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, President of the old students association, Sir Dr. Abiodun Aladekomo described the golden jubilee celebration as a remarkable milestone that reflected the enduring bond among classmates and the timeless values imparted by Osogbo Grammar School.

He said the reunion was not merely a celebration of the past but an opportunity to strengthen friendships, give back to their alma mater and inspire the next generation of students.

Aladekomo urged the students to remain disciplined, focused and committed to excellence, stressing that integrity, hard work and continuous learning had remained the pillars of success for many members of the class over the past five decades.

According to him, every successful individual begins with a dream, but only determination, resilience and a willingness to embrace learning can turn such dreams into reality.

He noted that the alumni had excelled in diverse professions, including technology, education, medicine, engineering, business and public service, attributing their accomplishments to the sound academic and moral foundation they received at Osogbo Grammar School.

He encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities around them, acquire relevant skills and strive to become worthy ambassadors of the school.

The alumni president also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the development of Osogbo Grammar School through mentorship, educational interventions and other initiatives that would improve learning and motivate students to achieve greater heights.

He urged members of the graduating set to continue working together in unity to preserve the legacy of their alma mater for generations yet unborn.

Also, the Treasurer of the 1972–1976 Alumni Set, Dr. Abiodun Solesi 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, Solesi 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, Solesi 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 Adeyemo, 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.

Adeyemo 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, Adeyemo 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.