[PHOTOS] Offa Grammar School 1985 Set Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Two-Day Homecoming

….Launches Legacy Projects

The 1985 graduating set of Offa Grammar School (OGS) has commenced a two-day event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their graduation from the institution, with a series of activities aimed at celebrating their legacy and giving back to their alma mater.

The celebrations began on Friday, June 13th 2025, at the school premises with an assembly session involving current students and the visiting alumni.

This offered an opportunity for intergenerational dialogue, mentorship, and reflection.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including His Royal Highness, the Olojoku of Ojoku, Oba Abdulrazaq Iyiola Owosheni; High Chief Alhaji Marufu Olaniyi (Balogun); the Asalofa of Offa, High Chief Isiaka Shittu; former Principal of OGS, Alhaji Kanmi Arowosaiye; as well as retired educators such as Mr. Yesufu Braimah and Mr. Femi Titiloye, who were teachers of the 1985 cohort.

In his goodwill message, Alhaji Arowosaiye expressed deep appreciation to the old students for their continued commitment to the institution. He encouraged them to uphold the values instilled by the school and to support indigent students facing financial challenges.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Olawale Mashood Aliyu Ph. D, a lecturer at Kwara State University.

Speaking on the theme of education, he emphasized the importance of both formal and non-formal education. He urged students to seek guidance when uncertain about academic choices and encouraged parents to support their children even in the face of academic setbacks.

“Failure is not final,” Dr. Aliyu stated. “If a student fails JAMB or O-levels, it should not be the end. Parents should instead offer opportunities to acquire vocational or digital skills, such as those available at One innovation hubs.”

In an interview with Newsbulletin, the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr. Hassan Olajide Sodiq, disclosed that the 1985 set has initiated the conversion of the defunct Sofoluwe Hostel into a fully equipped corps members’ lodge.

The facility, he said, will attract more National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to teach at the school.

Mr. Muhydeen Bammeke, Head of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Federal Polytechnic Offa and a member of the 1985 class, also shared his reflections. “OGS laid the foundation of my life. I’m proud to return with my colleagues to make a difference.”

He revealed that a JSS 2 female student who impressed the guests during the assembly was awarded a scholarship by the J.S. Olawoyin Foundation. “She said she wanted to study law, and one of our foundation’s missions is to support aspiring lawyers,” he noted.

Bammeke further confirmed that his set, in collaboration with the 1984 alumni, is renovating parts of the Osanyin Hostel to build five self-contained rooms for corps members. “This is part of our tradition at OGS—to give back meaningfully.”

Head Boy of the 1985 set, Mr. Tajudeen Adewale Hammed, also known as SP, disclosed that the corps lodge project is estimated to cost at least ₦30 million. “This is a joint initiative by the 1984 and 1985 sets as a legacy project to mark our 40th anniversary,” he stated. “Offa Grammar School made us who we are. We’re here not just to celebrate, but to invest in its future.”

The two-day event continues tomorrow with more activities planned, including the commissioning of ongoing projects and an alumni gala night.