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It was a day of nostalgia, thanksgiving and fresh commitment as old students of Esiẹ/Iludun Anglican Grammar School (EIGS), Irepodun Local Government, Kwara State, 1972-76 Set converged to celebrate the golden jubilee of their graduation. Fifty years after they left the institution that shaped their lives.
What fate has joined together, let no one put asunder. Fate has its own unique way of expressing itself in the life of its bearer. Every being is a carrier, bearer of fate. And it defines the path of the life we live in. So be it with the EIGS 1972-76 Set.
The event, held on June 20, 2026, in Ilorin, brought together former classmates across Nigeria and the Diaspora. Many of whom have distinguished themselves in academia, law, medicine, diplomacy, public administration, business, politics, media and other fields.
With the theme, “Fifty Years of Grace, Grit and Glory,” the celebration provided an opportunity for the alumni to reflect on their shared experiences, honour departed colleagues and reaffirm their commitment to their alma mater.
In her keynote address, set’s Head Girl, Mrs. Felicia Akingbade, took attendees on a journey through memory lane, recalling the challenges and triumphs that defined their years on “Ora Hill,” as the school is fondly known: “Fifty-four years ago, we walked into Esiẹ/Iludun Anglican Grammar School as boys and girls with hearts full of dreams. Today, 50 years after, we sit here as men and women crowned with grey hair, grandchildren and stories that books cannot contain. Our collective story is one of divine grace, resilience and achievements.”
She recalled that many members arrived at the school from different backgrounds at a time of significant national transition: “1972 was the year EIGS became co-educational and when Nigeria switched from left-hand to right-hand driving.”
Akingbade described how grace sustained members through the rigours of boarding school life, harsh punishments, academic pressures and the uncertainties of the nation’s socio-economic landscape: “Not everyone who started with us in Form One is here today. We remember them. We honour them. That we are alive, healthy and together today is a testimony to God’s grace.”
Reflecting on the grit instilled by the institution, she recounted how students fetched water from streams, cleared grasses manually, studied under difficult conditions and competed successfully in sports and academics: “Those experiences helped shape a generation of accomplished professionals, including diplomats, legislators, judges, bankers, doctors, journalists, engineers, academics, civil servants, entrepreneurs and religious leaders.
“We are not lucky; we are tough. And we learned that toughness on the red soil of Esiẹ/Iludun.” She described the set’s greatest glory not merely as professional success but in the enduring bonds forged over five decades:
“Glory is seeing someone who once borrowed your Biology notes become a professor. Glory is that we can still call one another by our nicknames and feel at home. Glory is that after 50 years, we remain one family.”
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Chairman of the set, Dr. Sule Ayodele Popoola, expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of members and granting them the privilege of witnessing the historic milestone. He recalled that members of the set came from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and were nurtured by dedicated teachers who played pivotal roles in their lives.
Though the set did not enjoy a formal graduation ceremony in 1976 due to circumstances prevailing at the time, Popoola said the golden jubilee provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate their collective journey and achievements. He paid glowing tribute to departed colleagues and highlighted the contributions of the set to the growth of the school and the alumni association over the years.
“Members of the set have consistently supported projects within the school, including the renovation of infrastructure, payment of alumni dues and assistance to fellow alumni in need. Our commitment to EIGS remains unwavering. Despite economic challenges and the fact that many of us are now senior citizens, we remain determined to support the institution that gave us so much.”
Popoola appealed to the Kwara State Government to include the school in its future renovation and infrastructure development programmes, while encouraging alumni and stakeholders to support the institution’s endowment fund and other development initiatives.
He acknowledged concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara South, explaining that the prevailing security situation influenced the decision to hold the anniversary celebration outside the school premises.
Chairman, Planning Committee, High Chief Ademola Mike Oyeniyi, described the event as a celebration of God’s faithfulness and the enduring spirit of a unique generation of EIGS alumni: “Members of the set have risen to leadership positions in various sectors, including judiciary, academia, healthcare, public service, politics, media and military.”
He said organising a milestone event of such magnitude came with challenges, particularly in the areas of mobilisation and funding: “But the collective commitment of members ensured its success. This celebration is about thanksgiving, reunion and rekindling the bonds that have sustained us for more than five decades. It is also about giving back to the institution that helped shape our future.”
The event featured moments of reflection, tributes to deceased classmates, cultural displays, music and dancing, as participants relived memories of their school days and refreshed friendships forged more than half a century ago.
As the celebration drew to a close, a common sentiment echoed among attendees: that Esiẹ/Iludun Anglican Grammar School gave them more than education, it gave them lifelong friendships, enduring values and a foundation for service and success.
For the Class of 1976, the golden jubilee was not merely a commemoration of the past but a reaffirmation of their resolve to remain united, support one another and continue investing in the future of their alma mater.
