*Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu
Ottawa, Canada
As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Abeokuta Girls Grammar School (AGGS) on February 14, we remember the countless conversations that praised the school’s academic and sports excellence. The iconic blue and white checkered uniform commands respect, symbolizing a legacy of achievement.
Founded in 1955, AGGS has consistently produced accomplished women who make a lasting impact in various fields. The school’s alumni, scattered across the globe, remain committed to giving back to their alma mater. The Abeokuta Girls Grammar School Old Students Association (AGGSOGA) has been instrumental in driving the school’s growth, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.
The association’s members, comprising distinguished professionals in various fields, embody the school’s anthem, striving for excellence and honoring their alma mater. Notable among them are respected professionals like Dr Bolanle Hammond, who is a retired Commissioner for Education in Ogun State, former Nigeria Ambassador to Spain, Ambassador Susan Aderonke Folarin,
Mrs Amope Ajibola Chokor, former Head of Service, Ogun State, Chief Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Ogun State Chief Justice and Mrs Funmi Adesoye, former Head of Service, Lagos State
Others are Lagos State High Court Judge, Justice Toyin Odusanya, Mrs Aderonke Makanjuola who held sway as Executive Secretary, Oyo State Board for Technical &Vocational Education (2013-2015), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Oyo State (2015-2017), Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board: SUBEB (2017-2019) and Mrs Risikat Foluso Sali, another retired Permanent Secretary, Simeon Adebo Training School, Ibadan (2011-2012) and Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Oyo State (2012-2017).
Elder Adedoyin Onayiga, the school’s first Headgirl, who graduated in 1960, beams with pride as she witnesses this milestone anniversary. Her pioneering spirit continues to inspire.
Under the visionary leadership of past and present National and Global Presidents, including Chief Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Yeye Otunba Adetola Hassan, and Mrs. Elizabeth Olusolape Ajibola, AGGSOGA, has introduced initiatives that promote unity, expansion, and growth. The association’s impact is a testament to the enduring legacy of AGGS.
As we commemorate this significant anniversary, we celebrate the countless achievements of AGGS and its remarkable alumni. We honor the school’s tradition of excellence, its dedicated staff, and the unwavering commitment of its students and alumni.
The third stanza of the AGGS anthem remains an enduring bond, resonating deeply with all who have passed through the school’s hallowed halls:
‘Dreaming of the days we spent here,
Lingering will renew
Still with love and hope
We’ll cherish memories of thee.’
Under the visionary leadership of Olusolape Ajibola, the school has witnessed significant transformations over the past two years. Infrastructure upgrades have been a major focus, with new buildings, renovations, painting, electrification, and access to extramural classes for final-year students in key subjects.
A complete library was also donated by the NNPC Foundation. Alhaja Bankole’s sponsorship is another goal.
Ajibola has also spearheaded a successful membership drive, establishing additional branches both locally and internationally. Her unifying efforts have yielded impressive results.
Notably, several year sets have invested in extensive hostel refurbishments under Ajibola’s leadership. Today, the 70-year-old institution boasts a state-of-the-art digitalized hall, positioning it to compete with world-class learning institutions.
A notable legacy of Yeye Otunba Adetola Hassan’s tenure, among several others, is the introduction of a bespoke blue and white checkered traditional fabric, Aso Oke, which has become the social uniform for AGGS alumni, beautifully complementing the school’s iconic uniform.
