The Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on Thursday began activities marking its 80th anniversary, with courtesy visits to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and members of the Odutola family.
The school established in 1945 as Olu-Iwa college was later renamed in honour of its founder, the late Chief (Dr.) Timothy Adeola Odutola.
The anniversary activities will continue on Friday with a Jumat service and a students’ quiz competition.
Saturday, dubbed AOCOSA Day, will see the inauguration of legacy projects donated by various alumni sets, including the official opening of the AOCOSA Hall.
This is to be followed by a gala night featuring awards ceremony to honour distinguished alumni and contributors to the school’s growth.
Sunday, designated as Activities Day, will feature inter-set bonding activities and networking opportunities for the old students.
A Founder’s Day Church Service will be held on Monday, the grand finale of the weeklong event, at the school followed by an anniversary luncheon at Onibudo House, a symbolic location tied to the school’s history.
Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Mr Bosun Oluwabusayomi expressed belief that the events would enjoy appreciable participation from the school alumni worldwide.
“The response from alumni across the world has been incredible. We are excited to reconnect, reflect, and give back to the institution that nurtured our dreams..
“Old students, both home and abroad, are encouraged to participate fully in what promises to be a historic reunion and a reaffirmation of the values that have sustained Adeola Odutola College for 80 remarkable years.
“Over the past eight decades, the school has produced an impressive array of alumni who have become state governors, ministers, commissioners, and top professionals both locally and internationally,” Oluwabusayomi said.
AOCOSA national president, Rasak Olufowobi, said the alumni were celebrating the legacy, discipline and excellence which the late Odutola stood for and instilled in them.
“We owe it to the founder and ourselves to preserve the history and quality of the institution that shaped our lives,” Olufowobi stressed.
