Staff, students, alumni, and parents of Lagos City College (now known as Lagos City Senior College) were in joyful mood as their school clocked 70 years on Tuesday. In their grand outfits, they arrived at the school grounds in Sabo, Yaba for the epoch moment.
The Lagos City College Old Students Association (LACCOSA) collaborated with the school and the Parents-Teachers Association to put up the commemorative event.
Founded on 3rd January 1953 as a private school by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, who would later become Nigeria’s first President, Lagos City College was situated at 34, Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, and shared the same wall with West African Pilot, a newspaper Azikiwe established to advance the fight for Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule.
The school was taken over in 1980 by the Lagos State government under the administration of Governor Lateef Jakande. It is now a senior students’ only school, and known as Lagos City Senior College.
In his opening remarks at the commemorative event, a representative of the school’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), Pastor Tayo Ojuola said: “There is a need for all efforts to be coordinated to reconstruct the school”. He encouraged the former students to work together with the authority to improve the institution.
Ojuola recalled his college experience as a student and specifically mentioned one teacher who was proficient in all subject areas.
He reminisced: “I recall that back then, Pastor Oba Solomon dedicated his time to us students and taught us nearly all subjects. He would be the first person to arrive at school and the last person to leave”.
The Principal of Lagos City Senior College, Mr. Hassan Abiodun also noted some important achievements made by the school.
“We have two courses we run for now; Fintech which comprises digital and technical skills and involves the use of computers, website designs, and many more; while the other course is beauty and events, which involves catering and many more”, he said.
While praising the former students, the Principal Mr. Hassan Abiodun mentioned the contributions they gave to the school, such as the reconstruction of some outdated buildings, and sponsorship of students for external examinations, among other things.
The school’s IMC chairman, Engr. Funmi Adewunmi listed well-known alumni who are excelling in their various professions, while a past president of the alumni association, Prof. Sadiq Obanishola, who is the Dean of Civil Engineering faculty at the University of Lagos, urged the students to put in a lot of efforts and be committed by using himself as an example.
Pastor Solomon while delivering the congratulatory message from Mrs J.T Abass recalled memories from when he was teaching at the school, and also congratulated the school on marking its 70th anniversary.
In his encouragement speech, another product of the school, Chief Gboyega Okegbenro urged the students to believe in themselves and put in a lot of hard work.
The Vice Principal (Admin), Mr J.O. Oyeneye thanked the former students for their contributions to the school.
