St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan, Alumni Mark 64th Founders’ Day with Project Commissioning

On March 17, 2026, St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Bashorun, Ibadan, celebrated its 64th Founders’ Day—a significant occasion that united alumni, students, and staff in honour of the school’s establishment.

The day featured four significant events, including a lecture entitled “Alumni Associations in the 21st Century: Relevance, Challenges, and Opportunities” delivered by Professor Labode Popoola of the University of Ibadan. Other highlights included the commissioning of projects, the launch of the inaugural edition of the SPACO Alumni Compendium, and the presentation of awards.

Old Students all…from left, Dr David Ikumelo, Prof John Obafunwa (DG Nigeria Institute of Medical Research) and Dr Dayo Mobereola (DG NIMASA)

The day commenced with a Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, officiated by Reverend Father Ekene Ugboegwu. Distinguished persons in attendance included Dr. Dayo Mobereola (Director-General, NIMASA), Professor John Obafunwa (Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research), Chief Babatunde Adejumo, Dr David Ikumelo, and Mr Ayo Aluko-Olokun, the National President of the Alumni Association.  

In his address, Mr Ayo-Aluko-Olokun appreciated attendees and used the opportunity to call on the government to deepen relationships with alumni associations for the maintenance and upgrading of facilities in the schools. “We want the government to include different alumni associations in the management of the schools. Currently, several schools rely on former students for infrastructure and maintenance and even to pay salaries of security guards.”

The National President, Mr Ayo Aluko-Olokun

He commended different alumni sets and branches for their renewed commitment to improving the school’s facilities. He listed some of the projects that will be commissioned: “After this service, we will commission six projects completed by various alumni sets and branches: new entrance signage from the Lagos branch; two e-library computers from the 1976 set; an ongoing construction of a sporting complex by the 1995 set; two CCTV cameras from the 2003 set; an upgraded physics lab from the 1981 set; chemicals and equipment for labs from the 1988 set; ongoing Home Economics lab repairs from the 1982 set; and renovation of a block of six classrooms by the 1980 set.

In his admonition, the Reverend Father emphasised the spirit of Saint Patrick, the patron of the school, as one that is hinged on morality, spirituality, service, and forgiveness. He urged the old students to put the pains of the past behind them and work together for the sake of the school, and serve as good examples to the current students.

Mrs Omolara Faniyi, Head Tutor and Permanent Secretary of TESCOM Zone 2, attended the commissioning of the projects and praised the alumni association for helping maintain the school alongside the government. She reminisced about the school’s poor condition about ten years ago when she would visit to mark WAEC exam scripts, and she emphasised how much progress has been made since then.

A cross-section of old students after the church service

In his lecture, Prof Labode Popoola, an alumnus and former vice chancellor of Osun State University, noted that alumni associations must work towards creating networks that will contribute to the growth of schools by mobilising resources for infrastructure, scholarships, and endowments. They also preserve the heritage, traditions, and values of their institutions.

He said alumni associations are indispensable in educational ecosystems; they reinforce academic quality, provide socio-economic support, strengthen institutions, and their collective impact extends far beyond the walls of the schools.

The Alumni Association unveiled the inaugural edition of its SPACO Alumni Compendium, documenting the school’s history, highlighting notable members, and including an admission register from its establishment in 1962 onward.

Awardees include Emeritus Archbishop Felix Alaba Job, recognised for his contributions to education and Catholic schools; Dr Dayo Anthony Mobereola, honoured for mentorship and support of St. Patrick’s Grammar School; and Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa, acknowledged as the first Alumnus Vice Chancellor and for ongoing service to the school.

Barr Fred Akokhia is acknowledged for his ongoing leadership as both a student and alumnus of St Patrick’s Grammar School. Mr John Taiwo Onobote, FCA, is recognised for his generous support, leadership, and contributions toward the improvement of St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan. Mr Babatunde Adejumo is honoured for generously sponsoring academic prizes for students at St Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan, as well as for his dedicated service to the Alumni Association.

The 1981 Set was recognised for infrastructure improvements and academic support at St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan; the 1980 Set supported academic excellence, sponsored projects, and adopted a building for upgrades and maintenance.

1985 Set: For their generous support and sponsorship of development projects at St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan. 1983 Set: In recognition of exceptional contributions to infrastructure, academics, and athletics, which have advanced student progress at St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan. 1995 Set: Appreciation for dedication to enhancing infrastructure and sports, as well as ongoing academic support provided to students.

In the other category, the Lagos Branch was recognised for being the oldest, most active, and highly supportive branch of St Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan, Alumni. The UK Branch was acknowledged for its consistent and generous contributions towards infrastructure and academic excellence at St. Patrick’s Grammar, as well as devoted support for alumni projects at St. Patrick’s Grammar School.