MD School, New Oko-Oba, Lagos, has celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of academic excellence and contributions to education.
The colourful event, held over the weekend, brought together current pupils, alumni, parents and dignitaries from different professional backgrounds, including government officials.
The celebration featured praise and worship, prayers, a sermon and cultural performances, while one of its major highlights was the presentation of awards to 25 of the school’s longest-serving teachers and staff members.
Among those honoured was Mrs Olusola Akaiso, recognised as the school’s longest-serving teacher and a dependable member of staff who rose through the ranks to become Head of School.
Akaiso led the award recipients, receiving the grand prize of a plot of land alongside other rewards in recognition of her years of service and commitment to the institution.
Another staff member, Mr James Ugwunali, who had previously received a plot of land, was also presented with a cash prize to support the completion of his building project.
A poignant moment during the ceremony was the posthumous recognition of late Dotun Oladipo, former president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
Paying tribute to the deceased, the school’s Executive Director, Mrs Omolara Adedugbe, described him as a dependable partner who made significant contributions to the institution’s development.
“Dotun was with us when we celebrated both 20 and 30 years and played an active role. Even this year he was gearing up for this celebration when he succumbed to the cold hands of death,” she said, while praying for the repose of his soul.
Adedugbe also expressed gratitude for the school’s growth over the years, attributing its achievements to God’s grace and the support of individuals, particularly her family and her late husband, whom she said stood firmly behind her vision.
“When God beckons and gives you an assignment, he does so in several ways. When you truly hear him, and heed his call, he empowers you and ensures he alone takes the glory because he never leaves nor forsakes you, even when the journey becomes tough,” she said.
She disclosed that MD School was established following an idea she developed with her husband after identifying a need arising from his clinic in Ibadan.
According to her, the idea grew into a vision that was “tenaciously pursued and jealously guarded from inception” and has now become a legacy through God’s grace.
The Executive Director also praised past and present members of staff for their contributions to the school’s development, describing them as the people who made its achievements possible.
“MD School has been propelled to where it is today because of the efforts of people who contributed in one way or the other, and that is growth through people,” she declared.
She further described the staff as “heroes of our story”, adding that no vision could succeed without the support of those who helped bring it to life.
Notable dignitaries at the anniversary included Chief Akin Olujimi, former Attorney-General of the Federation, who chaired the occasion, and Dr Suleiman Ogunmuyiwa, Director of the Office of Quality Assurance at the Lagos State Ministry of Education, who attended as Special Guest of Honour.
The traditional ruler of Ijebu-Ijesha, Oba Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye, was also among the dignitaries present, alongside other notable personalities.
