The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Staff School has marked a significant milestone in its history, celebrating its 60th anniversary. Vice-Chancellor Prof Folasade Ogunsola congratulated the school, describing the occasion as a testament to vision, commitment, resilience, and belief in the power of education. The school was established to educate the children of university staff and has grown into a community where young minds are nurtured, character is built, and lifelong friendships are formed.
Prof Ogunsola, represented by Prof Joseph Awoyinfa, paid tribute to the school's first principal, Mrs Omodele Karunwi, for setting standards that made UNILAG Staff School one of the best in the country. The Vice-Chancellor also commended teachers, parents, alumni, and successive university administrations for their contributions to the school's success. She urged the school to prepare children for a world being reshaped by artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and climate change.
Prof Awoyinfa, Chairman of the Governing Board, congratulated the school on its Diamond Jubilee, emphasizing that the nation's future depends on how well primary education is treated. He compared late intervention in a child's education to a dry crayfish, which breaks when bent. Awoyinfa also announced plans to open a foundation in honour of his late mother, providing books and financial assistance to pupils.
The school's Headmistress, Mrs Eunice Akinade, announced a week-long programme of activities to commemorate the anniversary. The events will commence on October 5, 2026, with Teachers' Day celebrations, followed by Cultural and International Day activities, a symposium on the decline of education and parenting in Nigeria, and a thanksgiving service.
On Founder's Day, October 10, the school will feature a gala night for alumni and retired staff, including former heads. The day will also include posthumous awards to departed leaders. An alumna, Dr Wura Abisola, acknowledged the school's impact on her life, stating that she became a lecturer at UNILAG due to the education she received at the school.
However, Dr Abisola also noted that the school's facilities have decayed over time, and her set has begun a fundraising drive for infrastructure revitalisation. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Chairman, Comrade Olumide Opeolu, assured parents that there would be no hike in PTA fees and congratulated the founding fathers of the school for their foresight.
The anniversary celebration is expected to boost infrastructure renewal, with alumni brought together in a hybrid programme. Key stakeholders have expressed their commitment to supporting the school's continued growth and development.
Key points
- The UNILAG Staff School has had only one male headmaster since 1960, Professor Obebe, who is still alive.
- The school's anniversary programme includes a symposium on the decline of education and parenting in Nigeria.
- An alumna, Dr Wura Abisola, has initiated a fundraising drive for the school's infrastructure revitalisation project.
