Osun: St Charles Old Students Reward Excellence With Over ₦3m Awards For Students, Teachers

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

Outstanding students and teachers of St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, received over ₦3 million in cash awards and scholarships on Wednesday as the school’s Old Students Association honoured academic excellence and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting quality education and infrastructure development at the institution.

CityMirrorNews reports that organisers of the programme are CHARLIANS IN DIASPORA INCORPORATED consisting of alumni of St Charles Grammar School, Osogbo who are based in America, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world

The awards were presented during the school’s annual Achievement Awards ceremony held at the school premises, where alumni from Nigeria and the diaspora celebrated exceptional academic performance while encouraging students to embrace hard work, discipline and excellence.

Speaking at the event, the Global Principal of the school, Mr. Toyin Ajayi, described the initiative as a major source of motivation for students, saying it would inspire them to strive for academic excellence.

He said the awards were proof that diligence and commitment to studies always attract rewards.

“I deliberately assembled all the students so that those who are not serious would realise that there is reward for hard work. What is happening today is a great encouragement to our students,” he said.

Ajayi commended members of the Old Students Association for their sustained commitment to the development of the school through numerous intervention projects.

According to him, since he assumed office in 2024, over 60 projects facilitated by old students have been executed within the school, including the construction of a stadium by the late General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, an e-library, environmental beautification and other infrastructural improvements.

“It is a thing of pride for me to return to this school after 42 years as its principal. I never imagined this would happen.

The Charlians continue to invest their resources in making this school better, and we are grateful,” he said.

The principal, who is expected to retire in November, disclosed that three additional major projects were underway, expressing appreciation to the alumni for their unwavering support.

He also highlighted welfare initiatives introduced under his leadership, including the distribution of 100 school uniforms, 75 pairs of shoes and 300 pairs of socks to indigent students to encourage learning.
Urging students to remain focused, Ajayi stressed that discipline remained the foundation of academic success.

“There is no gain in rascality. The real reward is in acquiring education. Be disciplined, be studious and make the most of the opportunities before you,” he advised.

President of Charlians in Diaspora incorporated, New York Chapter, Mr. Mudashiru Adeosun, said the annual awards were instituted to encourage both students and teachers to sustain high academic standards.

He disclosed that awards worth about ₦3 million were presented across different subject categories, with the funds donated mainly by old students passionate about promoting excellence.

According to him, the alumni association also undertakes classroom renovations, erosion control projects, restoration of infrastructure, provision of computer facilities, laboratories and information technology centres, as well as scholarships for students admitted into tertiary institutions.

“This is one of the oldest and most respected schools in Osun State. Many successful people passed through here, so giving back is our way of appreciating what the school and society did for us,” he said.

Adeosun attributed the generosity of many alumni to the free education policy they enjoyed during their school days, noting that it inspired them to support the current generation of students.

He appealed to governments at all levels to continue investing in free and quality education, saying such investments ultimately benefit society.

Also speaking, the immediate past President of Charlians in Diaspora incorporated, Mr. Yemi Ajijolaiya, said the standard of public examinations had not declined, arguing that the major challenge was the level of commitment among today’s students.

He urged governments to accord greater priority to education, noting that no nation could achieve sustainable development without investing in its young people.

Ajijolaiya added that the Old Students Association would continue to complement government efforts through regular interventions in the school.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of SS2 science student, Lateef Quadri, who emerged as the highest award recipient.

Expressing appreciation, Quadri credited his success to hard work, self-belief and the unwavering support of his mother.

“I am very happy and grateful to the organisers. My mother has always inspired me and supported my education. I studied hard and believed in myself. I encourage other students to face their studies because it truly matters,” he said.

The ceremony attracted students, teachers, alumni and other stakeholders, who applauded the continued commitment of St. Charles old students, both at home and abroad, to promoting academic excellence and the overall development of their alma mater.