Imagine a beacon of education that has illuminated minds for seven decades, shaping futures and fostering excellence in a small Nigerian community. Yet, as Ijebu-Jesa Grammar School (IJGS) in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, celebrates its 70th anniversary in January 2025, it's not just a time for routine congratulations—it's a profound opportunity to ponder its remarkable triumphs and the untapped possibilities that might have slipped away. But here's where it gets controversial: is this institution truly fulfilling its promise in an era of rapid change, or are external forces holding it back? Let's dive into this rich history and explore what makes IJGS a cornerstone of legacy and potential debate.
The visionary spirit and communal dedication behind founding IJGS in January 1955 deserve nothing less than heartfelt recognition and applause. The pioneers recognized the risks of doing nothing, channeling the transformative power of Western education to empower the next wave of leaders. Their foresight wasn't just bold—it was strategically brilliant, paving the way for generations to rise.
IJGS emerged from the initial vision of the Ijebu-Jesa Union Conference (IJUC), conceived around 1936 under President D.B. Aloba. That pivotal year saw a delegation, including S.A. Fatiregun, T.T. Ojumu, A.A. Esugbongbe, S.K. Ogunseemi, I.O. Fajuyigbe, J.O. Famakinwa, and J.O. Aloba, reaching out to the local chiefs and residents for backing.
Over the years, the school has been guided by a series of capable principals: C.O. Komolafe (1955-1962); Z.A. Ogunmola (January-December 1963); P.O. Orunmuyi (1964-1972); E.A. Iyanda (1973-1975); S.A. Adewole (1975-1982); I.O. Orolugbagbe (1982-1984); and Olu Olowokure (1984-1991).
Additional leaders include: G.A. Adesina (April-December 1991); M.O. Saseun (1992-1994); B.A. Fakankun (1995-2000); M.O. Fadare (2001-2005); P.O. Oyewale (2008-2012); J.O. Ayeni (2012-2017); I.O. Dagiloke (2017-2018); J.D. Olanipekun (2018-2020); C.B. Adeoye (2021-2024); and Bolanle Aderemi (2024-present).
Today, IJGS thrives with ten full-time teachers, three on teaching practice, and seven corps members. Plus, fifteen Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) educators are supported financially by the Old Students Association (IJGSOSA). Notably, the Class of '71 has been funding a Physics teacher for four years and plans to keep it up, inspiring top-notch performances from grateful students.
Drawing from the epitaph of Christopher Wren, architect of modern London—“Si monumentum requiris, circumspice” (If you seek his monument, look around you)—we can say the same for IJGS's founders: their legacy is evident in the accomplished professionals and experts who've uplifted the community and beyond.
Starting with over seventy pupils, the inaugural group featured Babajide Jayeoba, Patrick Agbara, Saka Sanusi, Jide Oluwi, and Oladapo Aloba as the first Senior Prefect. Others included Gideon Oni, Dapo Olatunde, Ezekiel Ogundele, Theophilus Obisesan, and Koya Olubiyi.
A fascinating chapter: the first graduating class totaled just eleven students. Initially boys-only, it welcomed girls in 1966, with their graduation in 1970.
The late Professor Olaniyi Ayoade (1962 set) was the first to excel in distinctions at the Cambridge exam, today's equivalent of the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The school's inaugural goalkeeper, the late Lere Adigun (aka Maja), is remembered for allegedly cycling from Germany to Nigeria. Another standout is the late Adepoju Onibokun, Africa's first Professor of Urban and Regional Planning (1961 set).
Current Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Moses Olufemi Agunsoye, graduated in 1976. Oba Adesuyi Haastrup (Ajimoko III), Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, attended briefly in 1963-1964. Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, earned his Higher School Certificate (HSC) there in 1972-1973.
Other alumni shine brightly: Olusola Famuyide ('71), a former Research Director and Provost at Nigeria's Forestry Research Institute; Kolawole Kazeem ('76), Professor at University of Ibadan and IJGSOSA Global President, once Provost of Osun State College of Education, Ilesa (2017-2021).
Then there's Olutise Adenipekun ('77), ex-Registrar and Head of WAEC's Nigeria office; Ambassador Adedayo Adefidipe ('74); and Tony Igbaroola ('76), proprietor of Sambeatz Hotel and Suites in Ilesa.
Olukayode Abe ('77) is a prominent administrator, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Fellow, facilitator, and lecturer at Rome Business School in Italy. His brother, Oluwaseyi Abe ('83), a versatile expert in banking, insurance, finance, and solar energy, serves as 9th President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and on multiple boards.
Tayo Abogan ('78) chairs the Committee of Deans and leads the Faculty of Environmental Studies at Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, after roles as Acting Deputy Rector and Urban and Regional Planning Head (2010-2019).
From Class '84: Sola Fasoranti, a US-based Petroleum Engineer; Professor Wole Ajayi (LAUTECH, Ogbomoso); bank leaders Olufemi Fasoyin and Abayomi Fadare; Adebowale Adeduntan, a Dublin-based Mechanical Engineer; Rt. Rev. Olugbenga Babatunji, Bishop of Osun Diocese (Anglican Communion); Pastor Femi Faseru of KICC, Lagos; and his brother, Professor Babalola Faseru ('87), specializing in Population Health at University of Kansas Medical Center.
As a member of the 1985 set and former Chapel Prefect Boy, I recall our stellar group: Senior Prefect Boy Akinyemi Adu (passed October 21, 2025); Senior Prefect Girl Onifade Toyin; Labour Prefect Boy Falola Moses; Agriculture Prefect Ajayi Ige (passed December 11, 2023); Chapel Prefect Girl the late Ajayi Olamide; Social Prefects Ekundayo Temitope and Aworele Kehinde.
Fasoyin Oluropo handled Punctuality; Health Prefects Faseyitan Dada (Boy) and Dada Margaret (Girl); Library Prefect Boy Komolafe Oluwaseun; Games Prefects Olugbade Ebenezer (Boy) and Agbedu Elizabeth (Girl); Food Prefects Agbedu Emmanuel (Boy) and Ekundayo Ayodele (Girl); House Prefects Olagunju Julius (Agigiri Boy), Arojojoye Adejare (Agigiri Girl), and Anakali Pius (Yoloye Boy).
With 327 students now, the current student leaders are: Head Boy Adeosun Boluwatife; Head Girl/Health Girl Ajayi Sharon; Assistant Head Boy/Punctuality Prefect Boy Ojelabi Michael; Assistant Head Girl/Punctuality Prefect Girl Oladipupo Favour.
Other roles: Labour Prefects Swardart Samson (Boy) and Giwa Omotola (Girl); Social Prefects Akinsola Emmanuel (Boy) and Adedayo Precious (Girl); Games Prefect Taiwo Ayomikun; Time Keeper Omilegan Lekan; Chapel Prefects Tofunmi Ademilolu and Olanipekun Khadijat.
Alumni have spearheaded major upgrades, demonstrating ongoing commitment. Engineer Folorunso Esan ('81) secured federal funds for the Administrative Building's overhaul. Senator Fadahunsi built the ICT Centre. Class '73 updated and equipped the Science Labs. The 1970/74 and 1979/84 IJGSOSA batches added a clinic and indoor games facility. These are just snapshots of broader contributions.
And this is the part most people miss: With such a storied legacy, why does IJGS grapple with low enrollment, hovering under 350 students after 70 years? The issue isn't the school itself, but perhaps the broader societal challenges—funding shortages, competition from modern institutions, or shifting educational priorities. Could government policies or community support be falling short? Or is it time for alumni to innovate more aggressively in the digital age?
*To be continued.
*Komolafe shares this from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria (emailprotected ; 08033614419 – SMS only)
What do you think? Does IJGS exemplify the best of Nigerian education, or should we question why it's not attracting more students? Agree or disagree that external factors are the real barrier—share your views in the comments! And for the controversial take: Maybe traditional schools like this are outdated in a tech-driven world; is it fair to expect them to compete with private academies? Let's discuss!
