When the set of 1979-84 alumnae of Methodist Girls’ High School (MGHS), Sabo Yaba converged for the small 145 anniversary and their 40 years since leaving the school, it was a journey back to the formative days that shaped their lives. Chinyere Okoroafor who witnessed the events report.
The reunion of Methodist Girls’ High School’s (MGHS) 1979-84 set wasn’t just about celebrating; it was about reconnecting, honouring their roots, and giving back to the institution that nurtured them. The three-day event marked not only the school’s 145th anniversary but also 40 years since their graduation, creating a meaningful and emotional return to their alma mater. For these women, it was a time to reflect on the past, express gratitude, and continue the tradition of support and giving that has defined their journey.
Alumnae traveled from various corners of the world to reconnect with old friends and demonstrate their enduring commitment to the school.
The festivities kicked off last Thursday with a relaxed meet-and-greet at a hotel on the Island, where the planning committee had gathered. The informal setting allowed old friends to reconnect, share stories, and rekindle their bonds.
The next day, the group assembled at the school’s premises to unveil a newly-built long jump pitch. The project, fully funded by the alumnae, represented their commitment to the school’s growth and their desire to give back in a way that would benefit future generations.
The new pitch is part of their continued efforts to enhance the school’s sports facilities and provide more opportunities for the students.
For the set, it was not just about celebrating the past, but about creating a legacy for the future.
Speaking at the unveiling, the President of the MGHS 1979–1984 set, Mrs Folashade Ogundairo explained the motivation behind their choice of project. “We’ve always been passionate about giving back to our alma mater. In the past, we’ve donated whiteboards, computers, laptops, and printers. But this time, we wanted to focus on something more sporty,” she said.
She explained that the choice to build a long jump pitch was inspired by the school’s athletic history.
Ogundairo emphasized that MGHS has produced several talented athletes. She noted, “We noticed there was a gap, especially since we have very good long jumpers at MGHS.”
The new facility is intended to nurture students’ athletic talents. “For the students, both now and in the future, it’s a way to aim for the best,” Ogundairo added. “We have sport-oriented students, and having this facility will help them achieve greater success.”
The project was fully funded by the contributions of set members through their annual dues. Ogundairo described the group as a “sisterhood” that supports one another. “We uplift each other,” she said, proudly noting that their bond is something other sets admire.
The set’s Chairperson committee members. and also the global social and welfare secretary of this year’s reunion, Funlola Fowowe-Jeje stressed the importance of staying connected to one’s alma mater and peers. “Your network is your net worth,” she said, emphasizing that shared history and familiarity strengthen collaboration. The group has also made lasting contributions to the school, including adopting and sponsoring an indigent student.
Fuowe Jeje highlighted the enduring connections formed since their school days, stating, “We started at the age of 9, 10, 11. We’re now approaching our sixties, and that bond is still there. Even our children are like each other’s children.” She added that research has shown that these connections contribute to longevity and well-being.
Reflecting on her experience as the chairperson, Fuowe-Jeje expressed joy in reconnecting with old friends. “It’s more of giving than receiving,” she said, describing the excitement of reuniting with friends who traveled from the United States and the United Kingdom for the celebration.
At the event, Ibijoke Fasola, MGHS Vice President for Africa region, reflected on the significance of the set’s 40-year journey. “It’s been 40 years since we left Methodist Girls’ High School. Being here brings a lot of memories,” she said. Fasola emphasized that the new facility is about more than just infrastructure. “It’s a way of actually telling them that they also, years later, need to give back,” she added.
She also noted the global impact of the MGHS alumni network, referencing a major building constructed by the association’s worldwide members. “This school made a lot of us. When you go out, you realize you had a better education than most others did at our time,” she said, expressing pride in the school’s legacy.
After the unveiling of the long jump pitch, the reunion continued with a free session on wellness and mental health led by a health expert. The alumnae were guided on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and joy. The session highlighted the value of self-care and provided practical advice on leading a healthier lifestyle.
Later that day, the women gathered for a vibrant beach party, dressed in colorful adire outfits and beach hats. The beach setting offered a mix of fun and fitness, as a gym instructor led them through aerobics and yoga exercises. Fresh fruit juices and veggie snacks were served, reflecting the health-conscious theme of the day.
The evening wrapped up with a lively karaoke night back at their hotel, where the women sang old-school hits, laughed, and reminisced about their shared history.
The final day of the reunion was marked by a grand homecoming celebration at the Dame Caroline Adebutu Hall.
Alumnae from various sets came together to commemorate the school’s 145th anniversary. The dress code for the event was inspired by the glamorous Gatsby era, and the women arrived in elegant black dresses with feathered headbands, embracing the bold and stylish theme.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the alumnae celebrated not just their own set’s milestones, but also the rich legacy of MGHS, which has shaped generations of women over its 145-year history.
One of the most memorable moments of the anniversary celebration was when the 1979-84 set recreated the traditional South African Ipitombi dance.
The dance was originally performed by the set in 1977 during their school days, and bringing it back 45 years later stirred deep emotions among the attendees. As the alumnae took to the stage, their graceful and rhythmic movements drew cheers and applause from the crowd.
The dance was not just a performance; it was a celebration of their lasting bond and the joyful memories they shared as students. The women expressed their pride in their set’s enduring spirit of unity and friendship, showcasing the dance with the same energy and enthusiasm as they had decades ago. It was a powerful reminder of their shared history and the traditions that continue to connect them even after so many years.
Speaking on the sideline, the Global President of the MGHS Old Girls Association, Mrs Remi Ajosa – Adeogu described the occasion as a significant one, noting the importance of maintaining ties with alma mater. “This year is special because it is the 145th anniversary celebration of our school,” Adeogu said. “In order to ensure that everyone who comes for this reunion has a memorable experience, we decided to have the Gatsby theme. We encouraged everyone to dress in style, and we planned all sorts of entertainment.”
The reunion wasn’t just about reliving past memories. It also served as an opportunity to showcase the association’s contributions to the school over the years. “Apart from this reunion, the Old Girls Association has done a whole lot to give back to the students. For instance, this building where we are was an old structure that collapsed, and we’re rebuilding it. So far, we have spent over ₦500 million on this hall we are using now,” she said.
Adeogu emphasized the importance of staying connected to one’s roots and giving back to institutions that have played pivotal roles in individual growth.
The final day of the reunion was filled with activities that emphasized the lasting bond between the 1979-84 set and their alma mater.
One of the standout events was a presentation titled “How Well Do You Know Your Principal and Lessons Learned.” This interactive session encouraged participants to reflect on their school experiences, share memories, and speak about the lessons their principal had imparted to them during their school years. Those who participated received gift bags as tokens of appreciation, creating an atmosphere of shared reflection and laughter.
In addition, the set took time to honour some senior alumnae with special goodie bags, acknowledging their contributions and dedication over the years. The gesture highlighted the set’s commitment to maintaining connections across different generations of MGHS alumnae.
On Sunday, the group gathered at the school’s church, dressed in elegant white and red gear attire, for a thanksgiving service. They offered prayers of gratitude for a successful and memorable reunion, celebrating their enduring friendships and the school’s legacy.
After the service, a reception was held where the alumnae took the opportunity to recognize and appreciate individuals who played key roles in making the reunion a success.
The President of the set presented plaques of honor to those who had gone above and beyond in their contributions.
During the reception, each alumna introduced herself and her current occupation, fostering a sense of connection beyond their school days. The gathering also included a solemn moment of silence to honour their classmates who had passed away, a reminder of the journey they all shared.
The atmosphere lightened as the alumnae began reminiscing about their school days and fond memories from their youth. They all took turns dancing to old-school music, reliving the carefree joy of their teenage years with cheers and laughter.
Methodist Girls’ High School (MGHS), founded in 1879 by British missionaries, has a long and distinguished history of shaping generations of women. The reunion was not just a celebration of their past; it was a testament to the enduring sense of sisterhood and commitment to giving back that the school instilled in its students.
