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By Gabriel Dike
The management of M.D School, New Oko-Oba, Lagos, at the weekend rolled out the drums to celebrate the 40th anniversary of school.
The colourful event attracted current and former staff, parents, pupils, alumni and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the milestone.
The anniversary celebration theme: “Sustained by Grace, Empowered for Impact” featured praise and worship, Bible reading by pupils, the Word by Rev. Tony Akinyemi, presentation by pupils, documentary and awards.
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion include former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Akin Olujimi; Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Oyenike Adeosun; Director General, Office Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Dr. Sulaimon Ogun muyiwa; and Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesha, Oba Moses Agunsoye.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olujinmi, described the anniversary as a milestone and commended the school for the giant strides recorded in the last 40 years.
Olujinmi said there is no way the 40 years journey did not face some challenges, but commended the school management for overcoming them, thus coming out stronger.
According to him, it requires a strong character to translate the dream and vision to concrete results, hence he lauded the finding fathers for establishing the school and acknowledged the support of parents in the last 40 years, which has led to its present position in Lagos State.
The guest of honour, DG of OEQA, Dr. Ogunmuyiwa, said at 40, M.D School is still standing tall and delivering quality education after 40 decades of existence.
He tasked the school to remain top, uphold quality standards, adding that the state government recognizes the efforts and impacts of M.D School.
In his sermon, Rev. Akinyemi, said the Hand of God has guided the school in the last 40 years and that it will remain relevant as well as sustain its impact on the pupils.
Akinyemi disclosed that 40 years is a landmark and commended the Executive Director, M.D School, Mrs. Omolara Adedugbe and her team for contributing to the development of education in the country.
He prayed that the Grace of God will continue to be on the school, noting, “it is worthy to celebrate the 40th anniversary because God’s grace and guidance is on the school and that God expects thanksgiving for what He has done for the school.”
Oba Agunsoye, an engineer, said the school has touched many lives nationwide and appreciated the executive director and the staff for the progress recorded. “The seed sown 40 years ago has germinated to become an oak tree that produced several branches.”
In her address, the Executive Director, M.D School, Mrs. Adedugbe, revealed how she and the late husband established the school that has stood the test of time. “The idea was to have regular children and children with special needs be within the same school environment, learning and doing everything together, even if they are placed in different classes according to their educational needs.
“It was indeed a concept that was ahead of its time. The idea became a vision that was tenaciously pursued and jealously guarded from the inception in 1986. It has now become a legacy, through the very special grace of the Almighty God.
“That small seed of an idea has become a formidable institution that has nurtured several children through their formative foundational early years, with some being parents now.”
She however acknowledged that during the 40-year journey, there were times of uncertainties and storms but same the school through.
The ED further revealed that the school has been propelled to where it is today because of the efforts of many people who contributed positively to its growth.
Adedugbe said some parents from the inception till now not only entrusted their children to the school, many went the extra mile to become marketers for the school.
She described past and present staff as heroes of the success story of M.D School, noting, “no vision succeeds without vision enablers.”
She added: “Many members of staff at one point or the other ceased being just staff who earn a living; they became family members working assiduously in getting M.D School to where it is today. The hallmark of our stability is the very low turnover of staff.”
She commended the commitment of the governing council led by Prof. Adeosun, who ensured the school keeps soaring higher and higher.
The Director of Finance, Administration and Strategy, Mrs. Oluwaseun Amusa, in her remarks said the milestone reflected the school enduring presence and continued impact on the foundational years of children.
She noted that the founders of the school had a vision that required courage to begin, sacrifice to sustain, and perseverance to grow from an idea into an institution and legacy.
Amusa added: “Our role in the next phase is to foster an enduring love for learning and to ensure our children will be outstanding wherever their journeys take them.”
