The Old Students Association of Anglican Comprehensive High School, Ipaja, Lagos, has commenced the celebration of the college’s golden jubilee.
Formerly known as Awori Comprehensive High School, the school was originally established in 1973 by the Anglican Church before the military forcefully took it over in 1978. It was however returned to the church in 2000 by Bola Tinubu the then governor of Lagos State.
From left to right. The National President of Old Student Association, Revd Femi Lapite, the school principal Ven Joseph Adediji, and the co-chairman, Prince Sunday Akinremi Ladipo during a press conference by the old students of Anglican Comprehensive High School (formerly Awori Comprehensive High School) yesterday held at the school premises
Over the years, the school has demonstrated its uniqueness in producing students who have made a great impact on the larger society.
The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun who incidentally is the Chairman of the Planning Committee has been extremely involved in mobilising all old students of the school for an enduring celebration.
Already, the school is taking on a new look as the main gate is being reconstructed courtesy of the old students. A number of other infrastructure are also being put in place to make the celebration a memorable one.
Some of the old students on Monday, September 4 embarked on a rally around the Ipaja area visiting some strategic places including St. Andrew’s Anglican Church.
Some of the old students after the rally on Monday September 4
Events for the anniversary
Co-chairman of the Planning Committee, Prince Sunday Akinremi Ladipo gave a run-down of the activities lined up to celebrate the 50 years of existence of the school.
While thanking God for sustaining the school for this long, he said there is every cause to celebrate the grace and mercy of God on the school.
He said the celebration will entail honouring old students of the school who have excelled in various fields as well as a photo exhibition on Monday, September 11 on the school premises.
The alumni will also hold a career talk to intimate students of the school on how to make informed career choices.
An inter-college quiz, medical outreach to the Ipaja community, and a football competition are also being put together to celebrate the epoch event.
Ladipo said the anniversary will peak on Friday, September 15 with a red carpet event at the Ikeja Police College. All old students of the school are expected at the event. An anniversary lecture to be delivered by a distinguished old student of the school will take place on that day. There will also be the unveiling of a compendium that tells the story of the school and its outstanding products on that day.
There will be a carnival-like party on Saturday, September 16 at the school’s premises. Outstanding individuals and some alumni of the school will also be given awards on that day
Some of the old students at the Ipaja Local Council Development Area
Impact of alumni
Also speaking at the press conference the National President of the Old Students Association, Rev Femi Lapite expressed great joy for the great heights the school has reached over time.
He commended the Old students of the school for their relentless support to their alma mater.
According to him, the old students have helped to rehabilitate the school’s Library, Physics laboratory, and chapel. They have also provided some sporting facilities for the school.
“The old students have also helped in renovating the old building on campus. We are changing the face of the school. A modern gate house is being constructed to celebrate the 50th anniversary. This is outside some sets coming for regular mentoring programmes in the school.”
In his speech at the conference, the Principal, Ven Joseph Adediji gave kudos to the family that donated the land upon which the school is built.
Read also: IGP Egbetokun reconnects with alma mater…visits Anglican schoolhttps://churchtimesnigeria.net/igp-egbetokun-reconnects-with-alma-matervisits-anglican-school/
He also congratulated all the stakeholders including the principal officers of the school.
Adediji who is the 13th principal of the school disclosed that there will be a confirmation service along with the thanksgiving service for the 50th anniversary.
Talking about the school, he said, “Our ambition is to raise godly children. The students of the school have excelled in inter-school competitions. Our first set of students will be writing Cambridge exams this year. We run extracurricular activities and ensure that students learn a relevant skill before they graduate from the school”
The all-boarding school according to Adediji has been a shining example in Lagos with products that have excelled in many fields of human endeavours.
He used the opportunity to admonish parents to shun acts that are detrimental to the success of their children while also noting that good education comes with the price of hard work and commitment from parents and teachers.
He called on the government to invest in education and ensure that schools are equipped with modern learning facilities.
