Today, a number of us are professors, academic and medical doctors, engineers, politicians, council chairmen, and union leaders, among others.
— Chairman of the 1984 Graduating Set, Mallam Abdullahi Isiaka
The hallowed grounds of Okelele Secondary School, Ilorin, came alive on Saturday as the 1984 pioneer graduating class gathered to celebrate their 40th anniversary of graduation. The reunion brought together successful professionals from various fields, former teachers, and distinguished guests in a day filled with nostalgia, reflection, and renewed commitments to the institution that shaped their formative years.
The celebration, which took place at the school premises, featured prominent alumni who have risen to become leaders in education, healthcare, law, engineering, and various other sectors of society. Many traveled from across Nigeria and overseas to attend the milestone event.
The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, Hon. Commissioner for Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, who chaired the occasion, the pioneer principal of the school, Dr. Toyin Akanbi and representative of the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. Abdulqoweey Cook Olododo, and that of Alhaji Abdblmumeen A. Abdulmalik, President of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, among others.
The guest speaker at the occasion was Dr. Falilat Jumoke Ajao, Head of Department of Computer Science at Kwara State University, Malete, who delivered an insightful address to the gathering.
Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, congratulated the pioneer graduating set for maintaining connections with each other and their alma mater for four decades. After inspecting the dilapidated classrooms and facilities in the school, he directed that an official representation be submitted to his office regarding the school’s condition for necessary action.
In an address later read on his behalf by Mrs. Olawumi Oludare, a director in the ministry, the Commissioner encouraged the old students to establish endowments for structures and facilities to support the school’s development.
The National President of Okelele Secondary School Old Students’ Association, Professor Isiaka Zubair Aliagan, who is also a member of the 1984 graduating set, made a passionate appeal for the alumni to contribute more significantly to the development of their alma mater.
Professor Aliagan specifically addressed the poor state of the school’s infrastructure, noting that the access road from the main Okelele road was “presently not motorable at all,” and appealed to the Commissioner of Works to facilitate the construction of a proper access road and urged the Commissioner for Education to help rehabilitate the dilapidated classrooms.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of the 1984 Graduating Set, Mallam Abdullahi Isiaka, highlighted the significant achievements of his classmates over the past four decades.
“Today, a number of us are professors, academic and medical doctors, engineers, politicians, council chairmen, and union leaders, among others,” he stated, attributing their success to the strong foundation laid at Okelele Secondary School.
Isiaka recounted how the school instilled in them the values of discipline, resilience, and hard work that guided them through life’s challenges. He emphasized that the bonds formed during their school days had provided emotional support, business partnerships, and collaborative opportunities throughout their professional lives.
The event was particularly significant as it took place during the tenure of Barrister Akanbi Abdulkadir Albarka, the current principal of the school, who is himself a member of the 1984 graduating set. Professor Aliagan congratulated Barrister Albarka, noting that under his leadership, “the school has witnessed many remarkable developments and has continued to record impressive landmarks.”
The principal, Barrister Akanbi, recounted the groundbreaking achievements recorded by the school during his tenure and assured that with the support of the old students, the school would continue to record an impressive record to the pride of all.
One of the emotional highlights of the day was the address by Dr. Toyin Akanbi, the pioneer principal of the school and former Provost of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. Dr. Akanbi expressed profound joy that the students he had trained had become successful references in various fields of human endeavour.
“I am immensely proud to see how far you have all come,” he remarked. “The seeds we planted four decades ago have grown into mighty trees that now provide shade and nourishment to society.” He encouraged the alumni to continue serving as role models for upcoming generations and to give back to their alma mater through endowments and mentorship programs.
During the ceremony, the alumni paid tribute to deceased classmates and teachers with prayers, acknowledging their contributions to the school’s legacy.
