The Birch Freeman High School, Surulere, Lagos, recently wore a convivial outlook as its old students–the Birch Freeman Old Boys Association (BIFOBA)– celebrated its 2026 reunion in grand style. The hall buzzed all through the ceremony as classmates shared fond memories of the past and plotted how to further give back to the school that nurtured them to become responsible, successful citizens.

The ceremony witnessed the commissioning of two projects executed by the association by the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun – an internal road connecting the two school gates rehabilitated by the 1972 set and a state-of-the-art science laboratory built by the UK Chapter of the association.

BIFOBA also used the occasion to swear-in a new set of executives to steer its affairs for another term. The new executive members included: General Anthony Onibasa (rtd) (National President); Olalekan Oshodi (Vice President, School Affairs); Lanray Olayinka (Vice President, Government and Member Affairs),  Oni Temitope (General Secretary) and Adelani Adekunle (Treasurer).

Also sworn-in were  Shola Oniwinde (Financial Secretary); Nwosu Chukwueloka (Assistant General Secretary), Ehizele Micheal (General Secretary), Adebuji Sunday (Public Relations Officer), and Joel Akamagwuma (Internal Auditor).

In his acceptance speech, Onibasa thanked the members for re-electing him, assuring that his administration would consolidate on previous achievements while fostering unity and stronger engagement among members.

Noting that the essence of old boys’ associations is to give back to the alma mater as a way of saying thank you for the formative values imbibed while in school, Onibasa recalled achievements of BIFOBA, disclosing that within a space of about 12 months the association renovated the school auditorium, rehabilitated 13 classrooms in the Senior School, and provided over 200 seats and benches as well as 26 new white marker boards to the school.

He also stated that between 2024 and 2025, the association sponsored tutorials to prepare students of the school for UTME, WAEC and NECO exams, which contributed to the success of many students who are doing well in higher institutions across the country today.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Reunion Planning Committee, Olugbemi Soyinka, described the gathering as more than a reunion, noting that it symbolised shared history, unity and enduring bonds among members.

The Chairman of the Transition Committee, Denjo Okuyiga, described the reunion and inauguration of the new executives as a long journey. He urged the new leaders of the association to embrace everyone as long as they are old students of the school.

Speaking with journalists, the Principal of Senior School, Mrs. Ajiboye Sakirat and the Principal of Junior School, Mr. Oriola Bamidele, praised the old students for their interventions, saying they have improved teaching and learning in the school a great deal.