola Ilemobola as Welfare Director, etc.

Ilogbo High School golden jubilee was not just a celebration of the past but also a commitment and promise to the future. The alumni association led by the outgoing executives, has ignited a sense of pride among the school’s graduates. Their efforts have transformed the association, ensuring that the school’s legacy stands forever.

Under the leadership of outgoing executive led by Mr. Joel Agbebi, the association has a website which enable members to connect with each others globally. The association was also registered formally with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), awarded prizes annually to distinguished students of the school who excell in each taught subject annually, and gave the school a face-lift infrastructurally.

Speaking during the event, Comrade Olugbesan reminisced about the school’s golden era in the 1980s, talking about its academic brilliance, cultural heritage, and sports achievements. He applaud the alumni’s efforts to restore its former glory. The chairman of the occasion, Professor Omojola Awosusi, former Registrar of the University of Ado-Ekiti also commended the alumni for their dedication, stating that the school’s continued success lies in the hands of its alumni, students, and community.

The outgoing President, Joel Agbebi appreciated everyone who contributed financially towards making the event an epoch-making. He thanked the members of his team for their cooperation and saluted their commitment and passion.

The outgoing Publicity Secretary, Mr. Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye, expressed delight on the turn out of members.

In addition to the legacy project, the 2002 set of alumni donated textbooks worth ₦200,000 to the school library, further showcasing the commitment to academic excellence. The final gala event brought together alumni across generations, fostering connections and igniting a renewed sense of purpose among attendees.

As Ilogbo High School looks ahead to its next milestone, the achievements of the 50th anniversary celebration serve as a reminder of the power of collective action. With its alumni leading the charge, the school remains a hub of creativity, excellence, and success.

The golden jubilee remains a gracious occasion that not only celebrated the past but also laid the foundation for a brighter future. Igniting a sense of hope and a brighter future for the coming generation of Ilogbo High School graduates.