Wale Jagun
Family members, friends, dignitaries, and members of the Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU) on Tuesday gathered to mark the 90th birthday of the patriarch of Fadugba Ogunlewe Royal Family of Igbogbo and former Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akinola Ajose Ogunlewe.
The occasion also witnessed the unveiling of Dr. Akinola Ogunlewe STEM Education (AOSTEM) Centre, Igbogbo, which comprises of a modern lecture block, a well-equipped library, and a computer centre – a significant effort aimed at improving the learning environment and enhancing digital literacy among students.
The event was organised to celebrate a man whose contributions to education and youth development have spanned decades and part of the events commemorating the 70th anniversary of Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU).
Alhaji Quddus Oduntan, Director AOSTEM speaking at the event recalled how the celebrant has over the years contributed in no small measure to the development of education in Igbogbo, especially his impact on students.
“In the year 1974, the family of Fadugba Ogunlewe planned to celebrate the life and legacy of their father, Pa Amos Ogunlewe, after his demise. During this period, young students from the Igbogbo Students’ Union approached Dr. Akinola Ajose Ogunlewe, the first son of the late Pa Amos Ogunlewe, to request bursary support for the students.
“Out of his deep love for education and community development, Dr. Akinola Ajose Ogunlewe decided to turn his father’s Pa Amos Ogunlewe remembrance celebration into a bursary award programme for Igbogbo Students in tertiary institutions. The funds initially planned for the remembrance ceremony of his father were redirected towards the bursary scheme — for Igbogbo Student Union marking the beginning of a long-standing educational legacy in Igbogbo kingdom,” he said.
He also said that the AOSTEM Centre which aimed at enhancing digital literacy among students in Igbogbo was established with a management team comprising of himself, Mr. Olayinka Ogunlaja, Mrs Yetunde Badejo, Barrister Olatoun Adekoya, Dr. Olarenwaju Ojo. Mr Francis Shonubi and Comr. Abdulsalam Tijani, representing the Igbogbo Students’ Union.
The AOSTEM Director also stated that the centre has since inception engaged in free JAMB tutorial programme, Free Computer Training during the summer holiday and scholarship awards.
“The first Free JAMB Tutorial Programme (for Science students only) commenced in January 2023 with a total of 11 students, and the programme ended with 95 participants. The highest JAMB score recorded was 285. While 80% of the students gained admission into various universities,” said Mr Oduntan.
Since then, three editions of free JAMB tutorial classes have been held with hundreds of students benefiting and students earning high marks.
“The top 4 students were awarded full scholarships to Oriwu Junior Model College, Ikorodu, all of whom are now in JSS 3: to the glory of God. These are: Balikis Arowolo, Rodiat Ogunlewe, Oladunni Moridiyyah and Deborah Awolesi,” he added.
In his keynote address, Mr Waheed Kasali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic & Primary Education, who was represented by Mr. Adedamola Abatan, a Director in the ministry described the 70 years of existence of ISU as decades of impacts.
“Seventy years of existence is a landmark that deserves celebration. The Igbogbo Students’ Union has over the years become a beacon of youth empowerment — nurturing leaders, scholars, and professionals who continue to make Lagos State and Nigeria proud.
“Your story reflects the transformative power of education and the unyielding spirit of community-driven progress.”
While listing the achievements of Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu’s government in education, the PS added, these achievements demonstrate the government’s commitment to quality, access, and equity in education.
“Education remains the most reliable investment in the youth. Through curriculum reform and digital transformation, we are not merely building smarter students — we are nurturing visionary leaders for tomorrow. The Lagos State Government commends the resilience and vision of the Igbogbo Students’ Union, whose 70 years of consistent impact remain a source of pride and inspiration,” he noted.
In his brief remarks, Dr. Akin Ogunlewe expressed deep appreciation to God for the gift of long life and to everyone who had supported his vision over the years. He urged students to take their studies seriously, embrace discipline, and prepare themselves for leadership roles in society.
He emphasised that education remains the strongest tool for building a better future and encouraged the younger generation to make positive use of the new facilities provided for their learning.
A birthday cake was cut to honour Dr. Ogunlewe’s 90th birthday celebration as a further attestation to a life well lived.
In attendance were notable personalities such as Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, a chieftain of GAC, former Minister of Works and founder of AOSTEM, Dr Jaiye Ogunlewe, a chieftain of the Fadugba Ogunlewe family, Mr. Olayinka Ogunlaja, AOSTEM Deputy Director, Mrs Yetunde Badejo, Member AOSTEM Board, Barrister Olatoun Adekoya, Member AOSTEM Board, Comrade Abdusallam Tijani, Member of the board and ISU President and Engineer Wasiu Ogunlewe among others.
