- Commissioning of a newly completed school hall extension
- Donation of ICT, power and learning support equipment by the 71/75 set
- Career-focused anniversary lecture for students
Epe Grammar School, widely regarded as the pride of Epe’s educational landscape, came alive over the weekend as members of the 1971/1975 set returned to their alma mater to celebrate their Golden Jubilee with nostalgia, philanthropy and a renewed commitment to future generations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the high point of the celebration was the commissioning of a newly completed school hall extension alongside the presentation of educational resources donated by the jubilant set to support learning and infrastructure development within the school.
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Performing the commissioning on behalf of the set, His Excellency, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, former High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, described the moment as deeply emotional, noting that it was “a profound honour to celebrate a milestone that is as historic as it is heartwarming.”
Reflecting on the journey of the old students, Obanikoro said “50 years ago, a remarkable set of young men and women walked out of this great institution with hope, discipline and values that would guide them through life,” adding that the 71/75 set remains “proud ambassadors” and “custodians of a legacy that continues to shine.”
Addressing current students, the former senator charged them to remain focused and disciplined, stressing that “look around you, what you see today is what you can become tomorrow,” while encouraging them to embrace technology, noting that “mere working on your phone and laptops will have more information than those in the libraries.”
The event also featured an emotional reflection by Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council and former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who sponsored the construction of the hall extension.
He stressed that old students have a responsibility to uplift their school, insisting that “it must be the cynosure of all eyes.”
Ikuforiji described his rise to becoming Lagos State’s former number three citizen as extraordinary, attributing his success to the foundation laid at Epe Grammar School.
He urged students to maximize present-day opportunities, recalling that “communicating with my mother from abroad took 3 months” during his own school days.
Earlier, President of the 71/75 Set and retired Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Lekan Akodu, underscored the importance of giving back to one’s roots.
He announced donations by the set, including a generator for the ICT laboratory, a mower, a public address system, and a personal ₦100,000 scholarship for outstanding students, describing the gesture as “a public-spirited commitment to the future of the school.”
National President of the Epe Grammar School Old Students Association (EGOSA), Alhaja Olushola Alade-Raji, commended the set for its targeted interventions, noting that the hall extension would “accommodate more students.”
She cautioned students to protect school property, warning that “anyone who vandalizes equipment will be made to replace them.”
Responding on behalf of the school during the presentation of the donated items, the Senior and Junior School Principals, Mr. Ajayi and Mr. Adekunle (Alagbawi), pledged that the resources would be properly utilized and safeguarded.
The anniversary lecture, delivered by Dr. Elemide on behalf of the Provost of Lagos State College of Health Technology, Prof. Akewusola, focused on career building in a fast-changing world.
He encouraged students to embrace creativity and technology-driven opportunities, noting that young people can now earn legitimately even before completing university.
As the celebrations came to a close, the Golden Jubilee stood not just as a remembrance of the past, but as a reaffirmation of the 71/75 set’s enduring bond with Epe Grammar School and their resolve to ensure a brighter future for generations yet to come.
