All is set for Olivet Baptist High School National Old Students Association’s three-day celebration event to commemorate the school’s 80th Anniversary from April 10 to 12.
As part of the activities, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is expected to grace the occasion as the chairman of the fundraising and book launch event billed for Saturday, April 12, at the School Hall in Oyo Town, Oyo State.
The 2-in-1 event is aimed at rallying alumni worldwide for Legacy Projects to support the structural and technological development of Olivet Heights. It will also witness the launch of the Olivet book compendium titled ‘Olivet’s 8 Decades Journey and Inspiring the Future’.
Some other notable personalities expected at the fundraising event include billionaire business mogul, Femi Otedola; ex-Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, and Lagos State deputy governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. Also expected are former Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Wande Abimbola, and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi. Royal Father of the day is the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I.
Chairman of the Anniversary Central Planning Committee, Dr. Olusegun Ahmadu, said NOSA’s mission for the fundraising initiative was to drive renewal of critical educational and infrastructural projects that would ensure current students enjoy a superior learning experience.
According to him, “the National Old Students Association has, from time to time, undertaken projects designed to preserve the rich history of the school and burnish its enduring impact as an iconic educational institution. In continuation of this mission, the 80th Anniversary Fundraising would be further channeled towards restoring and enhancing the glory of the School.”
Dr. Ahmadu also called on all old students home and abroad to see the school’s 80th anniversary milestone as “a unique opportunity for all old students’ home and abroad to come together to relive the old times, give back generously and chart an impactful future for our great Alma mater.”
Located in Oyo town, Olivet Baptist High School, formerly Baptist Boys’ High School, was founded by the American International Mission Board on January 29, 1945 and affiliated with the Nigerian Baptist Convention. As one of the nation’s iconic public secondary schools, it has, through its 80 remarkable years, remained a beacon of learning, growth, and community transformation, nurturing generations of thinkers, leaders, and visionaries.
At its inception, the school was among the few in Nigeria outside Lagos that boasted hostel facilities, staff quarters, and excellent laboratories for sciences, home economics/food & nutrition, fine arts, and music. It also featured workshops for metalwork, woodwork, and technical drawing (mechanical/building), an agricultural center with poultry and a fishpond, and various sports facilities. Consequently, Olivet Heights became a dominant force in inter-school academic literary debating competitions and sports, excelling in soccer, basketball, hockey, handball, and athletics. The school also offered facilities for lawn tennis, cricket, squash, badminton, volleyball, chess, and table tennis.
