As part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of Olivet Baptist High School, formerly Baptist Boys’ High School, Oyo State, the National Old Students Association (NOSA) has unveiled a three-day event to celebrate the institution in a grand style.
The school, which was founded by the American International Mission Board on 29 January 1945, is affiliated with the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
In a statement by President of the National Old Students Association, Dr. Wale Okediran, and Chairman of the 80th Anniversary Central Planning Committee, Dr. Olusegun K. Ahmadu, said the three-day event will hold from April 10th to 13th.
The statement said to mark the 80th anniversary, the alumni body will hold a fundraising initiative on Saturday, April 12, aimed at rallying alumni worldwide for Legacy Projects that will support the structural and technological development of Olivet Heights.
It emphasised that the activities have been thoughtfully curated to serve as a reunion platform for former students as well as to drive educational and infrastructural projects that ensure current students enjoy a superior learning experience.
“This 80th Anniversary celebration is therefore designed to honour the rich history of the school and showcase its enduring impact to the whole world,” the statement explained.
While noting that the Old Students Association has, in the past, implemented many iconic projects like the upgrading of learning facilities and sports complex, construction of the school hall, donation of computers and other learning aids, and construction of the school gate, among others, the statement said the 80th Anniversary Fundraising would be further channeled towards restoring and enhancing the glory of the School.
“The Project Implementation Team is using this medium to call on all alumni to register for and be part of the X Space Conversation by filling the Google Form we shall be promoting across the digital platforms so that their data can be adequately updated. It is a unique opportunity for all old students’ home and abroad to come together to relive the old times and chart an impactful future for our great Alma mater,” it added.
In addition to the fundraising event, the celebration will feature a Twitter Space conversation designed to reunite alumni across all Year Sets.
Further, a comprehensive documentary showcasing the school’s evolution and the diverse generations of Olivetians will be promoted digitally. The primary aim is to strengthen the bond among alumni and inspire them to unite in demonstrating loyalty, commitment, and passion for the school’s advancement and welfare.
The alumni body further added, “Currently, the School is located on the Old Ibadan – Oyo Road. Its vibrant National Old Students Association (NOSA) was founded in 1976. “For 80 remarkable years, Olivet Heights, Oyo, has stood as a beacon of learning, growth, and community transformation, nurturing generations of thinkers, leaders, and visionaries.
“As we mark this historic 80th anniversary milestone, it is vital not only to celebrate its enduring legacy but, more importantly, to address its urgent needs through a meaningful spirit of giving back.”
This celebration marks a unique occasion for the Olivet community to come together and invest in the future of Olivet Baptist High School. 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.
