Adeola Schools, one of the foremost private educational institutions in Northern Nigeria, has inaugurated a new Advisory Governing Board as part of activities held to celebrate the enduring legacy of its founder, late Chief (Mrs.) Felicia Adeola Adesiyun.
The event, which took place at the school premises in Offa on Thursday, 2nd October, combined three landmark occasions: the reconstitution of the Board of Directors of Adeola Schools (comprising Adeola Model School and Adeola College), the maiden meeting of the new board, and the naming of the Chief (Mrs.) Adeola Adesiyun Hall in honour of the late educationist’s 101st posthumous birthday.
The new hall was unveiled by Chief Ojomu of Offa, High Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola, FNIM.
Speaking on behalf of the Adesiyun family, Professor Adeyinka Adesiyun recalled how their mother laid the foundation of Adeola Model School in April 1960 with just four pupils.
He said the institution today boasts a combined student population of nearly 1,000 across its primary and secondary arms, with alumni excelling across diverse professional fields locally and internationally.
“Our mother was determined to uplift society through education. For decades, Adeola Model School led in Common Entrance and First School Leaving Certificate Examinations across the old Oyun Division. Adeola College, established in 2006, has also become the cynosure of all eyes with outstanding performances in WAEC and NECO examinations,” he said.
The new Board of Directors will be chaired by Sir Olusegun Adekunle, OON,KJW, a retired federal permanent secretary and lawyer with extensive public service experience.
Other members include:
Architect Aderemi Adesiyun – Proprietor and infrastructural adviser (alumnus)
Hon. Justice Folasade Ojo – Legal adviser and Court of Appeal Justice (alumnus)
Mr. Sunday Fafemi – Head of Adeola Schools
Prof. A.W.O. Olatinwo – Former CMD, UITH (alumnus)
Mr. O.R. Badmus – Chairman, PTA
Chief Olusegun Olawoyin – former Chairman of Offa LG and Chief Akinrogun of Offaland
Mrs. Taye Odedeji – Deputy Director, Kwara State Ministry of Education
Mr. Paul Olawale – Principal, Adeola College and Board Secretary
Professor Adeyinka explained that the reconstitution was necessitated by changing realities in the education sector and the need to strengthen governance structures.
“We are passing the baton to a new generation of professionals with diverse expertise to move Adeola Schools to greater heights,” he added.
In his inaugural address, Sir Olusegun Adekunle pledged to uphold the school’s values of academic excellence, discipline, and community development.
“Our mandate is not ceremonial. We will safeguard Adeola Schools’ legacy while preparing students for a future defined by innovation, integrity, and leadership,” he stated.
Chief Olusegun Olawoyin described the reconstituted team as a strong blend of quality professionals.
“This new board will position the school for future prosperity while sustaining the vision of Mama Adeola, who pioneered private education in Northern Nigeria. Adeola Schools will continue to be a standard-bearer,” he said.
The late Chief (Mrs.) Felicia Adeola Adesiyun, who passed on in December 2009, is remembered as a trailblazer who established the first private school in Northern Nigeria.
Her legacy, family members stressed, remains alive through the continued excellence of Adeola Schools.
