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Tag: Alumni

  • Education: Alumni renovates school, harps importance of stakeholders’ partnership in community building

    Education: Alumni renovates school, harps importance of stakeholders’ partnership in community building

    The Lagos State Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Dr. Olufunke Idowu Oyetola, along and other stakeholders in the education sector, have called for more partnership with government, in creating an enabling environment for proper grooming of students in schools.

    Dr. Oyetola gave the charge at the commissioning and handing over of school facilities by the Alumni of Stadium Grammar School Old Student Association in Lagos on Tuesday.

    The TGPS, who was ably represented by Mrs. Maria Ojo the Director School’s Administration Education District 1, touch on the importance of collaboration between the alumni and well-meaning individuals in the society to cover the existing gaps for a better Lagos.

    “I appreciate the Alumni Stadium Grammar School for coming together to complement the works of Mr. Governor by supplying dual seats in good numbers, a laboratory and ICT rooms well equipped for the students to have different leaning activities. 

    “We will address the students, the principals and teachers to ensure the maintenance of it, because in our schools we have a policy that if you spoil it, you will replace it. 

    “I am sure these students are well cultured and tutored to maintain whatever they’ve been given to use, so we urge them to continue to use it well so that others can benefit from it.

    “The alumni is keen about the fact that they left the school as Stadium Grammar School but its now Junior school because of the population of the environment, so they are now asking for the restoration back to a senior school, with their commitment to giving back to their school, as it affects creation of a better learning environment, government can later decide in their favour.”

    In the words of Mr. Olowe Oluwatayo, the National Coordinator Stadium Grammar School Old Student Association, it is essential for all able individuals of the community to make it better in all forms, all developmental moves should not be left at the doorsteps of the government alone.

    “When we got here in 2017 what we met on ground was not what we enjoyed in our time, when we were in school so, we felt there is a need for us to put resources together to support the government in achieving their goals in the educational sector. 

    “There are so many organizations who partnered with us for this through members of the alumni, because we didn’t like the state, we met the school’s environment and we can’t leave it to the government alone.

    “They have about a hundred schools within the district 1 to cater for and the resources is not there for them, so we need private and public partnership to support the government, so, to the glory of God we have fixed the roofs, railings, classrooms, toilets, the ICT centre, we have given them water and overhauled the hall facilities

    “It is not only the government that is inside the community, we have the teachers, the students, the principals, the alumni members, we all need to come together to develop our community, nobody will develop it for us.

    “You saw the Chief Imam he has been part of the school management committee, we have been working together, so if you are thinking that government should be left alone to do all that we are doing you are taking us backwards.

    “It is a community, we have a lot of people outside the country in the US and UK who donated from their personal resources to the growth of different countries and the development of countries in Africa, so why can’t we do it when we have the resources in Nigeria? 

    “If it is one thousand, two thousand naira you can give to help this generation that is coming up, so we are doing these to imbibe in them that when old enough they can continue in that stead, that is why we told the district that we want the school to be reinstated back to a senior high school so that we can sustain what we are doing as an alumni.

    “The sustainability of the alumni is very key, we can’t have student leave the school in JSS 3, they won’t remember the school.

    “So, we want them to get to SS 3 so that they can join us and learn what we are doing, community services, humanitarian work is very key for us that is why we all have to come together to support the government.”

    Mrs. Salako Arinola a former principal of the school also commended the Alumni for being supportive for all that can bring about development in the school ever since, she urged students to make good use of the facilities in such a way that others coming after them can still enjoy the benefits.

    Comrade Bisola Adeagbo, a Public Relation Officer of the alumni, who left the school in 2005, narrated her ordeals while she was still a student at the school, elated about the new turn of event, she counselled the students to preserve the kind gesture and sustain goodness culture of giving back to their alma mater.

  • ALU Alumni celebrate 10 years with impactful outreach in Makoko

    ALU Alumni celebrate 10 years with impactful outreach in Makoko

    In celebration of African Leadership University’s (ALU) 10th anniversary, a group of dedicated alumni, led by Bright Emasuode, organized a transformative outreach program titled “Discovering the Leader Within: A Workshop for Young Learners.”

    The event took place on July 7, 2025, at Whanyinna Children’s School, nestled in the heart of Makoko, Lagos, a vibrant riverine community known for its resilience and spirit.

    The workshop was designed to spark leadership potential in young learners, emphasizing that true leadership begins with self-awareness, goal setting, and consistent action.

    ALU alumni facilitators introduced the children to the concept of SMART goals, guiding them to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives.

    Through interactive discussions, the children were encouraged to dream big, act with intention, and believe in their power to make a difference in their communities.

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    The outreach extended beyond leadership lessons. The alumni donated books to Whanyinna Children’s School, supporting its mission to provide quality education in a community where resources are often scarce. The day was filled with learning, laughter, and shared snacks, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated growth and togetherness.

    For many alumni, reaching Makoko was an adventure, navigating canoes for the first time to access the floating school. This journey became a powerful symbol of the lengths people go to serve others and the importance of connecting with communities in meaningful ways. The experience deepened the alumni’s appreciation for the resilience and beauty of life in Makoko.

    “Seeing the enthusiasm and determination in these young learners reminds us why we do what we do,” said Bright Kemasuode “Our hope is that every child here leaves believing in their own ability to lead and create positive change.”

    The day concluded with group photos, heartfelt reflections, and a renewed sense of purpose. The energy and curiosity of Makoko’s children served as a reminder that leadership is rooted in service and showing up where one is needed most.

  • Alumni network unveils executive

    Alumni network unveils executive

    Brand Management Academy (BMA) has launched its Alumni Network bringing together some Africa’s marketing and commercial leaders.

    Held in Lagos, the event marked the beginning of a community of over 450 professionals trained by BMA.

    It spans industries, such as FMCG, tech, finance, telecoms, and manufacturing.

    The ceremony drew C-suite executives, industry veterans, and rising stars, united by a shared vision to elevate brand and business leadership.

    “This is more than a reunion,” Olusegun Akinyemiju, network president, said.

    “It’s the birth of a movement, a strategic community driving brand excellence and reshaping Africa’s commercial landscape. The impact starts now.”

    It featured keynote addresses, alumni showcases, panel talk, and an after-party reflecting the vibrancy and camaraderie of BMA community.

    Highlight of the event was unveiling of the executives elected in February.

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    The exco includes Akinyemiju, Olalekan Okeowo (vice president), Ayokunumi Kehinde, Dorcas Akoh, and Ehigie Chika Ruth.

    Founder, Dr. Abiodun Ajiborode, underscored the strategic importance of the alumni network in the academy’s long-term mission.

    “We didn’t just set out to train brand professionals,” he said. “We set out to build an ecosystem—a platform where leaders connect, collaborate, and shape the future of industries across Africa.”

    With plans already underway for mentorship initiatives, thought leadership sessions, social impact projects, and strategic partnerships, the BMA Alumni Network is positioning itself as a catalyst for innovation and industry transformation.

    More than a celebration, the inaugural event signaled a bold new chapter for BMA and its alumni, a network stepping into the future with purpose, passion, and momentum.

    “We’re just getting started,” said Akinyemiju.

    “What we build together will define the next era of brand leadership in Africa.”

  • New AAU alumni executives pledge support for alma mater

    New AAU alumni executives pledge support for alma mater

    Newly elected members of the Executive Council of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Alumni Association, Lagos State Chapter, have pledged their commitment to advancing the institution’s legacy through active alumni engagement, community service, and sustained support for the university.

    The executives were elected during a weekend election held in Lagos under the supervision of the chapter’s Electoral Committee, chaired by Dike Henry, with Prince Ade Ajayi as Secretary, and Tony Erahbor and Lilian Ikpea as members.

    According to a statement by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Rufus Alele, the new officials include A.R.T. Omuvwie (Chairman), Lady Adesua Ogidi (Vice Chairman), Andrew Enegbeta (Secretary), Ehizuelen Ehis (Assistant Secretary), Michael Akharamen (Financial Secretary), Donnelly Simire (Assistant Financial Secretary), and Rufus Alele (Public Relations Officer).

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    The immediate past chairman, Rev. Samuel Okotete, formally handed over to the new leadership in a brief but symbolic ceremony attended by members and delegates. The newly elected officials were subsequently sworn in.

    The event was observed by Comrade Alfred Oloni, Worldwide Assistant Provost and representative of the National Executive Council (NEC), who commended the Lagos chapter for demonstrating exemplary democratic processes and fostering unity among alumni.

    In his acceptance speech, Chairman Omuvwie expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and assured members of transparent and dedicated leadership, driven by a renewed spirit of service.

  • Victory College alumni inaugurate exco

    Victory College alumni inaugurate exco

    A new executive has been inaugurated for Victory High School Alumni. The inauguration held in the college’s hall at Abule-Onigbagbo, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The occasion, held recently, was attended by the Board of Trustee Chairman, Victorian Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho (SAN) and alumni members in Nigeria and abroad.

    The ceremony showcased the spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to the values upheld by association.

    The outgoing Global President, Dr. Oluseyi Olatunji Olorunyomi, during his farewell speech, thanked the members for their support and cooperation during his tenure and encouraged same for the incoming executive.

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    Olorunyomi reflected on their tenure, highlighting achievements of the alumni retreats, schools’ anniversary, continuity of programmes, successful handing over, smooth relationships with the founder’s family and harmony among the alumni members and institution of programmes and building of projects for the school.

    The outgoing alumni association’s leaders were also honoured.

    In his acceptance speech, the new Global President, Victorian Salami Hussein Taiwo, assured alumni members that he will keep to his mandate of

  • Alumni donate two blocks of hostel to Ekiti Polytechnic

    Alumni donate two blocks of hostel to Ekiti Polytechnic

    The Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Alumni Association has donated two blocks of ultra-modern students’ hostel to its alma mater.

    The hostel is named after the pioneer National President of the alumni association and former Rector of the institution, Dr. Hephzibah Oladebeye, and a deceased member, Mrs. Rita Aboloma.

    At the handing over of the hostel to the institution’s management, the association’s National President, Dr. Oyedokun Abiodun, said the gesture was aimed at creating more conducive learning environment for the students.

    Abiodun added that the facilities would help in addressing accommodation challenge the students of the institution are facing.

    The National President bemoaned the accommodation problem in the public tertiary institutions, saying the situation is taking a toll on various aspects of the lives of the students.

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    He lamented that lack of hostel, which he described as a general problem in most public tertiary institutions, impacts on the academic pursuits of students.

    Abiodun said work was in progress on the alumni association’s  32-room hostel project named after a  former chairman of the polytechnic Governing Council and former Kano State Governor, Dr. Umar Ganduje.

    He described the project billed to accommodate 192 students as part of the association’s contribution to solving accommodation problem on the campus.

    He called on members of the alumni association for assistance towards the building of hostels to support the school in solving accommodation problem.

    The rector, Dr. Temitope Alake, lauded the alumni for the gestures, saying the hostel would soon be available for the students after the perimeter fencing and portal arrangement had been done.

  • Old set stresses importance of alumni

    Old set stresses importance of alumni

    CMS Grammar School, Bariga in Lagos 1972-76-78 set, has held a reunion 51 years after leaving the school.

    Akintola Enilolobo, set chairman, said the event was to rekindle their friendship and duty to the school, noting it was also to glorify God and strengthen their bond over the years.

    Discussants said alumni associations should organise reunion and contribute to development of their alma mater.

    Enilolobo said the occasion was also to reiterate the commitment of ‘Old Grammarians’  to development of the school.

    Chair of the school’s Board of Governors, Prof. Afolabi Leshe, said alumni bodies played crucial roles in schools.

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    He said CMS had produced prominent Nigerians, including former Interim President, the late Chief Ernest Shonekan, the late Chief Akintola Williams, among others.

    Executive Secretary of Lagos Anglican School management board,Victor Olusa, reminded the ‘Old Grammarians’ that the purpose of the thanksgiving was an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate their creator.

     Olusa urged them to always be truthful, stand for justice, live with pure heart and rejoice even in the face of present challenges.

     A key note speaker, former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos,  Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, advised the old students to be mindful of their health, take care of family, give  back to their alma mater and serve God.

    CMS is the oldest school in Nigeria, founded in 1859

  • How alumni can make impact, by don

    How alumni can make impact, by don

    A university teacher, Prof. Adio Folayan, has highlighted the roles of alumni association in the development of the alma mater.

    He spoke during the 63rd Founder’s Day and Global Reunion Festival of the Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School (CAPOSTO), Efon-Alaaye, where he was a prefect in the 70s.

    Folayan, Dean of College of Health Sciences, Joseph Ayodele Babalola University (JABU), Erin-Ijesa, Osun State, delivered a lecture titled: ‘Alumnus:  Rediscovering Your Essence,’ which he interpreted as “The essence/importance or roles of old students association in the development of a school.”

    Describing alumni association as a non-governmental organisation, he said it can advise and complement the efforts of stakeholders in revamping the educational activities of an institution. 

    Folayan, a former Agriculture Commissioner in Ekiti State, said: “The alumni needs to know what needs to be done to revamp the education system, ways to improve, what is being done, where to implement new policies and project.”

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    The university teacher said old students can organise social events, publish newsletters or magazines, and raise funds for their alma mater.

    He added: “Alumni have the potentials to be the most loyal and generous supporter of the school because without strong alumni relations, our prospect pool will be significantly reduced and our chances of significant fundraising success will be compromised.

    “Alumni are an institution’s most loyal supporters in fund raising projects generating invaluable word-of-mouth marketing among their social and professional networks.

    “By engaging alumni, an institution can continue to benefit from their skills, models for current students and are often well placed to offer practical support to students as they start their careers.

    “Our alumni are our international ambassadors. They take their knowledge of our institution to their hometowns, countries and into their professional and social networks.”

    Folayan also pointed out that the association may be an avenue to recognise honour as well as help those who could not make it as much in life.

    He said old students should maintain and sustain communication channels with their colleagues. 

    Alluding to the mentoring role of old students, Folayan said: “Alumni’s good relationship with students of the institution will be a tool to exploring career options and simply want to know more about the line of work, while others will be interested in learning how to leverage their skills and talents into a career in their specific field.”

    He added: “Talented alumni will likely have a wealth of experience and skills to share with current students via talks and newsletters in certain cases, this could go even further with alumni offering to practically support students in work placements and as well help them launch their career or their various positive ambitions.

    “Alumni also donate their valuable time to offer career support to current students through innovative schemes such as accredited professional, mentoring programme, work shadowing and professional networking opportunities.  These enhance the students’ experience and give them that competitive edge in today’s tough job market.

    In a nutshell, the role of alumni could not be over emphasized, they could be vanguard and champions for educational development.  They could leverage on existing efforts, form select committees and critical mass of Alumni members who are committed to the ideals of the association to update the database regularly, set target and milestones for improvement, network/partnership with other Alumni and organize events as appropriate to revamp the institution’s education system.  Alumni could leverage on social media and network to connect the institution to global knowledge and information.”

  • Alumni donate musical instruments

    It was happiness all the way last Thursday when members of Saint Joseph Secondary School, Idi Mangoro, Agege Lagos (SJSS) 2001 set visited their alma mater to donate musical instruments.

    They were warmly received by the Principal, Mr. A.A. Iseyemi , who ensured all members of the staff and pupils were on the assembly ground to witness the donation – two big marker boards,  a Yamaha Keyboard with a keyboard stand, and a guitar.

    The 01 set was represented by Akintan Akinyemi (Chairman); Florence Makinde (Vice Chairman) and Segun Avresivu (Project Coordinator).

    While addressing the current pupils, the Chairman reminisced on school days by getting the pupils to sing the school Anthem with him.  He admonished them to inculcate the spirit of social responsibility by giving back to their alma mater no matter how small because little drops can make a mighty ocean.

    He advised the students to take their academics serious to guarantee a secured future.

    Speaking on the gesture, Isiyemi thanked 2001 set for its yearly contribution to the school. He prayed for their unity to grow stronger and for God’s blessings on them.

    Head Girl of the School, Onome Isibawo, appreciated the Alumni for deeming it fit to contribute to the school’s growth and development through the donation.

  • Alumni donate N12m science lab to alma mater

    IT was a day of empowerment and evocation of fond memories at the reunion party of the 1994 set of the Federal Government College, Ogbomosho (FGCO), held on the school’s premises in Oyo State

    The fun-filled get-together marked 25 years of their graduation from their  alma mater that has continued to turn out industrious and worthy ambassadors since inception.

    Besides recounting beautiful memories in class and hostel life as pupils, a highpoint of the occasion was the formal unveiling of a state-of-the-arts science laboratory donated to the school by the alumni.

    According to the set’s coordinator, Mr Oke Oludotun, it was the second time the 1994 set would contribute to the development of their alma mater. The first was a few years ago when it renovated the school buildings and halls. This time around, the kindness was taken a notch higher by its donation of a well-equipped biology laboratory and other facilities.

    He stated that the reunion was also meant for stocktaking as well as reminiscing on the set’s progress so far. “The need to give back to the school informed the decision of the ‘94 set to embark on a mission to the school sometimes in 2017 to assess firsthand, the state of the school infrastructure and possible areas of intervention. There is nothing any of us would have been without the impact of the school—FGC Ogbomosho,” Oludotun said.

    Other amenities handed over to the school authorities included some renovated classrooms, installation of windows and chairs, air-conditioners, among others.

    He said: “The donations were meant to make the citadel more learning-friendly for current pupils. 25 years after graduating from secondary school is no joke. We have lost members of our set and we had to pay homage and respect during this programme.

    “We felt it was time, most importantly, for us to give thanks to God for how far He has really helped us and to give back to the school that has contributed immeasurably to their growth. As individuals, some of us have grown to become senior managers in big firms; entrepreneurs and business people, if you’d ask me 25 years has dealt us a lot of cards but overall, God has been good to our set and that is why we are here. So, it’s just the least we could do to give something back to the alma mater that made us.”

    A member of the set’s executive, Mr Adeyinka recalled that it became urgent to intervene because of the sorry state of the school premises, noting that “the school buildings were in a deplorable state even while they were still there as pupils”.

    “When we left in 1994, the school buildings were an eyesore. And the 1994 set truly felt uncomfortable seeing the school had remained the same many years after we graduated. We provided doors, borehole, toilets, microscope, diagrams; and removed all the windows and other modern science laboratory equipment including split unit air-conditioners to match with international standard, some of the classrooms were equally renovated.”

    In the same vein, Mrs Abimbola Ade-Philips, another executive member, observed that the gesture would impact on the pupils’ academics performance and social wellbeing, stating that with the sort of laboratory now at their disposal, they have no need to fail or feel intimidated by pupils from ‘expensive schools’.

    “About five years ago, we renovated the Niger House and going back to give back again, the reception was wow. And this time we gave something of international standard, something palpable.”

    The group’s treasurer Mrs, Olubukola Adeyemi, added that: “The donations were on voluntary basis without a fixed amount. We are glad that members of the set responded generously and the over N12million raised. In the all projects done, the most capital intensive was the biology laboratory.”

    The principal and staff members of the school showered praises and prayers on the generous donors, urging its current pupils to borrow a leaf from their predecessors.