The 1986 set of Methodist High School, Arigbajo, Ogun State, has announced plans to raise N4m for projects at its alma mater.
The old students gave this commitment at a reunion held in Lagos to mark their 40th anniversary.
During the reunion, members identified classroom whiteboards and repairs to students’ desks and chairs as priority interventions, while considering other projects to improve the school’s facilities.
In the discussion anchored by its president, Gboyega Shokunbi, members of the set identified provision of classroom whiteboards and students’ furniture as priority areas.
Members considered the provision of 10 whiteboards measuring four feet by seven feet, alongside markers, dusters and transportation.
The set also identified other proposed projects, including renovating the principal’s residence and office, repairing and expanding the school auditorium, constructing a perimeter fence, providing whiteboards for classrooms and supplying tables and chairs for students.
The set also explored the cost of producing classroom furniture, with quotations from carpenters indicating that the project would require further financial planning.
Shokunbi added that the association was considering members’ welfare, particularly supporting classmates facing serious medical challenges but lacking the financial resources to obtain treatment.
Shokunbi said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on four decades of shared experiences, celebrate members’ achievements and consider ways to support one another and the school.
Shokunbi described the reunion as a celebration of enduring friendships and resilience, noting that members had followed different career paths and experienced various stages of life since leaving the school in 1986.
He said the gathering was not about displaying wealth or achievements but about reconnecting, appreciating one another and strengthening the relationships formed during their formative years.
While acknowledging members’ progress, the president admitted that the set’s financial contributions and commitment to its collective responsibilities remained below expectations.
He urged members to improve their participation and financial commitment to enable the association to undertake more ambitious projects.
The chairman of the anniversary committee, Idowu Olowo, represented by Joseph Adeisa, described the reunion as a celebration of friendship, shared memories, resilience and the values that had shaped members over the years.
Olowo said the 40th anniversary should strengthen unity, encourage new partnerships and inspire members to create a lasting legacy for future generations.
He expressed appreciation to those who contributed to organising the event and welcomed classmates who travelled from different locations to attend the celebration.
Adeisa, the set’s head boy, urged members to preserve their friendships, turn their association into a platform for collective impact and remain committed to supporting the school and younger generations.
He recalled that members had left the school as young boys and girls with dreams and aspirations but had since built different careers, families and professional experiences.
He said the anniversary offered an opportunity to appreciate God for the gift of life, remember teachers whose discipline and guidance helped shape their character, and honour classmates who had died.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of deceased classmates.
Adeisa urged members to deepen communication, support one another during difficult times and celebrate each other’s successes.
He also challenged the set to consider how its collective skills, resources and professional networks could benefit current students and the wider school community.
The global president of MHS, Arigbajo, Clement Obadimu, represented by Seyi Merculay, commended the set for reaching the milestone and encouraged members to support efforts aimed at strengthening the alumni association.
Merculay said the school remained an important part of members’ shared identity, stressing the value of reconnecting with former classmates and sustaining relationships built during their school years.
He also highlighted the importance of embracing new opportunities, including Artificial Intelligence training, to improve members’ skills and enable them to document and publish their experiences more efficiently.
The set’s head girl, Dupe Lawal, described the reunion as an emotional homecoming, recalling the school assemblies, classroom experiences, dining hall activities and friendships that shaped their youth.
Lawal said members had grown into parents, grandparents, professionals, religious leaders, entrepreneurs and community leaders but remained united by their common heritage.
She thanked former teachers for instilling discipline, integrity and resilience in the students, noting that their lessons extended beyond academic subjects.
She urged the set to be unrelenting in mentoring current students, renovating school facilities and providing scholarships, stressing that members should strive to leave the institution better than they met it.
The set’s secretary, Ajayi Stephen, encouraged members to remain committed to the association’s growth.