Methodist High School, Ilesa @70: A Recap of the Week-Long Celebration of Legacy and Excellence... By KAKAKIOODUA Online Media Agency Correspondent

Even though the 70th anniversary celebration of Methodist High School, Ilesa has come and gone, the memories it created continue to linger in the hearts of all who were part of it. For seven remarkable days, the school community—old students, staff, students, and friends of the institution—came together to celebrate a legacy built on discipline, excellence, and service.

Beyond the colourful ceremonies, inspiring lectures, cultural displays, and reunion of generations, the celebration served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the school on countless lives across Nigeria and beyond. While the events have ended, the reflections, renewed friendships, and collective commitment to the future of Methodist High School, Ilesa remain alive, echoing the proud heritage of an institution that has shaped leaders and communities for seventy years.

The historic town of Ilesa in Osun State came alive as Methodist High School, Ilesa marked its 70th anniversary celebration, a milestone event that brought together generations of alumni, students, educators, government officials and community leaders in a week-long programme of reflection, development and celebration.

Tagged “Methodist High School, Ilesa @70: A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Greatness,” the anniversary activities spanned seven days and featured academic engagements, community outreach, sporting events, lectures, project commissioning, cultural displays and a grand thanksgiving service.

The celebration highlighted the institution’s rich heritage and reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future generations of leaders.

Opening Activities and Stakeholder Engagement

The anniversary commenced with the arrival and registration of delegates, media engagements, press briefings and courtesy visits to key stakeholders.

Members of the Old Students Association of Methodist High School, Ilesa (OSAMETHSI), led by the National President, Architect Gbenga Akintola, visited strategic government offices in Osun State as part of efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and support for education.

The delegation was received by the Osun State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Sunday Adedipo Eluwole, who represented the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Osun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Comrade Temitope Mustapha Adeyemi, described the visit as commendable and applauded the alumni body for its continued commitment to the development of education in the state.

The delegation was warmly received by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Sunday Adedipo Eluwole, who represented the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of Osun TESCOM, Comrade Temitope Mustapha Adeyemi, described the engagement as “a wonderful visitation” and commended the alumni body for its strong presence and commitment to educational development in the state.

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“This is one of its kind. Very respected men and women who are the power behind our secondary schools in the state. It is a kind of support for the government of Osun State,” he said.

Adeyemi noted that Methodist High School remains one of the pioneer secondary schools in the state and described the organisation of the 70th anniversary celebration as impressive.

Medical Outreach and Teacher Development

Activities on the third day of the celebration focused on healthcare and professional development.

The school organised free medical check-ups for teachers and students, an initiative aimed at promoting health awareness and early detection of medical conditions within the school community.

Inside the school hall, a professional development session for teachers brought together education stakeholders and school administrators.

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Among dignitaries present were the National President of the alumni association, Arc. Gbenga Akintola, Planning Committee Chairman Mr. Wale Folowosele, PTA Chairman Alhaji Adebinpe, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, and the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, TESCOM Ijesa Zone, Mrs. V.O. Sharaibi.

Former principal Mr. V.O. Daramola urged teachers to continually improve their professional capacity, stressing that students’ performance is directly influenced by the dedication and competence of their teachers.

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Mrs. Sharaibi also emphasised the need for educators to embrace technological innovations and emerging trends such as Artificial Intelligence in teaching.

“Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” she said, encouraging teachers to pay attention to individual learning differences among students.

Motivational Session and Academic Quiz

The celebration also featured motivational sessions for SS3 students, where accomplished alumni shared life experiences and career guidance.

A retired United Nations consultant and member of the 1969 set, Chief Mrs. Grace Oluwatoye, delivered an inspiring talk on discipline, goal-setting and perseverance. She also donated books to support the students’ academic development.

The day concluded with a quiz competition involving four secondary schools:

Methodist High School, Ilesa
African Church Grammar School
St. Margaret’s Girls Secondary School
St. Lawrence’s Grammar School

The competition tested students in English Language, Mathematics, Civic Education, Literature in English and Biology, encouraging academic excellence and intellectual engagement.

Anniversary Walk and Novelty Football Match

Day Four featured an anniversary fitness walk led by the National President of the alumni association and members of the National Executive.

The procession moved through key parts of Ilesa town, including Ijoka, Otapete Methodist Church, and Ereja Roundabout, before terminating at the Owa Obokun Adimula Palace.

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Residents lined the streets to cheer the jubilant participants, adding colour to the celebration.

Later in the day, alumni paid a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of the Methodist Diocese, Ilesa, where prayers were offered for the continued growth of the institution.

The day ended with a novelty football match between Methodist High School and African Church Grammar School, which drew enthusiastic support from old students who gathered around the pitch in customised anniversary attire.

Methodist High School eventually secured victory with a lone goal, to the delight of jubilant supporters.

Anniversary Lecture and Major Infrastructure Projects

A key highlight of the celebration was the 70th Anniversary Lecture delivered by renowned Agricultural Economist and retired World Bank Lead Specialist, Professor Foluso Okunmadewa.

The scholar warned that Nigeria risks serious socio-economic challenges if its youth are not properly prepared for the future.

“A change in mindset is the first step toward meaningful transformation,” he said, urging young people to embrace innovation and strategic thinking.

The lecture also challenged alumni to give back to the institution that shaped them.

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of the Ilesa Archdiocese of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Archbishop Akindeko Akinloose, commended OSAMETHSI for executing major infrastructural projects.

Among the projects commissioned were:

A state-of-the-art e-library valued at over ₦100 million
A modern Corps Members’ Lodge
Two newly constructed toilet facilities

The Archbishop described the projects as investments that would benefit generations yet unborn.

Courtesy Visit to the Owa Obokun

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On Day Six of the celebration, members of the Old Students Association paid a grand courtesy visit to the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.

The monarch received the delegation alongside high chiefs of the Ijesa traditional council.

During the visit, the alumni president highlighted ongoing development projects and announced plans to launch the Methodist High School Endowment Fund, designed to ensure sustainable growth for the institution.

The monarch commended the alumni for their dedication to their alma mater and pledged continued royal support for the school.

Grand Homecoming, Gala Night and Awards

The Grand Homecoming Assembly brought together old students from different graduating sets in a colourful reunion marked by cultural displays, music and storytelling.

The evening culminated in a Gala and Awards Night, attended by dignitaries, alumni and friends of the institution.

In his welcome address, the National President of OSAMETHSI revealed that the association has invested over ₦500 million in infrastructural development and academic support projects over the years.

He also announced the launch of two strategic initiatives:

Methodist High School Endowment Foundation
OSAMETHSI Charity Organisation

Both organisations, he said, have been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission to ensure transparency and sustainability.

The royal presence of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, who attended the event with members of the royal household, added prestige to the occasion.

The monarch officially launched the Endowment Fund with a personal donation of ₦2 million, drawing applause from guests.

Awards were presented to founding fathers, past principals, distinguished alumni and notable supporters, including recognitions in entrepreneurship, STEM, music, public service and faith leadership.

The night was further enlivened by live musical performances from old student Shola Testimony and her band, while guests enjoyed fine dining and entertainment.

Thanksgiving Service Brings Celebration to a Close

The week-long celebration concluded with a Grand Thanksgiving Service at the Methodist Cathedral Church, Otapete, Ilesa.

Delivering the sermon titled “Arise, Shine: 70 Years of Covenant Light,” Archbishop Akindeko Akinloose described the anniversary as a moment for reflection and spiritual renewal.

Quoting Psalm 90:10, he explained that the number 70 represents a period of divine auditing and reassessment.

The Archbishop emphasised that Methodist High School was founded to liberate the mind, strengthen the body and enlighten the soul, producing men and women of integrity and character.

He urged students and alumni to uphold discipline, academic excellence and moral values while contributing meaningfully to society.

A Legacy of Impact

As the celebrations came to a close, participants agreed that the 70th anniversary of Methodist High School, Ilesa was not merely a commemorative event but a reaffirmation of the school’s enduring legacy.

With major infrastructure projects, new endowment initiatives and renewed alumni engagement, the institution appears well positioned to continue its tradition of excellence for generations to come.