Kunle Adelabu
-As Sen. Ogunlewe gives 4 students scholarships
In commemoration of 50th anniversary of their graduation from the premier college in Ikorodu Division – Oriwu College, now Oriwu Junior and Senior Model Colleges, Class of 1976, has commissioned a legacy project – a remodeled dining hall for the school.
Members of the set which form an integral part of the Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), were admitted into the old school in 1972 and graduated June 1976.
The scope of the remodeled dining Hall commissioned by a former Principal of the school, Mr A. A Badmus: Complete replacement of the defective PVC ceiling with fibre cement, board-roofing and screeding of same; Replacement of the iron windows with natural graphite powder coated aluminium casement window frames with 6mm thick Alucobond panel and all necessary ironmongery.
The set also embarked on Installation of double leaf metal doors to replace damaged and missing ones; Painting of both the internal and external wall with emulsion, Roof maintenance on the leaking portion of the long span aluminum and Full modernisation of the kitchen with industrial cookers, hygienic workspace, improved ventilation and re-roofing
The anniversary occasion which was in two sessions – morning and afternoon, took place within the school premises on Saturday, November 7th, 2026. It also served as a reunion for the old students who left the school 50 years ago., with students, teachers and the principals of the schools in attendance.
While the morning session was for anniversary speeches, reunion, cultural display and the commissioning of the legacy project, the afternoon session was for the anniversary party and award presentation.
Old students who are members of the set, came from far and near, to attend the celebration with five of them from the US, UK and Canada.
The Chairman of the morning session, Senator Sir Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe, who was a former Minister of Works, expressed happiness at the old students, who were his junior coming together after 50 years and commended the Alumni for giving back to their alma mater.
Sen. Ogunlewe, who is also a chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council, Lagos State and Deputy Chairman, OCEAN Board of Trustees (BoT), charged the current students present to emulate the good example by the alumni after they too graduate from the school.
He presented four (2 Junior and 2 Senior) students scholarships on behalf of the class set to show appreciation for the Association’s gesture.
The height of the morning programme was the commissioning of the Legacy Project by Mr. A.A. Badmus’ son, on behalf of his father who was Principal 1973-76. The old tutor was honoured amongst other distinguished individuals at the anniversary.
In his address at the celebration, Mr. Surajudeen Ajibola Dawodu, Chairman, Class of 1976, said that the celebration is in appreciation to God and the school that shaped their lives.
”We have every reason to thank God. Our journey in Oriwu Model College started for most of us in 1972. The School shaped us and made us. We learnt discipline, we gained knowledge of life and living and developed our character and made lifelong friendships.”
”From this college, we went into the world to contribute our quota in different professions: public service, private sector, entrepreneurship, academia, and full-time homemakers committed to shaping the next generation of great Nigerians.”
”The foundation was laid right here on these grounds in the hostels- classrooms, in the assembly hall, on the sports field, and in this dining hall. We are proud of how far we have come and proud of what the school contributed to our journey so far.”
The Chairman who said that his class set paid courtesy visits to former principals of the college when they are in school, added that they chose full rehabilitation of the school dinning hall as legacy project to mark their 50th anniversary
”We agreed when we began to plan to celebrate 50 years of leaving Oriwu College that we must dedicate a legacy project as a lasting testament of our gratitude and giving back to the institution where it all began. We consulted with the school principal to ascertain the pressing needs of the school.”
”We chose to remodel the Dining Hall and Kitchen because we felt it will serve the good of the larger number of the student population and for the nostalgia that the dining hall invokes. In our days, especially, for boarders, the dining hall was more than a place to eat. It was our second classroom where we learnt punctuality, orderliness, sharing, contentment, brotherhood and sisterhood.”
”Lifelong friendships were forged over a plate of food in the dining hall. To remodel it is to honour our own history and to invest in the future of the students who are here today.”
”This project was funded majorly and supervised by members of the Class of 1976 worldwide, with the support of family and friends and the network of corporate bodies and other well wishers.”
Mr. Dawodu added, “This project is a demonstration of our gratitude and a token of appreciation to our alma mater.”
While acknowledging the commitment of members of his class set, Mr Dawodu also thanked the principal and staff of the college for their support.
He also charged the current students of the college to make good use of the dinning hall and be inspired for excellence.
”To the current students seated here: This hall is now yours. We who ate here 50 years ago have rebuilt it for you. Please maintain it. Keep it clean. Let it inspire you to excellence. And remember, in the year 2076, your own set should return to do even greater things than we have done.”
”Fifty years after graduation, our message is simple: Gratitude is not complete until it is expressed in action. We left Oriwu College (as it then was) 50 years ago, but Oriwu Model College never left us.”
Mr Shamsideen Olakunle Lediju, Chairman of the combined 1975- 1980 Sets of the premier college in Ikorodu Division, also speaking said that the project is in fulfilment of the pledge made by the combined class sets to mark each of their 50th anniversary with landmark projects.
”It is with profound joy and deep gratitude to Almighty God that I stand before you today, in my capacity as the Chairman of the combined Class Sets of 1975 to 1980; reaffirming the promise of a project per year per Celebrating Set of not less than N6 million each. To the Glory of God, we did one last year, presented by the 1975 Set, here we are today delivering the 1976 Set Project.”
”We are looking forward to the 77, 78, 79 and 80 Sets Projects by His Grace and Mercy Amen and Amen.
Mr Lediju emphasised the importance of alumni giving back to their alma mater celebrating landmark anniversary.
”Fifty years ago, in 1976, a group of young boys and girls walked out of the gates of Oriwu College, clutching their certificates, full of dreams. Today, they return not as boys and girls but as men and women, as parents, grandparents, leaders in their various fields, accomplished citizens – to give back to the school that made them.”
He stressed, “The Golden Jubilee is the most significant milestone in the life of any class Set. It is celebration of survival, of brotherhood that has endured for half a century, and of gratitude.”
”When we celebrate 50 years of leaving this great College we celebrate the enduring values Oriwu College instilled in us: Discipline, Integrity, Hard work and Service.”
”This anniversary reminds us that we are products of this soil, and that no matter how far we have gone, we have a root to nurture, ” he added.
In his Presidential address, Alhaji Muhammed B. S. Arole, the National President, Oriwu College Old Students Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), described the 50 years as a celebration of excellence, friendship, brotherhood, and enduring legacy.
”This remarkable milestone represents far more than the passage of fifty years. It is a celebration of life, enduring friendship, shared experiences, personal achievements, collective progress, and the unbreakable bonds. forged within the walls of our beloved Oriwu College, Ikorodu.
”Fifty years is indeed a golden milestone – a testament to resilience, loyalty, perseverance, and the enduring power of brotherhood.”
Alhaji Arole also lauded members of the set for their individual achievements and impacts.
”Today, as we look back on that remarkable journey, we celebrate not only the achievements of individual members but also the collective spirit that continues to unite this distinguished generation.”
”From those formative school days to the heights of professional excellence, community service, leadership, entrepreneurship, and family life, the members of the 1976 Class Set have demonstrated that the true value of education extends beyond certificates and qualifications. It is reflected in character, integrity, service, compassion, and the positive impact we make on the lives of others.”
”This Golden Jubilee is, therefore, a fitting opportunity to honour our shared heritage and recognise the extraordinary journey of a class whose story remains an integral part of the proud history of Oriwu College.”
While congratulating members of the set for sustaining the union in the last 50 years, OCOSAN National President also charged them to renew their strength towards more years ahead.
”One of the most beautiful gifts of our alma mater is the enduring relationship it creates among generations of old students. Time may pass, geographical distances may separate us, and life’s responsibilities may take us along different paths, but the memories of our school days continue to connect us in a special and meaningful way.”
”The 50th Anniversary Reunion is a powerful reminder that true friendship does not diminish with age and that genuine brotherhood transcends distance, status, profession, and personal circumstances.
”As we gather to celebrate this golden milestone, let us renew our commitment to mutual support, love, understanding, unity, and collective responsibility. Let us continue to encourage one another, celebrate our successes, support members in times of difficulty, and ensure that no member feels forgotten or left behind.”
”May this reunion strengthen the bonds that have sustained us over the years and inspire us to build an even stronger and more united OCOSAN family for generations to come.”
He furthered:
”As we celebrate this historic anniversary, I encourage the 1976 Class Set to look beyond the festivities and embrace the opportunities this milestone presents.
“Let this reunion mark the beginning of a renewed chapter of friendship, service, philanthropy, mentorship, and collective development. Let us strengthen our association, document our history, support worthy causes, and establish initiatives that will make a lasting difference in the lives of our members, our alma mater, and society at large,” Alhaji Arole said.
The afternoon session, chaired by Sir David Olabanji Sunmoni, former Pro -Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) and an Alumnus of the school (1968-72 set), who is member of OCOSAN BoT, was full of merriments and networking among celebrants with distinguished guests in attendance.
Celebrants during the session donned white attire with blue cap/headgear representing the College colours.
Diaspora members and others that are outside Lagos were linked through Zoom with a large TV screen in the Hall being watched by members and guests
During the celebration, eight former teachers of the alumni (three still a life and five Posthumous) were honoured with Awards of Appreciation with cash gift. They are Mr. A. A. Badmos (former Principal); Mr. Babafolarinwa Osude (Biology teacher); Alhaji I. B. T. Ajomagberin (Chemistry teacher); and Late Prince Sultan Adeniji-Adele (Mathematics teacher and Benson Housemaster).
Others are Late Mr. T. A. Badmus (Accounts, Typewriting and Shorthand teacher and Ayangburen Housemaster; Late Pa Oyetunde Adeyi (Commerce and Accounts teacher, and Adeboruwa Housemaster); Late Mrs Bernice Oyekanmi – Commerce teacher and House Mistress; and Late Mr. Adefarakan (Mathematics teacher and Allison Housemaster.
Also in attendance were invited guests and representatives of different class sets including 1975-80, 1977, 1979 class sets, and the OCOSAN National body among other who also added colour to the occasion through through their goodwill messages.
It was indeed a golden celebration as guests wined and dined with the celebrants in a charged environment with laughter, pleasure, entertainment complemented by beautiful evergreen music and dance.
