03 Arise, O Compatriot Nigeria's call obey To serve our fatherland With love and strength and faith The labour of our heroes past Shall never be in vain To serve with heart and might One nation bound in freedom Peace and unity O God of creation Direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right Help our youths the truth to know In love and Honesty to grow And living just and truth Great lofty heights attain To build a nation Where peace and justice shall reign. I pledge to Nigeria my country To be faithful loyal and honest To serve Nigeria with all my strength To defend her unity and Uphold her honor and glory So, help me God. NATIONAL PLEDGE NATIONAL ANTHEM
OYO ANTHEM 04 Asiwaju ni wa Asiwaju ni wa Asiwaju ni wa Asiwaju ni wa Ipo Asiwaju Le'ledumare fun wa Ni ipinle Oyo Ipinle Oyo Eje ka se giri Omo Oyo Ka te ipa wa mo ise Ka ba ara wa soro Ka so ododo Ka se oun to to, to dara Ni igba gbogbo Ni ibi gbogbo Ni ipinle Oyo Ko ni Reyin o Loju mi Ko ni Reyin o Ko ni Reyin o Nigba temi Ko ni Reyin o Emi a se ohun to to To dara nibi gbogbo Nigba Gbogbo Asiwaju niwa Asiwaju niwa Asiwaju niwa
05 SCHOOL ANTHEM I am a meloneer And I’m proud to be There are uplands amidst pods My Cradle of education lies Igboora igboora high school Splendid, innocent with glory ibarapa Premier High School Igboora High School so there you are Architect of success of mine Higher higher ever will the ag ies My path the light direct When in light and green You teach me to value character and knowledge Igboora Igboora High School Resplendid, with glory and beauty You help me againt life battle A priceless legacy this blessing is So I will ever sing thy parise And pray for the star to shine and brighter still. Up School!!!
HIS EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR PRESIDENT, COMMANDER- IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 06
07 HIS EXCELLENCY ENGR. SEYI MAKINDE FNSE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, OYO STATE
08 Dr. Olugbade A. Akinteye PRESIDENT OF IHSOSA
09 Order of Event 1. National Anthem 2. National prayer (2nd stanza of the National Anthem - Oyo state anthem. - School anthem. 3. Recognition to the high table 4. National President's Address 5. Chairman's remark 6. Keynote Address/Public lecture 7. Presentation of Awards/ Interlude 8. Launching of a project 9. Vote of thanks 10. National Prayer 11. National Anthem Saturday 8th July, 2023.
10 n behalf of the National Executive Committee of Oour great school's Old Students' Association (IHSOSA), I warmly welcome our invited guests, distinguished alumni and alumnae, staff and students of Igboora High School, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen. I am extremely delighted to see us gather to celebrate the 60th year anniversary of our school. It is certainly a joyous occasion for all of us who have contributed in one way or the other to the historic event which we are witnessing today. Without gainsaying it, sixty years of successful existence of any establishment is a huge land mark worthy of celebration. It's therefore apposite for us to roll out the drums, blow the trumpet and dance to celebrate God's faithfulness, appreciating Him not only because He made today's event a reality but also for making you and I living witnesses of same. We praise, honour and adore the Almighty God. I believe that every old student of this institution must have passed through different experiences when studying here. Nostalgic feelings of the past must therefore come flushing back with diverse memories. Whatever might have been the nature of such memories-pleasant or otherwise, it has all ended in praise and today there can be back slapping of joy and exchange of pleasantries. Therefore, I congratulate you even as I congratulate myself. At this event, let us re-enact old experiences, be happy to catch fun and engage in such noble activities that will remain memorable for a long time. I am hereby appealing to our fellow old students who are yet to join the Old Students' Association not to hesitate to come on board. The advantages of being members are numerous, including but not limited to: bridging the gap created by reason and necessity to depart from one another after graduation, discovery of one another's capability, thus leveraging on the positions and status attained by members that may be of immense advantage in drawing strength for mutual empowerment. The Association also presents an avenue to recognise, honour and reward deserved living heroes physically and the dead posthumously as we shall begin to do as from today. Most importantly, the Association affords us the opportunity to give back to the institution that moulded us to become whatever we are today. I appreciate the founders of the Old Students' Association and previous members of the National Executive Committee for laying the strong formidable foundation which we now build upon and we have no excuses not to improve upon their impressve achievements. I wish, in a very special way, to appreciate the immediate past Executive Committee, ably led by Engineer Buraimoh Kunle Aderogba, the School's Senior Prefect in 1971 and a retired Permanent Secretary in Oyo State Civil Service. Their encouragement, support and constant advice born out of their wealth of experiences have been massive and have led us to this laudable terminal . I also thank and appreciate various sets, individuals and corporate bodies who gave cash donations or have executed projects in the school. I want you all to rest assured that the good Lord recognises you and your contributions. He is the greatest Rewarder who shall reward you exceedingly. There shall be the launching of our next project as the programme progresses. Kindly participate positively for further betterment of our alma mater. Your further commitments to the growth of this great school will be greatly appreciated as a way of preparing a better future thousands of students who will pass through the institution. Once again, I thank you all for coming and wish you safe trip back to your various destinations. Long live Igbo-ora High School! Long live Old Students' Association!! Long live Oyo State!!! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!! WELCOME SPEECH BY DR. OLUGBADE A. AKINTEYE, NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF IGBOORA HIGH SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION (IHSOSA) AT THE GRAND FINALE OF 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCHOOL, HELD ON SATURDAY, 8TH JULY 2023 AT THE SCHOOL PREMISES.
11
Igbo-Ora town, which is 80 kilometers from Lagos, is a sleepy town with a simple way of life. Indigenes of the town are predominantly farmers and traders. Igbo-Ora town was the capital of Ibarapa Division in Oyo State. It has an exciting history behind it. Not only is it an agrarian community, it's acclaimed within the Ibarapa Division as the largest producer of 'bara', known in English Language as melon and used in the preparation of a favorite delicacy soup amongst Yoruba speaking people of South-West Nigeria. In fact, it's said Ibarapa, the name of the division, is derived from bara. Another uniqueness of Igbo-Ora town is the preponderance of twin births, as more twins are born in Igboora than anywhere else in the world. Virtually every house has at least one set of twins. How and why, this is so is the story for another day and for traditionalists and medical people to unravel. Yet again, Igbo-Ora Community is known for its love for education and would do anything to ensure the educational development of the Community. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER In the 1950s preceding independence in 1960, the fire of education was burning fervently in the Western Region and thirst for knowledge was insatiable under the regime of the late sage and political icon, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo who was the Premier and leader of government in the West. It was Awolowo who introduced free compulsory education in the south-west. The development gave the Yoruba race a winning edge amongst other tribes in Nigeria. Igbo-Ora Community was not to be left out in reaping the benefits of free education. Even though Igbo-Ora had many primary schools at the time, products of these schools could not further their education in the town before the establishment of Methodist Secondary Modern School in Igbo-Ora by the Methodist Mission. Because of the love people of Igboora had for education, which preceded the declaration of free education in Western Nigeria, the Community always desired a secondary school of her own. Amongst the primary schools in Igbo-Ora then included Methodist Primary School, Oke Agogo, Igbo-Ora established in 1915; Baptist Primary School, Igbo-Ora, established in 1940; Ansar Ud Deen Primary School, Saganun established in 1950 & Nawair Ud Deen Primary School established in 1954. Rev F. H Longley was the Superintendent of the Methodist Church in Oyo Circuit (which included Igbo-Ora) when the church established the Methodist Secondary Modern School (MSMS) in Igbo-Ora in 1956. It was then the first and only post-primary institution in Ibarapa to absorb graduands from the primary schools for the purpose of free education. It was a precursor to secondary school education in the entire Ibarapa district. However, in 1957, the Ibarapa District Council resolved to establish a full-fledged secondary grammar school Igbo-Ora. Her Education Committee was mandated to ensure this but due to other considerations, decided not to locate the secondary school in Igbo-Ora as generally expected since it was the Community alone that contributed about forty percent of the District Council revenue. The decision of the Education Committee not to site the secondary school in the Community did not go down well with indigenes who were representatives at the District Council. Following the action of the Education Committee, the Igbo-Ora Literary Progressive Union (ILPU) under her President, Chief JP Olugbile, after due consultations and deliberations, resolved at its meeting held at Igbo-Ora Community Hall in December 1959, to mobilize indigenes for the establishment of a secondary school in Igboora. At the meeting, the ILPU, relying on tax figures and other necessary data supplied by Chief NA Akinlabi, who was a Senior LGA official, set up her own Education Committee under the chairmanship of Chief NA Akinlabi. The Committee also comprised many young educated persons from Igbo-Ora but who were mostly secondary and teacher training colleges graduates. The Secretary of ILPU then, Mr Stephen Olawuwo Adeniran was also a membe . Other members of the Committee included Sunday Olusola Ojelabi; Joseph IGBOORA HIGH SCHOOL, IGBOORA CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF ACADEMIC . EXCELLENCE BRIEF HISTORY OF IGBOORA 12
Olalekan Olawumi; Salmon Akinlabi and Samuel Ojelabi Morakinyo who served as Secretary. ILPU also resolved to call a community meeting after due consultations with the traditional rulers and chiefs in Igbo-Ora. After several meetings, the traditional rulers collectively approved ILPU's decision to levy ten (10) shillings per annum on all male indigenes of taxable age in Igbo-Ora. This levy was to meet up the target of £4000 seed fund as prescribed by government to be deposited in a special account for any Community or Agency seeking to set up her own secondary school, amongst other stringent conditions. At the General Meeting held by the Committee, the levy of ten shillings was approved by acclamation. Chief Francis Folorunso Adeegbe was unanimously appointed Treasurer and tasked with the responsibility of collecting this levy, which will be sent to the Ibarapa District Council for safe keeping. However, it's to the eternal credit of the treasurer, Chief F. F Adeegbe, that all levies collected were properly accounted for through auditing, not a mean task at that time! Despite the efforts of Chief F. F Adeegbe, only the sum of £1500 was collected as levies for a period of two years (1960-1961), a remarkable shortfall from the target of £4000. In her wisdom, the ILPU decided to approach the Methodist Mission, through Rev Longley, for assistance in siting a secondary school in Igbo-Ora. He gladly accepted ILPU's request and thereafter invited the Methodist Mission Education Committee's secretary, Mr. Roland Hughes to a meeting in Igbo-Ora from his Ibadan station. The meeting with Igbo-Ora Community leaders took place on March 6, 1961 at the Community Hall. Mr. S. O Morakinyo was the Interpreter at this landmark meeting. Thus, in October 1962, an application to establish a grammar school in Igbo-Ora was submitted by the Methodist Mission. The Methodist Mission also submitted the names, as required in the application form, of the pioneer principal and two teachers. In November 1961, out of 39 applications considered by Western Nigeria Government comprising nine (9) states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo & Delta, only 13 were approved and Igbo-Ora High School whose name was Methodist High School, Igbo-Ora but changed by Rev Longley and Mr. R Hughes to Igbo-Ora High School made the list. The school was so named because the Community funded it. On January 3, 1963, the first principal of IHS, Mr. Olumuyiwa Odunowo, wife and children arrived Igbo-Ora. They were warmly welcomed by Rev Longley and the Community. His first place of abode was at Chief JM Olanipekun's residence, opposite the Police Station, Saganun, Igbo-Ora. Before the principal's arrival, there was wild jubilation in the Community as a result of the approval of her own secondary School. A grand reception was held for Mr. Hughes with Rev. & Mrs. Longley in attendance. A novelty Football match was also held at the proposed permanent site of Igbooora High School. Mr. Hughes laid the foundation stone of the first building on the school's site. Till date, Mr. Hughes names could be found on the foundation stone. Academic activities of IHS commenced January 1963 at the premises of Methodist Secondary Modern School (MSMS) as the buildings of the school were being built. However, in April 1963, the school moved to its permanent site on a land granted by the Baale and Chiefs of Iberekodo The pioneer teachers were Mr. O. O Odunowo, (from Aiyepe-Ijebu) as principal & Mr JO Aletan (from Imesi Ile-Ijesa) as classroom teacher. THE FOUNDING FATHERS 'Our legacy is how we spend our time and who we spend our time with' - Jim Stengel The following personalities played prominent roles in the realization of the IGBOORA HIGH SCHOOOL vision. On the list were Mr. (later Very Rev) O. O. Odunowo, first principal, Chief J. P. Olugbile Life President of ILPU during whose term the founding of the school was conceived and implemented, Chief S. O. Adeniran, longest serving General Secretary of ILPU during whose term the school founding was planned and executed and the first vice principal. Also on the list were Dr S. Oje Morakinyo, one of the first three (with S. O. Adeniran) university graduates to teach in Igboora High School and the first two Igbo-Ora indigenes to teach in the school. Both Adeniran and Morakinyo, as indigenes made sacrifice for the school in diverse ways including trekking to school from Saganun to and from their residences every day and yet arrived at their duty posts punctually. There were occasions when the ten shillings education levy would not come in on time or was not sufficient to run the school, including payment of staff salaries, both Adeniran and Morakinyo would sacrifice and encourage the principal to use the available funds to pay salaries to all other members of staff, while they forego theirs. At times, they would go without salaries for one or more months until the finances of the school improved. Another indigene and staff that contributed to the growth of the school is Mr. J. O. Olawumi who risked his life and had parts of his body burnt while putting off a fire in the school laboratory in mid1970s. 13
Another important personality who contributed immensely was Chief Francis Folorunso Adeegbe, who was the first treasurer and keeper of the early 10 shillings levy that led to the birth of IHS. His integrity and honesty ensured all levies collected were properly accounted for and remitted to the District Council as part of £4000 target seed fund. In an effort to free the school from financial shocks in her early life, Chief Samuel Adepoju, Odofin of Iberekodo, Alhaji Salami Adebisi( Alias Fowosere) and S. Oje Morakinyo approached the Commissioner for Education for Western Nigeria, Dr Omololu Olunloyo in 1967 to put the school on the government list, which meant government's approval to commence providing funds for salaries and other undertakings in the school, thus removing it from being a 'private community school' to a ' state public school'. Dr Olunloyo turned down the request. Thereafter Chief N. A. Akinlabi sought the assistance of his Ibadan indigene friend, Alhaji K. O. S. Are. It was the latter who placed IHS matter before Dr Olunloyo who agreed to place IHS on the 'government list'. And from 1967, the government commenced the payment of staff salaries, as well as providing funds for the general development of the school. Apart from paying salaries, government released funds to construct a library, science laboratory and other facilities in the school. LIST OF PRINCIPALS TO DATE (1) Very Rev. O.O. Odunowo Jan 1963-Jan 1971 (8yrs) (2) Mr J.A Abiona Jan 1971-Aug 1971 (8months) (3) Mr T.O Adesola Sept 1971-Sept 1974 (3yrs) (4) Mr S.O Adewole Oct 1974- Sept 1975 (1yr) (5) Mr P.A Akinyemi Sept 1975- July 1976 (1yr) (6) Mr O.A Akinyele Aug 1976-Dec 1979 (3yrs) (7) Mr T.B Ajamu Sept 1979-Aug 1984 (5yrs) (8) Mr V.O Aluko Sept 1984-Jan 1985 (1yr) (9) Mr Salmon O. Akinlabi Jan 1985-Jan 1987 (2yrs) (10) Mr A.A Akindele (acting) Jan 1987-Sept 1987 (9months) (11) Alh. A.A Aderounmu Sept 1987-Jan 1991 (4yrs) (12) Mr R.A Ojo Jan 1991-Sept 1993 (2yrs) (13) Mr F.O Kareem Oct 1993-June 1997 (4yrs) (14) Mrs. D.A Agbeje (acting) Sept 1997-Sept 1999 (2yrs) (15) Mr R.A Adebayo Oct 1999-Feb 2005 (6yrs) (16) Mr O.A Olugbile Feb 2005-Jan 2013 (8yrs) (17) Mr A.F Oseni Jan 2013-August 2018 (5yrs) (18) Alh. A.I Kareem August 2018-April 2022 (4yrs) (19) Mrs. S.T Hussein April 2022- date THE FIRST SET OF STUDENTS WHO GRADUATED FROM THE SCHOOL: The first set of the students who graduated from the school consisted of the following: ANNIVERSARY AWARDS Igboora High School Old Student Association has included in their program for the 60-year anniversary awards for five categories of people that have impacted the school as follows: 1. LIVING LEGENDS 2. HEROES PAST 3. NON-ACADEMIC STAFF AND 1. Titus Buramoh, 2. Tajudeen Lawal 3. Sunday Adegbenjo, 4. Amos Oladewa 5. Eyitayo Akinyemi, 6. Timothy Aibinu 7. Muiz Omonayajo, 8. Aston Adeboye 9. Julius Adekola 10. Festus Sunday Oyawale 14
A. THE LIVING LEGENDS 1) Chief Josephus Adewole Ojo 2) Chief Francis. Folorunsho Adeegbe 3) Chief (Dr) Samuel Oje Morakinyo 4) Prince Oyebanji Ajibade 5) Elder Joseph Olawunmi 6) Dr Amos Ademola Adepoju 7) Chief Samson Adepoju 8) Deacon Oyeleke Oyediran 9) Dr Agboola .A. Adebayo. B. HEROES PAST 1. Reverend F.H Longley 2. Mr Roland Huges 3. Hon (Chief) Joshua Gbadegesin Adeniran 4. Chief Jacob Afolabi Akinleye 5. Chief Joseph Popoola Olugbile 6. Chief Matthew Folorunsho Adeegbe 7. Chief Stephen Olawuwo Adeniran 8. Alhaji Yusuff. Amuda Akinlabi 9. Chief Joseph Moruhunranti Olanipekun 10. Chief Nasiru Adegoke Akinlabi 11. Prophet Sunday Olusola Ojelabi 12. Mr Salmon Oladejo Akinlabi 13. Chief Amos. Olasupo Adegoke 14. Pa Samuel Okegbenro Bolarinwa 15. Deacon Matthew Layiwola Olaopa 16. Chief Joseph Owoade Okanlawon 17. Chief Emanuel Owoade Alphonso 18. Rev (Chief) Olumuyiwa Oyedele Odunowo 19. Chief J.O Aletan 20. Pa Gabriel Eyinade 21. Imam Shittu Abas (Alawiye) 22. Late Imam Saminu Alabi Ariyo 23. Alhaji Imam Bello Adebayo Ibrahim 24. Chief Olayiwola Sangodare 25. Mr Adegboyega Ayoade 26. Alhaji Salami Adebisi (Fowosere) 27. Chief Samuel Adepoju 28. Late (Baale) James O Ojenike 29. Late (Barrister) Wale Adeniran C. NON-ACADEMIC STAFF 1. Chief Ademola Eyinade First Bursar 2. Late (Mrs.) Comfort Adebisi 3. Late Lasisi Salami (Baba Busura) 4. Late M.O Olaitan (Baba Mike) 5. Late Ganiyu Bamidele (Gani Agbon) 6. Late Alabi Sangolade 7. Mr Akanni Adeleke 8. Raufu Arikutaku D. OLD STUDENT AWARD 1. HRH. Oba (Dr) Muiz Monayajo 2. HRM. Oba Adedamola Badmus 3. HRH. Oba Olusanjo Ojo 4. HRM. Oba Wasiu Saka 5. HRH. Oba Sunday Titiloye 6. Mr Julius Adekola 7. Group Captain Tajudeen Lawal 8. Prof. Festus Oyawale 9. Sunday Adewale Adegbenjo . 10. Rev (Dr) Sunday Aworinde, JP 11. Late Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi 12. Mr Olusegun Ogungbe. 13. Dr. Rasaq Tijani 14. Mr Adebisi Adeniran 15. Mr Emmanuel Adelakun. 16. Mrs. Florence Okeniyi 17. Mr Ayoola Oladokun 18. Bar. Niyi Ogunjimi . 19. Prof. Funmi Adeyemi 20. Alhaji Hassan Okunade 21. Late Mr. Franklin Ogunwale Kareem .22. Late (Dr) Jonathan Ogunkanbi Babarinde 23. Late Macaulay Ayanwola 24. Alhaji (Chief) O.M Abas 25. Mr. Francis Babalola 26. Engr. Kunle Aderogba 27. Justice Gboyega Akinteye (Rtd) 28. Alhaji Adejare Gbadamosi 29. Mrs. Mopelola Adetoro (nee Olugbile) E. THE TRADITIONAL RULERS AS THE SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED. 1) Baale Jinadu Adeoye - Baale of Igboora 2) Baale Sule Olanipekun - Baale of Iberekodo 3) Baale Sanni Ogundijo - Baale of Igbole 4) Baale Olawoore Akinyemi - Baale of Pako 5) Baale Olaniyan - Baale Idofin 6) Baale Olanipekun Jinadu - Baale of Saganun 4. SOME OLD STUDENTS THAT ARE THE FIRST ALUMNI TO MAKE HISTORY IN THEIR PROFESSIONS/LINES OF DUTY. 5. THE TRADITIONAL RULERS WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED. The full list of the awardees is as follow: LIST OF FOUNDERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS FOR 2023 HOUSE OF FAME 15
1) Hon. Chief Josephus Adewole Ojo Hon. Chief Joseph Adewole Ojo, the Gbonka of Igboora was the Assistant General Secretary of Igboora Literary Progressive Union (ILPU) when the idea of establishing Igboora High School, Igboora was muted at the meeting th of ILPU on the 26 of December, 1960. He later succeeded Late Chief Olawuwo Adeniran as the General Secretary of the Union. The ILPU conceived and actualized the idea of this school during his time as Assistant Secretary. He was very prominent throughout starting from inception to establishment of the school. He became a member of IPU Council of Patrons after the ILPU was transformed and reformed to IPU in 1990. 2) Chief Francis Folorunsho Adeegbe The centenarian is the Baba-Ijo of Methodist Church, Oke –Agogo, Igboora as well as the Akogun of Iberekodo. He was an active member of the ILPU; Chief F.F Adeegbe was appointed the Treasurer of the Education Committee of the ILPU. In this position, he was to keep the special education tax of 10 shillings imposed on every male adult of Igboora between 1960 and 1962. The tax was specifically collected to establish this school. It is on record that Baba collected and accounted for the entire 2,600 pounds immediately it was needed. 3) Chief (Dr) Samuel Oje Morakinyo -The Asiwaju of Iberekodo He played multiple roles in the birth of Igboora High School as an active member of the ILPU and the Secretary of the steering Committee formed by the Union to see to the establishment of the school. He later became one of the first set of teachers in the school. Almost every student in the first five sets of the school has a very good story to say about this enigmatic educationist, former Oyo State Commissioner, former Oyo State Civil Service Commissioner, Former Commissioner at Oyo State Electoral commission, Scientist, Community Leader and multi-disciplinary legend. He was a member of IPU council of patrons. He is one of our archives and bank of the school's history. 4) Prince AOyebanji Ajibade He was an active and committed member of ILPU when the school was founded. He was particularly active in the steering Committee that midwifed the establishment of the school. He once served as the Chairman of Igboora Development Committee (IDC), a standing committee of ILPU which supervised infrastructural development of projects in Igboora. Up till the present moment, he still remains in active community service. He was a member of IPU Council of Patrons PROFILE OF THE AWARDEES PROFILE OF OUR LIVING LEGENDS 25
5) Elder Joseph Olawunmi His passion for Igboora High School, educational and community development is almost incomparable. He served in ILPU's first steering committee on the establishment of Igboora High School and later became one of the first set of teachers in the school. After a short break, he returned to the school around 1982 as an unofficial Vice Principal to assist in rebuilding the school following a little drop in educational performance and students' behavior. On January 9th, 1976, he almost lost his life while trying to save the school's laboratory from a fire inferno that engulfed the laboratory. He carries the scar from the incident till today. His book, Igboora High School: Ibarapa's Leading Light is a must read for any lover of this school. 6) DrAmos Ademola Adepoju Dr Adepoju was involved in the establishment of this school as an active member of ILPU. He was a member of the steering committee on the school. Apart from the earlier role, he has used his positions to help this school in so many ways. During his tenure as the Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, many qualified graduates of Igboora High School were admitted for higher education through his help. The same thing happened during his appointment as a member of the Federal Board of Prisons, Customs and NSCDC when he assisted many qualified products of Igboora High School in getting appointed. 7) Chief Samson Adepoju Chief Adepoju was the Secretary to the School's Board of Governors from 1967 and an active member of ILPU till 1991. He served the Union diligently and also served as Chairman of ILPU's sub-committee, IDC at a later stage. He is a community man par excellence who is still serving the Igboora Community. 8) Deacon Oyeleke Oyediran Deacon Oyediran was an active member of ILPU when this school was established. He is a committed community man who also served as a teacher and later a Vice Principal of the school. He served diligently in many committees of ILPU. 26
9) DrAgboola A. Adebayo Dr A.A Adebayo is a retired Senior Lecturer of University of Lagos. He was the Chairman, Ifeloju Local Government (now Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Local Governments) at a time. He was among the notable members of ILPU who supported the proposal for the establishment of this school during the December 1960 meeting of the union. Although he was not a member of the steering committee, members reported that valuable support for the establishment of the school was received from him. He served as the Chairman of the school's Board of Governors from 1977 to 1980. PROFILE OFPOSTHUMUOUS SCHOOLFOUNDERS AWARDEES OUR HEROES PAST 1) Reverend Frank Hollis Longley Rev F. H Longley was an English Methodist Missionary in Igboora since 1931. He facilitated the establishment of Methodist Church, Methodist Primary School Oke Agogo, Methodist Secondary Modern School all in Igboora. He assisted the community by standing as surety when the town can only raise 2,600 pounds out of the 4,000 pounds prescribed by Western Region government for the establishment of the school (although the money was not needed by the government, it was required to ensure the liquidity of the school in defraying its obligations after take- off). It was because Methodist Church submitted the application and guaranteed smooth running of the school that the government allowed the school to start without depositing the entire 4,000 pounds in the school's account. This was also the reason why the government made the mistake in issuing the license in the name of Methodist High School, Igboora. He also encouraged his church members to pay the 10 shillings per head education tax. He made it possible for the name of the school to be changed from Methodist High School Igboora (name erroneously used by the government to issue the license) to Igboora High School, Igboora 2) MrRoland Huges He was the Methodist Education Secretary who worked hard to see that the application to establish the school was approved in November 1962. He was invited to Igboora by Rev. Longley on March 6th 1961 at the instance of the town. He came to address the town on what needed to be done to have a High School of our own. 27
He and Rev Longley worked together to have the name of the school changed back to Igboora High School within a month. He laid the foundation stone of the first building in the school in January 1963. 3) Hon (Chief) Joshua Gbadegesin Adeniran He was a strong pillar of support at the foundation stage of the school. He was a committed member of ILPU and the leading politician in the town. He was then a member of the Western Region parliament. He used his political clout extensively for the school and the community. 4) Chief Jacob Afolabi Akinleye Chief Akinleye an astute politician was the Chairman, Ibarapa District Council when the school was founded. He worked tirelessly with his councilors and the education committee of the council in bringing the conceptualized idea to reality. He mobilized his supporters to pay the education tax and support the establishment of Igboora High School. He was the first Olofin of Idofin, Igboora. 5) Chief Joseph Popoola Olugbile The late Baale of Idofin was the founder and life patron of ILPU which he founded in 1940 after his return from India and discharge from the Military service. He reformed the Igboora Progress Union (IPU) formed in 1938 by late Bambeke of Idofin to (ILPU) which became an organization of educated indigenes only. He later became the Chairman of the union's council of patrons in December 1990. Almost every development project in Igboora was executed during his tenure. He presided over ILPU meetings where decision to establish the school was taken. All committees set up to form the school reported to the ILPU which he presided over. 6) Chief Matthew Folorunsho Adeegbe Until about five years ago, Chief M.F Adeegbe (first Sobaloju of Iberekodo) was a strong pillar of politics in Ibarapa and Oyo State. He was a member of ILPU decision takers and became a member of council of Patrons in December 1990. He served as the Secretary of the school Board of Governors in the 1970s. He was a member of federal House of Representatives Lagos in 1964. His influence and indirect contribution to the school cannot be quantified. 7) Chief Stephen Olawuwo Adeniran Chief S.O Adeniran was the Secretary of ILPU when this school was formed. He was one of the executives the steering committee reported to directly. He and Chief S.O Morakinyo were the first two university graduate teachers of Igboora origin who joined the school in 1966. He and Chief S. O Morakinyo came to the school in order to nurture the growth even when it used to take the community two or three months to meet up with teachers' salaries. 28
8) Alhaji Yusuff Amuda Akinlabi Alhaji Y.A Akinlabi was an Islamic clergyman, community leader and lover of western education. He was the longest serving councilor of Ibarapa District Council at that time; a famous and successful businessman dealing in petroleum products (he was called Baba Elepo). Baba Elepo was among the councilors of Ibarapa District Council at the time a decision was taken to establish Ibarapa High School. However, the decision of where the council will locate the school out of the seven towns in Ibarapa affected the proposed Ibarapa High School and promoted the idea of this school. His advisory role in the establishment of the school was excellent. He was a member of ILPU and became a member of its Council of Patrons till his death. 9) Chief Joseph Moruhunranti Olanipekun The late Olukosi of Iberekodo retired from Nigeria Police as a Deputy Commissioner. He later became the Chairman of Ibarapa local government and also served as the State Chairman of defunct National Republican Convention (NRC). Chief Olanipekun's house opposite the police station was the residence of the first Principal of the school, Rev. rd Odunowo when he arrived on the 3 of January, 1963. He was a committed member of ILPU and member of Council of Patrons of the body. His participation and contribution to the school was multi-dimensional. 10) Chief Nasiru Adegoke Akinlabi Perhaps the greatest contribution of late Olukotun of Iberekodo to the establishment of this school was his oratory speech at the ILPU meeting of December, 1960 when it was reported that the local government then had problem selecting where to locate the proposed Ibarapa High School. Because of his position as the Treasurer of Ibarapa District Council, he knew that Igboora alone was contributing more than 40% of total revenue of the council. He was emphatic that if the school was not located in Igboora, then the town should do it alone. This was applauded and that was where the journey started. In 1967, He used his political influence with his intimate friend, Late K.O.S Are for the Western Region government to take up the school and start paying the staff salaries. This was a big relief to the founders. He was a community leader, Islamic leader, Politician, former Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor, former IDC Chairman and a member of ILPU Council of Patrons till death. 11) Prophet Sunday Olusola Ojelabi Prophet Ojelabi was an uncommon community leader and man of God until his death in 2022. He was a member of the steering committee that gave birth to the school. Sometimes around 1960, he invited Dr J.H Parry, then Vice Chancellor (then called Principal) of University of 29
Ibadan to Igboora to give a lecture on education. This immediately had effect in perception of education and desire for it in Igboora. The lecture played a big role in motivating people to pay the education tax to establish this school. 12) MrSalmon Oladejo Akinlabi He was a member of the steering committee of ILPU that saw to the establishment of Igboora High School. He was an educationist and founding Principal of Ogboja Grammar School, Igboora. He died on active service to the school on April 27th, 1987. 13) Chief Amos. Olasupo Adegoke The late Mayegun of Igboora was an uncommon philanthropist, industrialist, businessman and lover of this community. He was the wealthiest man in Igboora during his time and he used it for the benefit of his people. He was active in ILPU in the formative stage of this school. On January 18th, 1978, he donated a block of classroom, chairs, desks and 100 typewriters to Igboora High School. This was in addition to inks, ribbons, stencils and typing papers that filled up a whole classroom. He was about the biggest single donor to the school till today. Until his death in 2014, He was a member of ILPU and a Special member of IPU Council of Patrons. 14) Pa Samuel Okegbenro Bolarinwa He was an educationist and community leader. He played active role in ILPU programs and education committee till his last breath. He was a councilor representing Isale Oba, Igboora at Ibarapa District Council when the school was established. 15) Deacon Matthew Layiwola Olaopa Late M.L Olaopa was one of the earliest indigenes of Igboora to attain Grade Two Teachers Certificate. He later followed it up with a Diploma in Education from the University of Ibadan; He was the chairman of the steering committee formed by ILPU to establish Igboora High School. He was a teacher and lover of education. His contribution to the establishment of the school is immeasurable. He died in 2020. 16) Chief Joseph Owoade Okanlawon The Late Bada of Iberekodo - Igbole was a teacher of teachers and leaders of leaders. He was a teacher to many of the early leaders of ILPU like Chief Morakinyo, Prophet Ojelabi, and S.O Akinlabi among others. He was reputed to be one of the leaders who directed members of the steering committee of ILPU. 17) Chief Emanuel Owoade Alphonso The late Odofin of Pako was among the earliest members of ILPU which used to organize annual education week in the community. He participated in the establishment of the school. 18) Rev (Chief) Olumuyiwa Oyedele Odunowo 30
Chief (Rev) Odunowo was the first Principal of the school. Native of Aiyepe-Ijebu, Ogun State. He arrived Igboora on January 3rd, 1963 to start the school at the premises of the then Methodist Secondary Modern School. He left Igboora in 1970. Right from his first day, he took science subjects seriously and made them priority for students. He was emotionally attached to the school. He singularly formed the school motto: Character and Knowledge. This motto was what he used to form the nucleus of the training. No wonder he achieved 100% success in WAEC results during his principal ship. He was so loved by the community that he was installed a posthumous chieftaincy title in 1992. 19) Mr J.O Aletan Mr Aletan was the first teacher employed. He demonstrated high interest in the development of the school and left a good memory in his students. He was from Imesi- Ile (Ijesha). 20) Pa Gabriel Eyinade The late Seriki of Iberekodo was a famous community leader and one of the earliest leaders of ILPU as well as a strong force in support of the establishment of this school at the ILPU meeting of December 25th, 1960. He assisted in no small measure in collecting the 10 shillings education tax. 21) Imam Shittu Abas (Alawiye) Just as Rev. Longley mobilized support for the payment of 10 shillings' education tax in Methodist Church, Imam Shittu Abas mobilized support in mosques. 22) Late Imam Saminu Alabi Ariyo The Late Imam Saminu Ariyo also mobilized support for the payment of education tax of 10 shillings in mosques. 23) Alh. Imam Bello Adebayo Ibrahim (AKAAlfa Shop) Apart from being one of the councilors of Ibarapa District Council who proposed the establishment of a high school in Ibarapa, Alhaji Bello Adebayo Ibrahim mobilized support for the payment of 10 shillings education tax in mosques. He was the Chief Tafsir of Igboora Central mosque from 1960 to the time of his death in 1995. He was also the Chief Imam of Iberekodo from 1982 to death. He was the first person in Ibarapaland to open a shop for any kind of business. This earned him the appellation “Alfa shop”. He was also the first person to own and use a typewriter which was used in the same shop. He was one of the literate and enlightened community leaders at that time. 31
24) Chief Olayiwola Sangodare Late Chief Sangodare was a teacher, educator, administrator, politician and a community leader. He was a member of the initial steering committee of this school. Again, he was a member of the steering committee that had oversight on the first Board of Governors appointed by the government after the school was taken over from the community and placed on the public list from 1960 to 1972. After this, he served as Chairman of the PTAfor over a decade. 25) MrAdegboyega Ayoade Late Adegboyega Ayoade was a teacher, educationist, politician and community leader. He was a member of ILPU and served in the steering committee that established this school. He served as a teacher in the school between 1977 and 1982 before he was later transferred to Lasogba High School as Principal. He died on active teaching service on April 27th, 2007. 26) Alhaji Salami Adebisi (Fowosere) Alhaji Adebisi was a businessman, bookseller, tailor, Islam clergy and community leader. His house was one of the earliest used as Principal's residence and later as student's hostel. He strongly mobilized for the payment of the education levy to establish the school. 27) Chief Samuel Adepoju The late Odofin of Iberekodo was one of those who facilitated the present school land for the community through the Okunrinrodo family of Isale Pembo, Igboora. The land was freely donated to the community after the steering committee indicated interest in using it for the school. 28) Late Baale James.O. Ojenike He was a councilor representing Sagan nun, Igboora at Ibarapa District Council at the time the school was formed. He was a member of the education committee of the council and he was the councilor who reported at the December 26th 1960 meeting that other towns in Ibarapa were not ready to allow Ibarapa High School to be located in Igboora. He was the immediate past Baale of Sagan-un, Igboora. 29) Late (Bar) Wale Adeniran Chief (Barrister) Wale Adeniran was one of the first lawyers produced by Igboora. He was a legal practitioner of repute, politician and community man. He served as the legal adviser of ILPU for many years. He was among the early proponents of the establishment of Igboora High School. OLD STUDENTS' AWARD OUR PRIDE, OUR FIRST 1. HRH. Oba (Dr) Muiz Monayanjo First set, First Meloner to be a medical doctor. He is the Olu of Ilugun and Former Chairman, Yoruba Council of Elders, Ogun State. 32
2. HRM. Oba Adedamola Badmus 18th set. Oluaso of Iberekodo and the first Meloner to be crowned an Oba 3. HRH. Oba Olusanjo Ojo 9th set. Baba-Aso of Iberekodo-Igbole 4. HRM. Oba Wasiu Saka 20th Set. Elero of Ilero 5. HRH. Oba Sunday Titiloye 11th set. The Elempe of Tapa 6. Mr Julius Adekola 1st set, First Meloner to be a renowned Estate Valuer 7. Group Captain Tajudeen Lawal 1st Set, First Meloner to be a Senior Military Officer 8. Prof. Festus Oyawale 1st Set, First Meloner to be a Professor 9. Sunday Adewale Adegbenjo 1st set, First Meloner to be a University Graduate 10. Rev (Dr) Sunday Aworinde, JP 2nd Set, Distinguished Clergy man 11. Late Emmanuel Adeyemi 2nd set, First Meloner to be an Industrialist and philanthropist of note 12. MrOlusegun Ogungbe 2nd set, First Meloner to be a Chartered Banker 13. Dr. Rasaq Tijani 3rd set, a Medical Doctor of repute who volunteered to return home to help the community 14. MrAdebisi Adeniran 3rd set, First Meloner to head a tertiary institution 15. MrEmmanuel Adelakun 3rd set. First Meloner to study Computer Science 16. Mrs. Florence Okeniyi 4th set, First Meloner to be appointed Accountant General, Oyo State 17. MrAyoola Oladokun 4th set, Adistinguished Pharmacist in USA 18. Bar. Niyi Ogunjimi 4th set, Adistinguished legal practitioner 19. Prof. Funmi Adeyemi 4th set, First Meloner to be a Professor and a Professor of Pharmacology, UNILAG 33
20. Alhaji Hassan Okunade 4th Set, Retired Permanent Secretary in Oyo State 21. Late Franklin Ogunwale Kareem 4th set. First Meloner to be Principal of this school 22. Late (Dr) Jonathan Ogunkanbi Babarinde 4th set and former teacher in this school 23. Late Macaulay Ayanwola 5th set, Renowned Chartered Banker 24. Alhaji (Chief) O.M Abas 5th set. First Meloner to be a Pharmacist and first Meloner to be elected as a local government Chairman 25. Mr. Francis Babalola 5th set. First Meloner to be appointed a State Commissioner 26. Engr. Kunle Aderogba 5th set. Retired Permanent Secretary, Oyo State 27. Justice Gboyega Akinteye (Rtd) 6th set. First Meloner to be call to bar and First Meloner to be a High Court Judge 28. MrAdejare Gbadamosi 6th set, a Distinguished Pharmacist and Ibarapa based philanthropist 29. Mrs. Mopelola Adetoro (nee Olugbile) 7th set. Apharmacist and Retired Permanent Secretary in Oyo State Addendum The parameters used to determine the old students' award are; 1. All the paramount rulers are selected for the award starting from the first set of the school to the last set. 2. Other old students' selected are distinguished meloners from the first set to the seventh set alone. 34
e thank God for bringing into life the School Wcalled Igboora High School in 1963 to serve God and humanity and ensure the growth of Ibarapa land in particular and Nigeria in general. We also thank God for putting it in the minds of some eminent sons and daughters of Igboora to imbibe the saying 'Aiye ti esin koje, iru idi re yio je.' This was why they went to work as early as 1961 to levy themselves financially by shedding their sweat to establish a citadel of knowledge for their children and grandchildren. Their intention was pure and pious and God granted their wish that culminated into the establishment of a great school which has been producing a lot of very good and progressive leaders for our country. Among the great people worthy of mention in this great mission of establishing the school are Reverend F. H Longley, Chief Joseph Moruhunranti Olanipekun, Chief Adewole Ojo, Chief Joseph Popoola Olugbile, Chief Ogungbe, Chief Joshua Gbadegesin Adeniran, Prince A. Oyebanji Ajibade, Chief Francis Folorunso Adeegbe , Chief Mattew Folorunso Adeegbe , Chief Oje Morakinyo, Chief AmosAdegoke, Elder Lekan Olawunmi,Chief Stephen.Olawuwo. Adeniran ,Deacon Mattew Layiwola Olaopa, Pa Samuel Okegbenro Bolarinwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Adebayo, Alhaji Salami Adebisi, Alhaji Owotutu and other very eminent people of Igboora. The story will not be complete without mentioning the Methodist Mission and Wesley College who had helped to midwife the great Institution. These eminent people from Igboora taxed themselves and used their physical abilities to bring the school to life. They also involve like-minds from Igangan to Lanlate encouraging prominent citizens in these towns to buy into their idea of a 'Grammar' school. One of the antiquities the father of the author valued most is the receipt of money paid to make the school come to life. They did not make the school a property of Igboora alone but a pan-Ibarapa project. The money raised collectively by all these great people was not enough to meet the Government target. The Methodist mission through the intervention of Rev. Longley had to come in to serve as financial guarantor . This was how the great school started in 1963 using the premises of Methodist Secondary Modern School while THE EARLY DAYS. work was going on in the permanent site. Sourcing for a good principal to start off the school was also a problem which Rev. Longley helped to solve by identifying Rev. O.O. Odunowo, a teacher in Welsey College, Ibadan to lead the school. Rev. Odunowo had to come and inspect the 'Rural' school and made up his mind to make a good name by becoming the pioneer principal despite the wife's objection to staying in this very rural location. He had to persuade her to follow him. Chief Olanipekun had to dare his Senior officers by giving to Rev. Odunowo the property he had promised to give to the police force to accommodate the DPO and other highranking officers that were to work in the recently established police outfit. Rev. Odunowo was one other good asset the community had. He was very diligent in his work. He was just and fair to all. He based everything on merit and fairness, hence he gave the school the motto “Character and Knowledge”. Mr. S.O. Adeniran was his very able lieutenant. Both of them who are leaders were dedicated to duty. Other teachers had no option than to be dedicated. Some of the early teachers were Chief Oje Morakinyo (Science), Mr. Aletan (English), Mr. Ebun Alaye (History/English), Mr. Olowo Shittu (Mathematics and Yoruba). Miss. Nalyn Elizabeth George (Biology). They all made sure we had very good background in all the subjects by making sure we did nothing but face our studies. Their efforts yielded good result as the first three sets of the school achieved 100% pass. Reverend Odunowo believed in teaching us and preparing us hard for the exams with a lot of hard work and prayers. Going to exams then was like going to war. The principal was so fair minded that he did not compromise anything for standard. The first set consisted of ten students viz. Titus Buramoh, Tajudeen Lawal (Ijebu), Sunday Adegbenjo, Amos Oladewa (Idere), Eyitayo Akinyemi, Timothy Aibinu (Eruwa), Muiz Omonayajo, Aston Adeboye (Abeokuta), Julius Adekola (Ogbomosho), Festus Sunday Oyawale (Osun State). It was Rev. Odunowo principle that except you pass English and Mathematics in promotion to form V, you would not go. Hence, he had 100% in the first and second sets. 35
We thank God that the founding father of the school believed so much in the school that they all sent their children to have their secondary education at IHS. We have children of Olanipekun, Olugbile, Akinlabi, Ojo in the early set. We also had children of people from other towns who believed in dreams of Igboora in the school i.e., Omolewu's, Falade (Igangan), Eweoya, Oloyede (Tapa), Tijani Akinlade, Makanju, Adesina Alabere (Ayete), Aibinu (Eruwa), Ojebola, Oladiran (Lanlate). All were admitted on merit and did well in life eventually. We thank God Almighty for his blessing on the school which has produced great people , who are now great Politicians, Professors and Academicians, Masters of Industries and very eminent personalities . You have not all forgotten your source of growth, hence your contribution to the 60th anniversary. May God bless your source of income and your families. We thank you. The present executive of the old student association ably led by Dr. Gbade Akinteye had done very well. The executive that handed over to you headed by Engr. Kunle Aderogba made sure they put in a place a good successor which you have proven to be. May God be with you. We thank all that contributed to this project and pray “Owo yin ko ni gbe, Ile Alakan ki gbe”. You will never know want. I pray that God will guide us to spend all we collected on worthy things that will promote the good name of the school. UPSCHOOL!!! THE GREATEST! Dr. Rasaq Tijani 1969 Set. he impending sixtieth (60th) anniversary of Tour great alma mater means different things to different old students A few of us will regard the event with pleasant nostalgia deserving of adequate publicity. Yet, a handful will see it as a great get-together of the old and not too old old students. Still, to others, it's a right time to see on one on one, old studdnts, classmates whose path has not crossed for decades. The meeting can produce an opportunity to revitalise the once lost bond of friendship. It's not out of place if issues bordering on the growth and development of our alma mater gain currency as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of IHS. It is also pertinent to appreciate our selfless teachers who painstakingly nurtured us to become what we are today. Without their dedication to teaching in the classroom environment, support and moisture, the blooming flower in me would have withered a long time ago. The light they beamed dispersed the cloud of darkness evident in me. I say a big thanks and gratitude to them all. I also bring into remembrance my mother's insistence on Igboora High School, even though a scholarship was in the kitty for me. This article will be incomplete should I refuse to acknowledge the healthy competitions offered by my classmates in all ramifications. May the merciful God grant them their heart desires and grant me the enablement to be a senior of great repute. Now is the time to plough back, reciprocate and appreciate an institution that made us what we are today. I appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart. Prince Olatayo Oloyede Adeoye. 1969/73 set. A RIGHT TIME TO APPRECIATE IHS AT 60: 36
Education offers girls the necessary skills and information to excel in a chosen career. Hence, an educated girl can become a teacher, doctor, accountant, architect, lawyer and engineer, among many other lucrative and noble professions. As a practising Engineer of over 30 years, I am proengineering, particularly among the female gender. Engineering opens you up to a professional, impactful, noble, and rewarding career, relevant in every society. Engineering has been defined by the Engineers Council for Professional Development in the United States as "the creative application of scientific principles to design structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes or works utilising them singly or in combination or to construct or operate the same with full cognisance of their design or to forecast their behaviour under specific operating conditions, all as respect intended functions, the economics of operation, and safety to life and property ". Engineering is based principally on Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and their extensions into material science, solid and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and system analysis. Whichever field of study is desired, Engineering remains the bedrock of the technological development of any nation. Statistics show that the population of the female gender is 105.57 million, and the male gender is 107.83 million as of 2021 (Aron O. Noel, 2023). This is a ratio of 49.5 to 50.5. For a nation to develop technologically, the female gender must be encouraged to study Engineering. To study Engineering, what is required are the five senses God has endowed on both the female and male gender. To study mathematics, physics, and chemistry, intellect and commitment are required, which are not particular to any gender. As a female Engineer, I want to encourage girls that Engineering ENGINEERING IS FOR GIRLS ALSO is not about carrying heavy loads or machines; it is more about designs and supervision, which involves your brain and not physical stature. Also, to debunk some myths, as a girl child, studying Engineering has no negative impact on your future and reproductive system. The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) is a non-profit, nongovernmental, educational service organisation and a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). In her forty years of existence, APWEN has continued to encourage young girls to study Engineering and has been a catalyst for advancing the development of practising female Engineers. Our mission is to continuously increase awareness that Engineering is a career for girls, thereby improving the numerical strength of female Engineers in Nigeria. APWEN was founded in 1982 but formally inaugurated in 1983 by six women led by Engr Joanne Olufunbi Maduka. Now with a membership of over three thousand (3000) in the six (6) geo-political zones, APWEN is in forty (40) cities and eighteen (18) campuses in Nigeria. At APWEN, we partner with organisations and individuals to offer mentorship, training, scholarship and other forms of support to make the dreams of young ladies who wish to study engineering a reality. For the sustainable development of this Nation, more girls should be encouraged and supported to read Engineering. This is the goal of APWEN, and the reader of this article is encouraged to connect and partner with APWEN to achieve this and to get guidance on becoming a female Engineer. EngrOlanike Ogunbona FNSE APWEN ABEOKUTACHAPTER 37
th In commemoration of the 60 Anniversary of my alma mater, Igboora High School, I thought of a few ideas which may be of interest to the readers. Out of many topics of that came to my mind, I picked these structures from two countries and two continents: Preface: Cocoa House, Ibadan (Nigeria) and the Bay Bridge, San Francisco (United States) are two wonderful structures conceived and deployed by human beings. This essay is therefore an attempt to evaluate visions, visionaries and the human potentials. We are limitless creatures and no one knows how far we can design, create and do in this planet earth. The comparative analysis is just a tip of the icebergs. The Cocoa House building was conceived by Chief Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1962; construction started in 1963 and was completed in 1964 but commissioned in 1965. Proceeds from the sale of agricultural products, mainly cocoa exportation, rubber and timber, were used to fund it. Up until 1979, it was the tallest building in Nigeria. Spectacular and an amazing mega structure, it was a pride of the then Western Region. Cocoa House and the Golden Gate bridge: Ingenious Engineering By Idowu Akinleye On the other side of the continent, Emperor Norton was championing the building of the Bay Bridge and for the sake of space and relevance, I like to use 1933 as base year when its construction started. Thus, merely 30 years after the conception of Bay Bridge, Cocoa House was built in 1963, the same year Igboora High School also was founded. The Bay bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, is a double decks spanning from Oakland and crossing the Pacific Lagoon into the San Francisco city. It carries 260,000 vehicles daily. Over the water, the 38
Given the necessary opportunities, anyone can dream and fan the dream into reality. The dreamers of the past have put their names on the sands of time. Our sage, Obafemi Awolowo was one of the visionaries of his time. Our leaders who conceived Igboora High School gave us a school and an access to education that's seemingly incomparable. Chief Amos Olasupo Adegoke first introduced us to Art, Shorthand and Commercial subjects and built classrooms furnished with typewriters. The Art shed enabled artists to do creative arts while the Science laboratory immersed Chemistry, Physics and Biology into today's scientists who are doing well in their fields. From experience, I found out that there is no limit for human potentials, what we can do, become or dream of. Children dream but sometime the society limits their dreams by telling them it is not possible. Why is it not possible? Those who say it is not possible have not even tried it or have tried few times and failed, perhaps due to faults traceable to them. Powerful dreamers don't give up just as winners don't give up. Our society must learn, adapt and encourage people who want to do something bigger, visioners who want to create something never done before and leaders who want to change the culture societal failures. One relevant example is that in Silicon Valley, the investors never discourage young talents who fail in their first attempt. Indeed, Stanford University encourages students not to be scared of failures. It is in failure that you know what is good and receive feedbacks on what is not good. Conclusion: Let's create an enabling environment for future dreamers and visioners by investing in schools, sciences, arts, computer sciences and let's send people to the moon. Human potential is limitless and we can do better than what we can see or touch. Nigerians are doing well in Europe, Canada and the United States and leading most of the structures and projects unimaginably. Let's continue to invest in infrastructures, free Internet, huge design and testing laboratories and allocate free lands for businesses and investors. Let's build Nigeria together. Disclaimers: These images are not mine but Google images only for this essay. ships coming from China cross into Oakland port and under the water, a tube carrying electric train is passing simultaneously with no hindrance to ship, vehicles or even flights crossing the bay. This is thrice the size of Cocoa House 39
40
First and foremost, we must thank God for the opportunity afforded us to have this celebration today. It was supposed to have been held earlier in February this year but the 2023 general elections necessitated a postponement until today. When the decision to postpone it was being taken in January, some people were skeptical that the aftermath of the elections could make this day unrealistic. To the Glory of God, we are all here today in a joyous mood. Today, we are celebrating 60 years anniversary of our Alma Mater and we are proud to be part of the epoch-making event. While mobilizing for this celebration, this committee believed that we could not be celebrating the existence of the School without acknowledging some of the very distinguished people who played tremendous roles in the establishment of the school alongside other distinguished members of the community. At this juncture, permit me to eulogize the contributions of the members of the then Igboora Literary Progressive Union, willing adults tax payers and the unalloyed support of the Royal Fathers at the time for their selflessness in the formation of the School. However, we cannot recognize everyone at once, hence we have decided to honour just a few amongst those who contributed to the formation of the school. It is our hope that the selected ones are representatives of the entire community. In addition to the first category of distinguished people to be honoured, this committee also decided to recognize some of the products of the School who are making tremendous mark in their fields of specialization all over the world. However, selecting less than 30 out of over 500 deserving old students' for award was a big task. We had difficulty in selecting a few but we decided to forge ahead in order to lay a foundation for future awards. If we postpone it this year, more old students will be eligible next year and the numbers will keep on growing. So, we had to break the jinx and give no room to procastination. To the glory of Almighty God, we are opening Igboora High School Hall of Fame today with the enrollment of 76 people as Class of 2023. The award is in four categories; I. Post Humour Awards for some of the deserving members of the community instrumental to the establishment of the School, ii. Living Legend Awards - These are living heroes who also.played leading roles as in (I) above, iii. Awards of Excellence to some selected old students', iv. Awards of Recognition to some of the former employees for immeasurable contributions to the School. It is expedient to mention that given the high quality of old students' moulded with Character and Knowledge, we had more than 500 eligible old students' with groundbreaking achievements that deserve awards today but we thought awarding the entire 500 today will be burdensome. Again, it will reduce the quality of celebration in future awards and admission to Hall of Fame which we recommend to be held every two years. Hence, we only recommended members from the first seven sets of the school for awards. Despite that, we still have eligible members within the seven sets other than those to be honoured today. Distinguished old students, please forgive us in case of any omission(s), mistake(s) and/or negligence regarding names not considered for award today. Whatever mistake we made is not intentional. Hopefully, they will be corrected in future considerations. Special thanks go to all members of this Committee for their hardwork and the National Executive Committee for the confidence it reposed in us to have given us this assignment. Finally, we all deserve individual awards as we are not just excellent but we are outstanding. Happy Diamond Jubilee to us all. Up IHS! Up School!! Hon. Akinyemi Akinlabi Chairman Mobilization Sub- Committee IGBOORA HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME: RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE 41
42
43
44
45 Royal Fathers HRH. Oba (Dr) Muiz Monayajo HRM. Oba Adedamola Badmus HRH. Oba Olusanjo Ojo HRM. Oba Wasiu Saka HRH. Oba Sunday Titiloye
Principal page Rev. O.O. Odunowo Deacon T. B Ajamu Mr Salmon Oladejo Akinlabi Mr A.A Akindele Alh. A. A Aderounmu Mr F. O. Kareem Mr R. A Adebayo Mr O.A Olugbile Mr A. F Oseni Alh. A.I Kareem Mrs. S.T Hussein 46
CAREER TALK ENGINEERING; THE BEST WAY TO HELP PEOPLE a catchy inscription boldly and proudly displayed on the door leading to the ofce of Dean of the College of Engineering of this writer's University - The University of Wisconsin at Madison, United States of America. This undeniable and self-evident message contained in this inscription underscored the importance of the role of engineering and the Engineer in the society today and in ancient civilizations. The Egyptians were known to have constructed water channels to irrigate farms and make food production easier and abundantly available, while The Romans built great roads including the famous Appian Way, bridges and aqueducts to convey water to their inner cities. This was when engineering was considered an art. Today, who is an Engineer? An engineer is an individual who has been specically trained and Is therefore experienced in the skillful application of science to plan, design, develop structures, devices and processes for the benet of mankind. Over the years, the frontier of knowledge of man in science has widened signicantly, as permitted by the Almighty God who is the rst and the Last engineer in the Universe. Consequently, the Engineer is constantly being challenged to plan, design, create and manage new devices or systems that will help man utilize resources of the world efciently in the pursuit of his commerce and economic activities, medicine, transportation advancement, better standard of living, agricultural and general food security, communication etc. Hence the scope of the traditional elds of Engineering are no longer adequate to meet these demands. FIELDS OFENGINEERING The three traditional elds of engineering are Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering while the new disciplines are either sectorial, being the derivatives of any of these three or completely new ones. Whichever one it is, a student who wishes to MAKING A CAREER IN ENGINEERING make a career in Engineering is required to be procient in the same foundation subjects of Mathematics and the Sciences. Some of the new elds of engineering that have evolved over the years are Electronics and Computer, Chemical, Petroleum, Materials and Metallurgical, Mining, Marine/Naval Corrotion, Geotechnical, Highway and transportation, Industrial and Production, Biomedical, Structural, Agricultural, water and Sanitary Engineering etc. Which discipline of engineering a student wishes to pursue and how successful he will be depends, like in other elds of human endeavour, on the individual's INTEREST, ATTITUDE and APTITUDE. Interest will dene the individual's drive and passion to learn, know and undertake independent research work, if need be. Attitude is about striving for competence, reliability, integrity and life-long learning in the practice of engineering. Engineering project management is usually a team job which tasks the engineers aptitude in capacity for hardwork, sound judgement and leadership skill. BASIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The student that wishes to apply and obtain admission to tertiary institution (University Polytechnic) to study engineering must prepare to study hard and obtain minimum of ve credit and above passes in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry in addition to two other relevant subjects in his or her SSSCE, NECO or equivalent as prescribed by the University of his choice. He must also satisfy the University in its post UTME examination. TRAINING It is expected that prociency in these subjects will make him succeed In the training which involves science and engineering fundamentals, applied probability and statistics, calculus, computer science, engineering practice, business and project management and some liberal art subjects. These and some others in his specic area of concentration, will prepare him to stand tall to be a bridge builder 47
between Science and Society and make him an effective and efcient manager of man and material resources. In the course of his training, the trainee engineer is expected participate in Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) for specic period of time in an engineering establishment where he or she will be exposed to one or several areas of engineering practice such as planning, design, construction, supervision, maintenance and management. The student engineer is expected to take full advantage of this opportunity. ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALBODIES The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) the Umbrella organization for engineering profession in Nigeria was formed over sixty years ago. The Society looks after the professional needs of members. Over the years the Society has become so big that its constituent bodies such as Civil, Petroleum, Mining, Mechanical had formed Divisions of the Society. The student can join the Society (NSE) as a STUDENT MEMBER and four years after graduating from the University, rnay apply and be admitted as a GRADUATE MEMBER from which he could move to other categories as he gathers Experience. The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is the statutory body that registers practitioners of Engineering. Until an Engineer is registered by this body, he cannot independently practice and append his signature on any Engineering Document neither can he legally prex his or her name with the title ENGR. JOB OPPORTUNITIES The prospect of a well-trained engineering graduate getting a job Is very good both in the Public and private sectors. It is even more so in the private sector. Or I should say the probability of an engineering graduate being jobless is very low provided he is skillful and willing to apply his talent and all he has leant while in School. The digital economy Is doing well and growing. Here the young engineer can acquire training and receive certication in relevant eld like Data analytics, which is in high demand. Outside the shores of this country creative and skillful engineering graduates with or without certication are being sought for. QUALITY AND SKILLS EXPECTED OF AN ENGINEER The best decision a student can make in life today Is to make a career in engineering to 'HELP THE PEOPLE THE BEST WAY'. The qualities and skills that distinguished engineers include but not limited to; courage and integrity, Imagination, thirst for knowledge, capacity for hard work, sound technical skills and compliance with Standard engineering and business practices. Hence the admonition of ALBERT EINSTEIN (author of the theory of relativity) to the Engineers: 'The concern for man and his destiny will always be the chief Interest of all technical efforts, do not forget it In your EQUATIONS AND DIAGRAMS'. ENGR. BURAIMOH KUNLE ADEROGBA, (Retd. Permanent Secretary). 48
49
50