Baptist Academy marks 166th founder’s day with ‘In the service of BAOSA’, a journey of stewardship’
Cross section of BAOSA members after the thanksgiving service
Some 40, 50 years ago, certain boys met at the Baptist Academy, Lagos, one of the oldest schools in Nigeria.
Interestingly, many of them have remained friends since then, despite the fact that life’s journey dispersed them to different parts of the world. Some still kept in touch, even if it was through mediated communication.
However, the recent 166th Founder’s Day celebration brought them under one roof at the school hall. It was, therefore, not surprising that they bantered, hugged and replayed the oldies, as their hearty laughter filled the air.
The fact that many of them now have grey hairs was not enough to deter them from vividly recalling their experiences and journey through the school. With nostalgic smiles, they narrated in-depth details of their interaction with the school, teachers and colleagues.
Although this year’s founder’s day was more or less like previous ones, one different highlight was the presentation of a book titled: ‘In the service of BAOSA, a journey in stewardship,’ written by Mr. Lanre Idowu, the immediate past President of Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA). Idowu served the association in different capacities, which culminated in his being made president between 2016 and 2021.
The book afforded Idowu the opportunity to recount his experiences, which included his stewardship while serving the association from 1986, starting as a committee member.
Before the book was unveiled, there was a panel discussion on ‘In the service of alumni association,’ moderated by Mr. Olumide Ajumole with Mr. Kunle Jenrola of 71 set; Dr. Akinfa Kalejaiye of 81 set; Rev. Philip Abiodun Ayoola of 91 set and Mr. Ayotunde Ibrahim Durosinmi of 2002 set as discussants.
They took turn to give account of their experiences while in the school and how the values instilled in them helped in navigating through life after leaving secondary school. They were all unanimous in their verdict that the discipline they endured back then came handy and was responsible for their views and values, which had made them persons of integrity and ensured enduring careers.
But it was not all about the pleasant memories alone, as they equally reminisced on the unpleasant tales. The moderator got the audience roaring with laughter, as he told them how he drew up a list of nominees for the teachers good in the art of flogging.
The panelists revealed that after leaving secondary school, members of their graduating class lost touch, but later got together, and even have social platforms where they discuss via mediated communication.
They commended the author of the book for putting his thoughts down, especially as it has helped them to renew their interest and commitment to the alumni association, which they hoped to propagate among the sets.
Adekunle said after reading the book, he suddenly saw the importance of alumni associations and the need to be part of them.
Explaining why he wrote the book, Idowu said when he came into office, he noticed that there was a reawakening of interest in alumni associations, especially after the military takeover of schools in the late 70s and the return by civilian government, as old boys associations felt they had a role to play, as legitimate stakeholders in the development of their alma mater. Idowu said though he had stepped down as the association’s president, he is not backing down on his stewardship to BAOSA because he is still an alumni of the school and member of the association.
“It means my role will now take a different shape,” he said. “I still intend to be relevant, active, lend my voice and experience to the continued growth of both the school and the alumni association.”
He was optimistic that the school would continue to witness positive development, as there is room for continued engagement.
Speaking on one of his achievements, Idowu explained that when he came in as president, there was no ceiling to tenure, as a president would be in office for as long as he kept getting nominated and returned to office.
“But I decided that there should be a tenure,” he said. “So, I set up a constitution review committee and we came up with the decision that it should be two years for a term and two terms of two years each maximum. The first year was spent tackling that, while the tenure started the next year. So, I spent five years in all.”
The current President of BAOSA, Mr. Akin Fatunke, said he was elated that the book was unveiled during his tenure, as it is a rich manual about the school and the alumni body.
He said: “I am happy and asking that Nigerians and sub-Saharan Africans should come to learn from what is happening at BAOSA. My immediate predecessor has written down his thoughts on how alumni should be run. He passed the baton to me. A lot of the things we are going to see in the book are things that Nigeria should learn from, when it comes to succession planning; no reinventing of wheel. Common thoughts, the goal of always ensuring that the ideals of our alma mater remain in the forefront is essential.
“I am going to copulate with like minds to ensure we take things forward, and then those that will succeed me will also have a template they can use. More than ever, we are going to do everything possible to ensure that morality is restored, just like ethics and that legally speaking, we take back what belongs to us.
“We want all stakeholders to see the efforts we are putting together, so that secondary school education can take the pride of place in our country again.”
Earlier, Pastor Kumuyiwa Bamgbose, an old student, had preached during the thanksgiving service. He spoke on ‘The service culture,’ maintaining that it is service that comes from education that can change the world and not just education.
He noted that until the country prioritises service culture, it would not make any headway. In his view, Nigerians of purpose, who have something to offer the country, are always busy with other things, while they leave politics and the country’s administration to politicians, who want to be in power for popularity and wealth.
He said Nigerians should be driven by the need to serve and not the need to acquire power, and that quest for position should be replaced with that of purpose, as it is service that comes from dedication that can bring positive changes.
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