Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan.
The 1976 Set of Awe High School, Awe, Oyo State, has celebrated its 50th graduation anniversary with the unveiling of development projects executed in the school as part of efforts to give back to their alma mater and improve the learning environment for present and future students.
The three-day golden jubilee reunion, held from Thursday, October 22, to Sunday, October 25, 2026, featured a career guidance programme, medical and health outreach, cultural performances, thanksgiving services and a grand finale attended by members of the set, school alumni, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the grand finale on Saturday, October 24, the President of the 1976 Set, Alhaji Jare Bamidele, JP, said the anniversary was not merely a celebration of five decades since graduation but an opportunity to contribute to the continued development of their alma mater.
Bamidele recalled that the association began in 2019 with seven pioneer members who shared the vision of bringing former classmates together for the growth and development of their alma mater. He disclosed that the association had since grown to 49 members.
He listed the renovation of the school’s examination hall, four offices and three toilets, alongside the provision of necessary facilities, as some of the major achievements of the set.
He also announced that three CCTV cameras had been installed within the school premises to strengthen security, while one of the members, Mr. Rahaman Azeez Akere, provided 11 solar-powered lights with poles across the premises.
According to him, Special Apostle Adedeji Okebanjo and Mr. Taoreed Olaniyi also contributed to the anniversary projects by painting the school’s administrative building.
The 1976 Set president commended members in the diaspora for their financial support towards the renovation project, noting that their contributions had played a significant role in its successful completion.
He described the reunion as an opportunity for the old students, who left the school as young boys and girls with dreams and aspirations, to return as parents, professionals, leaders and builders of society.
Quoting a Greek proverb, he said, “Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in,” adding that the projects were intended to benefit generations of students yet unborn.
Bamidele further urged members not to rest on their achievements, stressing that there was still more to be done to support the institution.
In a goodwill message, the National President of Awe High School, Awe Old Students’ Association, Matthew Olatunji Ayoola, congratulated the 1976 Set on attaining the remarkable milestone, describing its members as an important part of the school’s history and enduring legacy.
Ayoola, who spoke on behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire membership of the association, commended the set for its contributions to the progress of the school, noting that its accomplishments, service and commitment had helped strengthen the reputation of their alma mater.
The anniversary programme also featured career talks at Awe High School, where professionals in medicine, nursing, accounting, law, education, pharmacy, quantity surveying, engineering, technical education, information technology, artificial intelligence and robotics engaged students on career opportunities and pathways.
A medical and health counselling outreach was equally organised as part of activities marking the celebration.
A major highlight of the grand finale was the presentation of a Distinguished Award to Pa Bamidele Oyewo, who taught Economics and Government to members of the 1976 Set during their days at Awe High School. The presentation was in recognition of his role in their academic development and the lasting impact of his service as a teacher.
The grand finale, held at Chief Adekale’s Hall, also featured cultural performances, recognition and awards, fundraising, a health lecture titled “Taking Charge of Your Health,” delivered by Dr. Dauda Salami and Dr. Adedayo Adelani, as well as prayers and other social activities.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the representative of the Alawe of Awe, the Yeye Wura of Awe Land, Pa Bamidele Oyewo, Mr. Dokun Alagbe, Mr. Kolapo Raji, Chief Jasper Olatunji Akadiri and Mr. Adekunle Adekanbi, among other distinguished guests.
The reunion ended on Sunday, October 25, with thanksgiving activities and prayers for members’ safe journeys back to their respective destinations.
