Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will chair the celebration as the Olivet Baptist High School National Old Students Association (NOSA) hosts a three-day event to commemorate the school’s 80th anniversary from 10th to 12th April.
Among other activities, Chief Obasanjo is expected to serve as chairman of the fundraising and book launch scheduled for Saturday, 12th April, at the School Hall in Oyo Town.
The dual-purpose event aims to rally alumni worldwide for legacy projects that will support the structural and technological development of Olivet Heights. It will also include the launch of the Olivet book compendium titled Olivet’s 8 Decades Journey and Inspiring the Future.
Other notable personalities expected at the event include business mogul Femi Otedola, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, and Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat. Also expected are a former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Wande Abimbola, and a member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Akeem Adeyemi. The Royal Father of the Day is the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
Chairman of the Anniversary Central Planning Committee, Dr Olusegun Ahmadu, stated that NOSA’s mission for the fundraising initiative is to drive the renewal of critical educational and infrastructural projects to ensure current students enjoy a superior learning experience.
According to him, “The National Old Students Association has, from time to time, undertaken projects designed to preserve the rich history of the school and burnish its enduring impact as an iconic educational institution. In continuation of this mission, the 80th Anniversary Fundraising will be further channelled towards restoring and enhancing the glory of the school.”
Dr Ahmadu also urged all old students, both home and abroad, to see the school’s 80th anniversary as “a unique opportunity to relive old times, give back generously, and chart an impactful future for our great alma mater.”
Located in Oyo Town, Olivet Baptist High School, formerly Baptist Boys’ High School, was founded by the American International Mission Board on 29th January 1945 and is affiliated with the Nigerian Baptist Convention. As one of the nation’s iconic public secondary schools, it has, through its 80 remarkable years, remained a beacon of learning, growth, and community transformation, nurturing generations of thinkers, leaders, and visionaries.
At its inception, the school was among the few in Nigeria, outside Lagos, that boasted hostel facilities, staff quarters, and excellent laboratories for sciences, home economics/food & nutrition, fine arts, and music. It also featured workshops for metalwork, woodwork, and technical drawing (mechanical/building), an agricultural centre with poultry and a fishpond, and various sports facilities. Consequently, Olivet Heights became a dominant force in inter-school academic literary and debating competitions as well as sports, excelling in football, basketball, hockey, handball, and athletics. The school also offered facilities for lawn tennis, cricket, squash, badminton, volleyball, chess, and table tennis.
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