Osogbo Grammar School Alumni Urge Students To Prioritise Skills, Perseverance At Golden Jubilee Reunion

Members of the 1972–1976 graduating set of Osogbo Grammar School have urged students to look beyond academic certificates by embracing practical skills, resilience and purposeful living as they marked the 50th anniversary of their graduation from the institution.

The alumni gave the advice during their golden jubilee reunion held in Osogbo, where they reflected on five decades of friendship, shared experiences and the impact of the school on their personal and professional lives.

Speaking at the event, the Treasurer of the 1972–1976 Alumni Set, Dr. Solesi Abiodun, said the reunion was organised to celebrate the class’s graduation in 1976 and to appreciate the journey members had taken over the past 50 years.

According to him, the gathering provided an opportunity for old classmates to reconnect, relive memorable moments and acknowledge the values instilled in them by the school.

“We entered Osogbo Grammar School in 1972 and graduated in 1976. Fifty years later, we decided to celebrate our golden anniversary and appreciate how far we have all come,” he said.

Addressing the students, Abiodun stressed that the modern labour market places greater value on competence and innovation than on academic qualifications alone, urging young people to deliberately acquire practical and professional skills that would make them competitive.

“People are no longer interested in certificates alone. They want to know what you can do and the skills you possess. Professional certifications and practical knowledge are becoming more important in the world of work,” he said.

The retired education professional also encouraged students not to allow financial hardship to derail their education, recalling how he overcame severe economic challenges to complete his studies.

He narrated that his parents initially struggled to enrol him in secondary school and that he later encountered financial difficulties at the university after his father retired from public service. Despite the obstacles, he said determination and perseverance enabled him to achieve his educational goals.

“I don’t want any student to say, ‘My parents don’t have money, so I’m dropping out.’ Keep pushing until there’s nothing else to push. There is no gain without pain,” he advised.

Commenting on the rising number of out-of-school children and the decline of free education, Abiodun attributed the development largely to prevailing economic realities but maintained that resilience, continuous learning and skill acquisition remain the surest pathways to success.

Also speaking, the Vice President (Female) of the alumni association, Mrs. Moridiyah Omalara Adeyinka, described the reunion as a heartwarming experience that rekindled old friendships and brought back cherished memories of their school days.

She said members had spent the reunion celebrating their shared history and temporarily setting aside the pressures of daily life.

“It has been very interesting. Since yesterday, everybody has forgotten whatever problems they may have had. We have been remembering our old days together, and everyone is happy,” she said.

Adeyinka urged students to remain focused and build a solid educational foundation, noting that the choices they make during their secondary school years would largely determine their future.

She also advised them to identify mentors and positive role models capable of inspiring them to realise their dreams.

“Secondary school is the foundation of life. If the foundation is weak, whatever you build on it may not stand. Students must remain focused and identify role models who will help them achieve their aspirations,” she said.

Reflecting on her years at Osogbo Grammar School, Adeyinka recalled making history as the institution’s first female health prefect after it admitted female students for the first time. She said the leadership role ignited her passion for healthcare and ultimately inspired her career as a nurse clinician and lecturer.

The golden jubilee celebration brought together members of the pioneering mixed-gender class of Osogbo Grammar School, who used the occasion not only to celebrate five decades of enduring friendship but also to inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence through discipline, perseverance and lifelong learning.