The Baptist High School Iwo Old Students Association has outlined an exciting program for the school’s 70th anniversary celebrations, set to take place from January 30th to February 2nd, 2025.
The event will mark a significant milestone for the school, which was founded by Baptist missionaries in 1955, and promises to be a four-day celebration filled with various activities aimed at honouring the institution’s rich legacy and shaping its future.
The National President of the Baptist High School Old Students Association, Chief Franklin Akinola in an interview with The PUNCH shared details of the event in a recent interview.
He said, “The celebrations will begin on Thursday, January 30, with a roadshow, followed by a courtesy visit to the Oluwo of Iwo’s palace and Bowen University, a significant partner of the school due to its shared Baptist roots. The first day will conclude with a career talk for current students of Baptist High School, Iwo, designed to inspire and guide them in planning their futures.
“The second day, Friday, January 31, will feature an academic lecture delivered by Professor Oyesoji Aremu, focusing on the theme “Baptist High School, Iwo: A Legacy in Question and the Future to Intervene.”
“Following the lecture, attendees will participate in a prayer session at Iwo Central Mosque, and a novelty football match will be held between the alumni and current students.
“On Saturday, February 1, the alumni will commission several new projects, including a newly built school gate, renovated classrooms, and the opening of the school’s first-ever alumni office.
These developments are part of the association’s ongoing efforts to enhance the school’s infrastructure.
A fundraising luncheon will also take place, where alumni will honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the school’s progress, while also raising funds for an endowment to support future school initiatives.”
He added that the grand finale would be held on Sunday, February 2, with a Thanksgiving Service at Zion Baptist Church, located within the school grounds. The service will mark the exact 70th anniversary of the school’s founding, after which attendees will depart for their respective destinations.”
Reflecting on the event’s theme, Akinola emphasised that the anniversary would serve as a reflection on the past, a celebration of the present, and a strategic look at the future of the school.
He stressed the importance of the school’s historical context and the role alumni have played in supporting its continued success.
The career talk, according to Akinola, aims to help current students set clear goals for their futures and make them aware of the career paths that await them.
“The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve the educational experience for students by encouraging them to begin preparing for their professional lives early,” he said.
When asked about his perspective on the current state of education in comparison to his own experience, Akinola expressed concerns about the decline in educational quality and discipline.
He noted that in his time, the level of respect for teachers and the discipline within schools was much higher.
e also stressed the need for increased funding for education, improved teacher training, and greater collaboration between all stakeholders, including the government, alumni, and parents.
As the association celebrates its 70th anniversary, Akinola’s message to alumni worldwide is one of gratitude and encouragement.
He thanked members for their ongoing support and urged them to continue giving back to their alma mater.
“Our goal is to make Baptist High School better than it was when we attended, and with God’s guidance, I believe we will achieve that,” he said.