The Pioneer Students of Oba Akinbiyi High School I, Festac, Mokola hill, Ibadan, have called on the Oyo State Government to urgently rebuild the school and provide a safe, modern, and conducive learning environment befitting the institution’s rich legacy.
The appeal was made by Mr. Ranti Famooto, President of the Old Students Association, during the 40th Anniversary and Award Presentation Ceremony of the pioneer and old students of the school. The event was held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the school hall.
Represented by Mr. Ereola Olajide, Mr. Famooto noted that over the past 40 years, Oba Akinbiyi High School I has established itself as a beacon of knowledge, culture, and character, producing generations of men and women who have excelled in various fields across the world.
“This legacy of excellence is a testament to the dedication of our past and present principals, our devoted teachers, non-academic staff, and loyal alumni. Your collective sacrifices and contributions have shaped this great institution into what it is today,” he said.
“Today, we are not only celebrating the passage of time but also decades of resilience, excellence, and service to our community. This gathering reminds us of how far we have come as an institution and how much we owe to those who laid the foundation before us.”
He further encouraged current students to remain curious, learn with eagerness, and draw strength from shared experiences, noting that knowledge and values acquired will serve as building blocks for their future success.
” This legacy of excellence is a testament to the dedication of our past and present principals, our devoted teachers, non academic staff and loyal alumni, your collective sacrifices and contributions have shaped this great institution into what it is today.”
“Today, we are not only celebrating the passage of time, also four decades of excellence, resilience and service to our community, this gathering reminds us of how far we have come as an institution and how much we owe to those who laid the foundation before us.”
He admonished the present day students to always ask questions, learn eagerly and draw strength from the experiences shared with them in order to make the knowledge and value they gained build blocks of success for them in the years to come.
” On behalf of the alumni, I wish to thank the school governing board, management staff and fellow old students for your unwavering contributions, together we stand as proud beneficiaries of this great institution and together, we pledge to continue giving back to sustain it’s growth.”
In her speech, the pioneer Principal of the school, Mrs Abiodun Modupe Ayeni descried the programme as laudable precedence which will go a long way to inspire the young students in the right direction.
Mrs Ayeni who started the school in 1980 with the first set of students from 1980 to 1985, 45 years ago, said the occasion is a testament to the achievements of the school and the first sets of students who have excelled in their different fields of endeavors.
‘I am so excited and fulfilled for this wonderful celebration, I am so attached to these wonderful students who today have excelled in their different fields of endeavors. May God continue to bless and lift you up in Jesus name.
Mrs Ayeni urged parents to spend quality time with their children, adding that it is the only way to ensure sound education and quality moral upbringing capable of shaping the future of their children.
She equally called on government to invest more in education in order to rescue the industry from collapsing.
Also speaking, Mrs Adesiyan Victoria Omolara, current Principal of the school, described the program as a commemoration and celebration of the journey of the past years and memories of achievements that have shaped the institution into what it is today.
According to her, “45 years is a remarkable achievements, yet, we are not relenting relent here on our achievements, we look ahead for hope and more success.”
Mr Ereola Olajide Secretary of the anniversary described the program as a way of giving back to the school what the school gave them 40 years ago.”
“We are celebrating 45 years anniversary of the school and 40 years of first set of students of the school. The program had some Non Governmental Organization and Individuals who spoke with the students on academics, drug abuse and others.
The occasion featured cultural dance, presentation of sets of new chairs and tables to the school and awards to some deserving old principal and teachers. Some of them included the pioneer Principal Professor Mrs Ayeni, Mrs Folashade Oluwatise a former teacher who composed the school anthem and few others.
A few minutes pause was observed to honor the memory of those who are no longer with them.
For the students of the school, it was a moment of joy and excitement as they savour the sensation of the occasion.
