Follow Us on Google
By Lukman Olabiyi
The usually quiet grounds of Ajumoni Secondary School (ASS), Iyana-Isolo, Mushin, Lagos, burst into life on November 30 as members of the 1996/1997 set returned to their beloved alma mater in a heart-warming reunion filled with nostalgia, joy, and a renewed commitment to uplift the school that shaped their early years.
What started as a simple homecoming evolved into a vibrant celebration.
The school premises, decorated with colourful canopies and buzzing with music, drumming, and excited chatter became a festival of memories and gratitude.
For many of the old students, stepping through the familiar gates rekindled the sights, sounds and emotions of their secondary school days.
Yet beyond the laughter and storytelling, the gathering carried a deeper purpose: to give back.
Under the decorated canopies, alumni, now parents, professionals, and community leaders, reunited with old classmates and former teachers who once guided them through their teenage years.
Their presence signalled not just a return to the past but a collective pledge to ensure a brighter future for current students.
The chairman of the 1996/97 set, Frank Ominigbo, speaking on behalf of the association, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school and its teachers for the discipline, values, and foundations they received as young students.
“We are products of this institution. Whatever we have become today, in one way or another, began here. We owe the school our continued support and we remain committed to uplifting its status across the state,” he said.
His words set the tone for a ceremony focused on appreciation, reflection, and responsibility.
Some former teachers who graced the occasion were visibly delighted to see their old students thriving.
A former teacher, Mr Alao Adeleke, spoke with a wide smile as he recounted cherished memories from his years in the classroom.
Seeing his past students return as responsible adults, he said, filled him with profound pride.
He urged them to keep the school’s flag flying and continue supporting ASS in any capacity that strengthens its legacy.
Another former teacher, Mr Festus Ogundare, expressed deep appreciation for being invited. Though he noted humorously that he could barely recognise some faces after almost three decades, he emphasised the importance of unity among the alumni.
“The only way you can help one another is by moving together. “Those who rise to leadership positions should remember their colleagues and lift them up. That is how progress is built,” he said.
Mrs Opara Sophia, also a former teacher, delivered an emotional address, celebrating the growth and achievements of her former students while appealing to them to show compassion to one another.
“Twenty-eight years is no joke. Some of you are now mothers and fathers. Some are happy; some are struggling. Carry one another along. Lifting the less privileged among you will be your greatest achievement,” she said.
Her speech drew nods of agreement and set a reflective mood among the attendees.
Leaders of both the junior and senior schools were present to welcome the returning students and commend their commitment to the institution.
The principal of Ajumoni Junior Secondary School, Mrs Muinat Banjo, expressed joy that the alumni chose to hold their gathering within the school grounds.
She also encouraged them to engage more closely with current students.
“Your success stories can inspire the younger ones. Come back for career talks. Share your skills. Let them see where they, too, can be in the future,” she said.
The principal of the senior school, Ms Opebiyi Oluremi, offered prayers for the association and acknowledged the positive impact of their on-going projects within the school.
“We feel your presence yearly. “Your contributions are helping us build a better learning environment,” she noted.
The reunion was more than a fun gathering; it was a testament to gratitude, unity, and community impact.
