Ilesa Grammar School Marks 92nd Anniversary as Old Students Celebrate Legacy, Restoration and Renewed Commitment

Old Students of Ilesa Grammar School (IGS), Ilesa, across the world on Thursday celebrated the 92nd anniversary of the founding of their alma mater, reflecting on the school’s resilience, historic challenges and remarkable revival driven largely by the Old Students’ Association.

In a goodwill message to mark the anniversary, the National President of the Ilesa Grammar School Old Students’ Association (ILEGOSA), Dr. Obisesan Daramola (1965 Set), congratulated members for sustaining the legacy of the institution over the past nine decades, despite periods of serious difficulty.

According to him, one of the darkest moments in the school’s history occurred in 2017, when an unusual policy decision by the Osun State Government led to the school being phased out. He recalled that the situation was reversed through the collective efforts of Old Students under the leadership of the then National President, His Royal Highness, the late Oba Adedoyin Adelekun, culminating in the school’s restoration in 2020.

“With the help of God and the unity of Old Students, the school returned with its name, history and pride intact,” Daramola said, adding that the episode served as a turning point that reawakened the Old Students’ commitment to the needs of the school.

He disclosed that between October 2020 and February 2026, Old Students had invested over ₦600 million in rehabilitation and restoration projects across the school, following years of deterioration during the period of closure. Support, he noted, came from individuals, class sets, branches and Old Students in the diaspora.

Among the landmark projects highlighted were the renovation of the Empire Building by the 1970 Set, the Jubilee Building (now Canon Oni Building) by the 1972 Set, fencing of the nearly one-kilometre school perimeter, construction of a standard university-style gate by Old Students in the Diaspora (OSID), and the development of an official school website by the 1965 Set, the president’s class set. He added that a comprehensive list of donors and projects would be released at the end of the current administration’s tenure.

Beyond infrastructure, Daramola emphasized ongoing support for current students through scholarships, sponsorships and educational assistance, noting that such interventions had continued on a daily basis. He also announced the completion of a National Secretariat, a project initiated in late 2024, which now provides a meeting and planning space for Old Students.

Commending the school’s leadership, the ILEGOSA president praised the two principals, Mr. Idowu Egunjobi and Mrs. Yomi Mohammed, for what he described as exemplary care and discipline among the over 1,200 students of the school. He also expressed appreciation to teachers for their dedication, while assuring them of increased Old Students’ support, particularly in the areas of accommodation and welfare.

Looking ahead, Daramola informed members that the National Executive Council (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) would soon unveil the transition programme of the outgoing administration, appealing for cooperation and understanding in the overall interest of the school.

He concluded by congratulating all Old Students on the 92nd anniversary, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices and reaffirming confidence in the shared commitment to the future of Ilesa Grammar School.

The anniversary celebration underscored the enduring bond among Old Students and their resolve to safeguard the heritage and progress of one of Ijesaland’s most historic secondary schools.