The Nigeria Education News Team recently paid a visit to the historic Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, a citadel of learning fondly referred to as “The Dawn of Life, The Source of Light, and Beacon of Secondary Education” in Ijebuland. Established on the 20th of January, 1913, by the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S.), also known as the Anglican Mission, the institution holds the enviable record of being the oldest secondary school in Ijebuland. It is also the second oldest in Ogun State, the defunct Western State of Nigeria, and among the prestigious AIONIAN group of schools.
According to our findings at the school, the foundation of the school is closely tied to the history of Christianity in the Ijebu kingdom. Before 1892, Christianity had already spread across Lagos, Ibadan, and Abeokuta. However, it was only after this period that the people of Ijebu could openly declare and practice Christianity. One of the strongest features of the missionary movement was the inseparable link between the spread of the gospel and the provision of Western education, making education an integral part of the missionary strategy.
The plunge into secondary education in Ijebuland followed the examples of the CMS Grammar School in Lagos and Abeokuta. On January 20, 1913, the mission took a bold step with the founding of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School. The pioneering leadership was provided by Rev. S.J. Gansallo and Rev. J.A. Cole, who were then resident pastors at St. Saviour’s Church, Ijasi, and Christ Church, Porogun, respectively. Both men, graduates of Durham University in England, combined full-time pastoral duties with part-time teaching, laying the solid foundation for the school.
Our team also found out that one of the earliest teachers at the institution was Pa D.M. Okusaga, who played a crucial role in shaping the academic foundation of the school. The school’s motto, “NON NOBIS DOMINE” (translated as “Not unto us, O Lord”), remains a guiding principle more than a century later, emphasizing humility and service to God.
The school began humbly with only fourteen foundation students. Remarkably, this number increased to twenty-five within the same year. The initial classes were held at the private residence of Pastor J.B. Sadare, also known as Esinsinade, located in the Ideyin, Ita-Ntebo quarters of Ijebu-Ode. This marked the beginning of a long journey of academic excellence and discipline.
After just nine months of operation, the school was relocated to the Ijasi Vicarage of St. Saviour’s Church. This site served as its temporary home until a permanent site was eventually acquired along Abeokuta Road, Obalende area of Ijebu-Ode. The acquisition of the permanent site symbolized stability and the resolve of the founders to sustain the vision of quality education in the region.
The legacy of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School is not just in its longevity but also in the quality of individuals it has produced. The institution has nurtured several generations of leaders, intellectuals, professionals, and creatives who have gone on to contribute immensely to the growth of Nigeria and beyond. Its alumni are a testament to the school’s enduring influence.
Among its distinguished alumni is the late Abraham Adesanya, a renowned Nigerian lawyer, politician, and activist who played a key role in the pro-democracy struggles of Nigeria. Similarly, Justice Inumidun Akande, the former Chief Judge of Lagos State, walked through the same corridors of this historic institution. Their achievements stand as proud reminders of the school’s impact on national development.
Other illustrious alumni include Mobolaji Bank Anthony, who once served as Council President of the Lagos Stock Exchange, and Deji Ashiru, an accomplished engineer and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority. George Ashiru, a taekwondo grandmaster, and Harold Demuren, an aeronautic engineer, also reflect the diversity of excellence the school has produced.
The political and administrative sectors have also benefited from the contributions of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School alumni. Bode George, a Nigerian politician and former Military Governor, and Senator Omololu Meroyi, who represented the Ondo South constituency, are products of this school. In the religious sphere, Seth Kale, a former Bishop of Lagos, also shares the school’s proud heritage.
In the health sector, Dr. Adeleke Mamora, who currently serves as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health, is another outstanding old student. The business world remembers Adeola Odutola, a leading Nigerian industrialist and business mogul, as one of the school’s shining lights. The media space has also been influenced by alumni such as Olu Oyesanya, a respected Nigerian journalist.
Interestingly, the school has produced stars not just in politics, law, business, and religion, but also in entertainment. The internationally acclaimed musician Wizkid, and the renowned rapper Vector, both trace their roots to Ijebu-Ode Grammar School. This highlights the school’s broad impact across traditional and modern fields of endeavor.
To sustain this legacy, the school enjoys the active involvement of its Old Students Association, popularly called JOGSOBA (Ijebu-Ode Grammar School Old Boys Association). JOGSOBA has played a vital role in supporting infrastructural development, mentoring younger students, and maintaining the school’s historical significance in Nigerian education.
One of the most notable recent developments in the school is the construction of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Sports Arena, generously built by Senator Olalekan Mustapha, CON. This facility has not only enhanced the sporting infrastructure of the school but also provides students with opportunities to engage in athletics and physical development, further enriching their educational experience.
As Ijebu-Ode Grammar School continues to stand tall in its 112th year, it remains a living symbol of educational resilience, missionary dedication, and cultural transformation. From its humble beginnings with 14 students in 1913 to its present status as a landmark of academic achievement, the school has earned its place in history as the true dawn of secondary education in Ijebuland and beyond. Its motto, “NON NOBIS DOMINE,” continues to inspire generations of learners to embrace humility, service, and excellence.
