By: Manoah Kikekon
The 2003/2004 set of the Ajara Grammar School Alumni Association recently reunited in Badagry to celebrate their shared heritage, inspire current students, support their alma mater, and extend charity to the Hephzibah Orphanage Home.
The reunion event, which took place on Friday, 16 October 2026, commenced with an awareness walk from Badagry Roundabout to the school premises. In a nostalgic tribute to their roots, the returning alumni were all clad in the official school uniform.
Upon their arrival at the school, they were warmly received with joy by the students and management staff. As part of their outreach, the alumni presented a public address system to the Junior School and donated academic textbooks to the Senior School library. Additionally, they visited the Hephzibah Orphanage Home, where they presented essential food items alongside a cash donation of (₦150,000).
Reflecting on the purpose of the gathering, Pastor Daniel Anyalewachi, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, noted that the initiative was designed to instil hope in the current student body.
“Today, we decided to give hope to our alma mater to let the students know that it is not too late for them. If we could succeed starting out in this same uniform, they can make it too. We want them to know that we were once like them, enjoying the same free education.
"Although people often complain that educational standards are falling, they shouldn't give up; there is still hope for them. The significance of wearing this uniform today is that we were the very first set to wear it 22 years ago, and we are proud to wear it again to give them hope.
“Despite the economic challenges facing the nation, they should not give up. Every single one of them should remain diligent and proactive. The sky is vast enough for everyone to fly. If we could soar 22 years ago, they can fly too.”
Fasinu Senami, an alumni member who dressed in the Junior School uniform, expressing her joy at returning to the school grounds, shared her thoughts on the milestone.
“I feel great coming back to these premises and remembering all the memories created here. We have been craving to do this for years, and we eventually made it happen.
My message to the students is to stay focused, remain dedicated to their studies, and always set clear goals ahead. This is just the beginning; more support is still to come.”
Mr. Isa Taiwo, the Vice-Principal of Ajara Senior Grammar School, receiving the donations, commended the former students for their generosity and thoughtful gesture and called on others to come and do more for the students.
“I want to appreciate our ex-students for remembering their alma mater. I really appreciate them, and I advise them to continue to do more to encourage our students. This gesture helps the students realise the importance of taking their academics seriously, emulating good character, and understanding that obedience brings rewards," he said.
Isa added that, “I encourage other alumni sets to emulate this by addressing some of the pressing needs of the school and the students, such as donating laptops or providing a school bus. For instance, when our students travel outside the school for debates, relying on public transport is not ideal.”
Goodness Bulade, a current student of Ajara Senior Grammar School, speaking on behalf of the students, expressed delight at seeing their predecessors return.
“It is amazing seeing our seniors come back and remember us after so many years. There are lots of people out there who never remember their former schools. Seeing them return as our predecessors gives us the courage and boldness to know that we can achieve even more than they have,” she said.
Mr. Ogunlano Godwin, the Vice-Principal of Ajara Junior Grammar School, reinforcing the importance of alumni support, said, “I want to say a big thank you to them. What they have done represents effective Public-Private Partnership (PPP)."
"This is a commendable gesture because the government cannot do it all alone. As an alumnus, it is always noble to return periodically to encourage the coming generations," he added.