ATAKUNMOSA HIGH SCHOOL, OSU IN THE FACE OF HISTORY
(1963-2022)
INTRODUCTION
JUST LIKE YESTERDAY! An attempt to write the history of Atakunmosa High School, Osu demands some historical excursions on educational advocacy in Ijesaland. It also requires a bit of connectional overview on the cosmological presentation of Ijesas as a people.
The nationalistic instinct permeating the social milieu of every corner of Yorubaland had its positive impact in Ijesaland more than before in the 1960s. Most especially, at immediate years of Nigerian Independence from the colonial rule. However, the impact on educational adventure had started earlier. It was in the league of agitating issues, particularly in Ijesaland in the pre-colonial days. Consequently, by 1934 Ijesaland succeeded in having the first Secondary School, – Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa, by dint of hard work, foresight and commitment
By geographical classification, Ijesaland was figuratively partitioned into Urban, Northern and Southern Districts. The Urban was principally Ilesa and her very close adjoining villages, as the Headquarters of Ijesaland. The Northern axis housed the towns and villages in the Northern District of Ijesaland. There, we have the likes of Ijebu-Ijesa, Ipetu-Ijesa, Ibokun, Ilare-Ijesa, Imesi-Ile, Ilase, Otan-Ile, Ere-Ijesa, Ijeda, Esa-Oke among others. The Southern District housed the likes of Osu, Okebode, Iwaro, Iperindo, Ifewara, Iwara, Igangan, Ibodi, Itagunmodi, Ipole, Illa, Muroko, Iginla, Epe, Igun, Igbadae and a host of other villages.
For Ijesa Urban, Ilesa Grammar School was founded in 1934 as the first secondary school. At that time, no part of Ijesaland had secondary school despite the existence of several primary schools. A curious development was that the Government, be it at the local or regional levels did not consider secondary education a priority.
THE CONNECTIONAL LINK OF EGBE-ATUNLUSE OF IJESALAND
The Egbe-Atunluse of Ijesaland was socially powerful and politically influential in her irredentist movement of the era. Many of Ijesa sons, who were privileged to have western education outside Ijesland and those within, pulled themselves into a social-cultural pressure group.
The Egbe, as it was fondly called played very iconic roles in the socio-political and economic engineering of Ijesaland. It was in her agenda of socializing sons and daughters of Ijesaland extraction that educational advocacy received its boost as foremost priority.
The hot appetite of the Egbe in educational spheres led to the establishment of IIesa Grammar School. As years rolled by and the impact of IIesa Grammar School began to be felt throughout Ijesaland and in Western Region, some members of the Egbe-Atunluse whose roots were from the Northern or Southern Districts also began the agitation for the establishment of secondary schools in their Districts. Those from the North began first and this led to the establishment of Ijebu-Ijesa Grammar School in 1955, Imesi-Ile High School, (formerly Methodist High School), in 1956 and Ipetu-Ijesa Grammar School. Methodist High School Ilesa joined the league in Ijesa Urban in 1956.
The Egbe-Atunluse members from the southern axis were not comfortable, because despite their intimate affiliation with Ilesa, there was no secondary school in their root – the Ijesa Southern District. Most of these individuals were involved in the politics of Ijesaland and some of them were also involved in the Local Government Administration.
ATAKUNMOSA HIGH SCHOOL AT CONCEPTION
It is historically significant to note that the likes of Late Kabiyesi Owa Peter A. Agunlejika, Pa Ayoola, Pa Peter Obadare Famogbiyele, Loja Omolade Adeyokunu, Chief Emmanuel O. Fajuyitan, Prince Ade Ajayi (of Ipole-Ijesa), Canon J. O Akinyemi and many others started a very great move to see that a secondary school was established in Ijesa Southern District.
The move by the afore mentioned elites received the mercy of God and the ingenuity of man which led to the establishment of Atakunmosa High School Osu in January 1963.
The school had some peculiarities from birth which dotted the pages of her history. Among these was the name of the school and the site. Unlike early secondary schools in Ijesa Northern District which were established by community of their name, the first secondary school in Ijesa South was said to have witnessed some dialectic discussions on her name.
This was possibly because the supposed big towns in the Ijesa South could not monster sufficient financial strength to establish a school on their own. Also, the elites who agitated for the founding of the school were from separate towns in Ijesa South. For instance, Kabiyesi Owa Peter A. Agunlejika was from Okebode, Pa. E. Ayoola, Pa Emmanuel O. Fajuyitan and Pa Peter Obadare Famogbiyele were from Osu, Loja Omolade Adeyokunu from Iwikun, Prince Ade Ajayi from Ipole-Ijesa and Canon J. Akinyemi from Ifewara to mention a few of them.
Consequently, they settled for a unifying name – ATAKUNMOSA. The name of one of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Kabiyesi Owa Atakunmosa – the 7th Owa Obokun of Ijesland reigned in 1600 AD. His reign was said to have witnessed some socio- political and economic advancement in Ijesaland of that era, and also a native of Ijesa South. This again, was a peculiar reference in the establishment of the school. While others in her league in Ijesaland were named after the towns of their locations, Atakunmosa High School was named after a great man of history. This was the first in Ijesaland outside Ilesa.
THE LOCATION OF ATAKUNMOSA HIGH SCHOOL
Why was the school located in Osu? Osu, was the only town along a major trunk A road among the relatively big communities from where the elites who led the quest for the secondary school in Ijesa South came from. Osu was also considered to be geographically central in location among the relatively big towns in Ijesa Southern District.
Having agreed on the name and location, these patriots set into action by mobilizing the needed human and material resources to ensure the school became a reality. The collective tendency infused into the proprietorship of the school resonated in the crafting of the logo for the school.
Little wonder that we see a logo with letters ‘I’ standing for Ijesaland and ‘S’ standing for Southern District were artistically symbolized. Letter ‘I’ was superimposed on letter ‘S’ given the artistic impression that the school was a collective initiative of Ijesa Southern District intelligential and Patriots of the era.
One aspect of the school’s foundation history which requires further research is the real founder of the school. Among the primary sources assembled in the course of writing the history, some of my resource references claimed that Ijesa Southern District Local Government was the Proprietor. Another source claimed that the founders were the Ijesa Intelligential and leading politicians and educationists who were members of Egbe-Atunluse but also prominent political gladiators of Ijesa Southern District of the time. The former school of thought was adopted in this piece after cross checking with other resource references.
ATAKUNMOSA HIGH SCHOOL IN THE BEGINNING
Osu community accepted the burden of providing the initial buildings for the commencement of the school. These included ‘’a disused block of three classrooms, an extension of the existing Methodist Primary School Oke-Oja Osu, The building was at the adjoining land of Methodist Church, Oke-Oja, at Iloba Road junction, adjacent the then Local Government Police Station” – Elder ‘Soji Adegoke.
Another peculiarity of the school is that it was conceived as a boarding and co-educational school from inception. Right from the start, the school ensured that basic amenities within reach were provided. The Boys and Girls Hostels were very close to the school. A deep-well was constructed at the school site to provide clean water of that era. The Police station provided aerial security coverage for the students and there was a football pitch close to the school to develop the students’ physical agility.
It is however on record that Barrister later Hon. Justice Joseph Olatunji Ogunbiyi laid the foundation for the commencement of construction work at the Permanent site in the early 1963. He was then the Chairman of Ijesa Southern District Council but later became a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ilesa and Ijesa South Constituency. Within a few months, academic activities began on the permanent site towards the second half of 1963.
Another peculiarity of the school was that the permanent site was said to have been donated by a collective of families in Osu for free. However, recent discoveries stated that the land might have been donated by Ojotunkesi family of Osu. What is significant here is that the land was donated by Osu community which further underscored the spirit of nationalism in Ijesaland of that era.
STRATEGY FOR SOURCING STUDENTS AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE SCHOOL
History has it that the first set of students was figuratively ‘donated’ by the founders either as their direct children or that of their friends or acquaintances. In short, the founders personally sourced for the first set of students. They did not wait for students to come, but put their personality and integrity to test. “… some of them had to withdraw their own children/wards who have been enrolled in existing schools, to form the foundation students of the new high school’’ –Elder Soji Adegoke.
Consequently, the following were listed as premier students on January 18, 1963:
(1) Col. Gabriel Ajayi (Late) – First student to be donated by his father (had Admission No 001)
(2) Alhaji Abu Abe
(3) Amuda S Lawal (Late) – First Head Boy in 1963
(4) Michael Olalere Olaleye
(5) Tunde Ogunseitan
(6) Oluwayemi Babatope
(7) Ajifowobaje Bimpe (Miss by then) – The First Head Girl of 1963
(8) Sunday Odesanya (Late)
(9) Stephen Sajuyigbe (Late)
(10) Dele Oni
(11) Florence Jegede
(12) Christiannah Oke
(13) Deborah Oriowo
(14) Josiah Olaleye
(15) Dayo SJeje
(16) Beatrice Faluyi (nee Ajilore of Late)
“… It was in 1964, however, that the school’s student’s population soared. While some students were admitted in Class 1, many students who had just completed their Secondary Modern school were equally admitted into Class II.” – Elder Gbenga Ajetomobi.
Among these privileged students were:
(17) Isaac Ajetomobi
(18) Joseph Abe
(19) Taiwo Olanipekun
(20) Tutu Adefarati nee Awofolaju
(21) Albert Adedeji
(22) Isaac Supo Oluyole – (Senior Prefect 1965-1968)
(23) Idowu Abayomi
(24) Samson Ajilore
(25) Claudius Onigbinde – Best Mathematician of that era
(26) Mike Ajilore
(27) Peter Ayeni
(28) Aina Ogunremi
(29) Olaitan Ogendengbe
(30) Taiwo Salami
(31) Bibianah Lawe Fashogbon
(32) Julius Okun
(33) Beatrice Esho
(34) Lawrence Makinwa
(35) Funmilayo Awodiya
(36) Sebi Fagbule
(37) Eunice Ogidan
(38) Emmanuel Ojo
(39) Moses Adenipekun (late)
(40) Mabayoje Oluwi
-Source: Elder Isaac Olugbenga Ajetomobi (One-tine President of the National AHSO Old Students Association. – 1968 Set
It is on record that the list of 40 as presented above represented those admitted into the school in 1963 cum 1964. By 1968, the first set graduated from the school.
They were:
THE FORERUNNERS
1. Abe Abubakar a.k.a Brigadier Abubakar.
2. Abe Joseph, a.k.a Bros ABE-E.
3. Ajifowobaje Sola, a.k.a Ajifo (Senior Girl)
4. Adedeji Albert a.k.a Ohio Banker.
5. Tutu Aofolaju (Later Mrs Tutu Adefarati) (Health Officer)
6. Tunde Ajayi, a.k.a Pastor Tunde.
7. AJAYI GABRIEL, a.k.a Amazon Jet Bomber. (Football Captain)
8. Ajetomobi Isaac, a.k.a Lord Jure.
9. Ogidan Eunice, a.k.a Lami.
10. Ajilore Michael, a.k.a The devil after twins. (School Monitor)
11. Olanipekun Taiwo Miss,
12. Ajilore Samson, a.k.a Caligrapher.
13. Ayeni Peter, a.k.a Contour Janeiro.
14. Funlola Famobio, a.k.a Petra.
15. Babajide Gabriel, a.k.a Ojingolo Nero.
16. Alake Ogedengbe,
17. Fagbule Sebi, a.k.a Achebe.
18. Oke Christiana.
19. Fowowe Olasebikan, a.k.a Iron Bar.
20. Makinwa Lawrence, a.k.a Cadinal Law -School (Time Keeper)
21. Emmanuel Ojo, a.k.a Bros Ojo.
22. Bosede Oni,
23. Tunde Ogunseitan, a.k.a Shanker.
24. Taiwo Salami Miss.
25. Okun Julius, a.k.a Atero Versity.
26. Bola Adesipo Miss.
27. Oluwayemi Babatope, a.k.a Banca.
28. Oluyole Isaac, a.k.a Maths Maths Anything ( Senior Prefect)
29. Oluwi Bosede,
30. Odesanya Sunday, a.k.a Black Arrow.
31. Bibianah Fashogbon, a.k.a Lawe.
32. Onigbinde Claudius, a.k.a Durell-Hails.
33. Awodiya Funmilayo,a.k.a Hellen.
34. Olalere Olaleye, a.k.a Boby Herington (Health Officer & Secretary to Prefect Council.)
35. Joshua Tilewa Olafare.
36. Shajuyigbe Stephen, a.k.a Chancellor. Deputy Prefect.
37. Moses Ade. Adenipekun, a.k.a Alamasco.(Class Captain)
Source: Moses Ade Adenipekun 1968 set Class Captain (May His soul Rest in Peace) THE HERO Magazine – 3rd Edition 1968
The graduands of 1968 laid a veritable foundation for the upcoming generation in all essential deliverables expected of a solid secondary school.
The concept of donating a student each, adopted by the founding fathers was a very deep strategy to appeal to public sentiment which was aimed at symbolizing the depth of patriotism and commitment of the founders. It was like a taboo in that era to come and school in a supposed ‘bush’. Therefore, to demonstrate commitment and assurance, the founders most of whom eventually became the 1st Board of Governor members donated their children or relatives. According to Col. Gabriel Ajayi ‘’12 innocent looking children who had no inclination of what the future held for them assembled in what looked like a solemn feast which none of them understood’’ that was in January 18, 1963 when the school first opened for academic activities on the temporary site.
BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
The success of this budding institution in a relatively unknown geographical locale was made possible due to a very sound Board and Management Team.
This maiden edition of the school history may not be accurate in its chronology of the Chairmen of the Board of Governors but the fact remains that the following were discovered to have headed the Board in the early part of the school history- Pa J.O Famogbiyele, Chief Emmanuel Fajuyitan, Loja Omolade Adeyokunu among others. All of them are of blessed memory. May their souls rest in peace.
In pursuance of the best, the founding fathers searched for a very good and sound Principal to lead the aspiration of becoming one of the best secondary schools in Nigeria. The lot fell first on the then Mr. (later became Hon. Chief) C. O. Komolafe one of the best students of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti in his days before having his university education abroad. He became the founding Principal who started with the school in January 18, 1963 at the temporary site with a teacher, one Mr. Asaolu. He was at the helms of affairs from January, 1963 to March, 1963 when he left.
“Mr. (later Hon. Chief) C. O. Komolafe and his one other teacher (Mr. Asaolu), the seed of the school germinated. It was later transplanted to the permanent (present) site, along Ilesa Road. Mr. (later Hon. Chief) C. O. Komolafe later became an Honourable Member of the then Western Regional House of Assembly at Ibadan. (The extant law at that time did not exclude public functionaries from taking part in partisan politics. Legislative work at that time was on part-time basis. Nonetheless, apparently because of his desire to have the school properly developed in order to meet the aspiration of the founding fathers, Hon. C. O. Komolafe voluntarily resigned his position as Principal, to give room for a new Principal who would give 100% attention to the school. He successfully planted the school before he left. – Elder Soji Adegoke
Other one-time Principals of the school were:
2. Mr. J. O. Fagbule – April 1963 to Sept, 1966 (3 years and 5 months)
a. The school moved from the temporary site to the Permanent site.
b. He solidified the foundation laid by Hon. C. O. Komolafe on the administrative and academic
development of the school
c. Two of the three Academic Blocks were built in his tenure.
d. The first Playing Ground in front of the school was constructed.
e. Organized the first Inter-House Sports Ceremony in 1965
He successfully tended the seedling of the school to become a flourishing tree in the sphere of education – Elder Soji Adegoke
3. Chief Adebayo Adefarati (January 1967 to August 1975, 8 years 8 Months)
His administration was reputed to be the period the school attained the apogee of her greatness. He was considered a great optimist and someone in a hurry to get the school to meet and surpass her peers in academics, sporting activities and socio-cultural development.
Apart from expanding the frontier of social and educational development he met, he initiated and completed some physical infrastructural facilities:
a. Supposed the best and well equipped science laboratory blocks in Ijesaland by then
b. Boys and Girls Hostels of high standard
c. Well designed and equipped Staff Quarters
d. A giant Lister diesel generator which provided electricity all over the school compound.
e. Special Block for Stores and Sports & Games Office
f. Special Block for Library with books and decent furniture
g. Two additional Academic Blocks
h. Gigantic Water Reservoir, first of its kind then
i. The School was upgraded to Class 2 status
j. He imprinted a robust administrative protocol, one that is adjudged to be unequal, possibly till date
k. The fame of the school in soccer and academics became well known for generational reference
l. A lorry was purchased as school van and later changed to a modern Nissan Coastal Bus
m. A standard football pitch was put in place with a view to making it a mini-stadium among others – this was not completed by the time he was transferred from the school.
n. Committed to staff development. Some of the members of staff were sponsored for University education.
o. He put very strong tab on the activities of the school prefects and elevated them to the third wing in his disciplinary strategy. Disobedience to the school prefect in those days was like committing a great sin which must be meted with severe punishment. The era witnessed essential high level of the school ‘tone’.
4. Chief. S. A. Akinyemi (January 1976 to Sept 1978)
a. His regime witnessed further infrastructural facilities expansion.
b. Two Blocks of Classrooms were built
c. The Premier Principal’s Quarter was built
d. Unfortunately, his era witnessed the first violent students’ demonstration in the history of the
school.
5. Rev’d D. O. Olayinka ( Sept 1978 to Oct 1983)
a. The school was partially fenced
b. Another water reservoir was built
c. The PTA bought a Civilian Bus
d. Improved academic standard and discipline in the school
e. Encouraged the formal launching of the National Old Students’ Association
6. Mr. O. Agunbiade – ( 1983 – December 1986)
a. Mobilized the PTA to build a modern Administrative Block.
b. Further Expansion work was done in the school.
c. He made numerous contacts with Old Students and Philanthropists for support. His appeal gingered one of the old Students, arguably the first, to have elegantly promoted sporting and games activities in the history of the school – Mr. Aremu Bello (Sir Belilo). He did marvelously well in the 80’s that the fifth Sport and Games House was named after his family – Bello House
d. Improved discipline and promoted sports development.
e. He coped effectively with the challenges of students’ population at a time when the school witnessed sudden rise in enrolment
7. Mr. ‘Bode Ogundunsin – (1987 – 1990)
a. He worked assiduously to improve academic performances of the school.
b. He used his position as one of the foremost leaders of NUT (Deputy National President) in the country to recruit hardworking and talented teachers to the school.
c. He promoted Games and Sports throughout his tenure with determination to bring back the glory of the school in sporting activities.
d. He maintained high discipline through his zero tolerance to indecent behavior and lateness to school.
e. His impressive dressing impacted positively on the outlook of both students and teachers.
8. Late Mr. K. J. Alaka, – (1990 -1996)
a. He did his best in the circumstance he operated to maintain a high standard left by his predecessor.
b. His tenure was crisis-free, and the school benefitted immensely from his wealth of experience as a seasoned administrator cum trade unionist.
9. Prince A. S. Ladesuyi – (1990 – 2000)
a. An easy-going School Head who maintained a high level of discipline.
b. He ensured strict compliance with the rules and regulations of the school.
c. He fought war against violence and examination malpractices among students.
d. He was remarkably known for decorum and ethics.
e. He did a lot to improve the academic grade of the school.
10. Pastor J. O. Adurodolorun – (Jan 2001 – December 2009)
a. Disarticulation of the School into three streams was introduced by the government
b. Introduction of Information Technology into the academic discipline began and calls were made to individuals and corporate bodies to support with supply of Computer hardware
c. Many dilapidated buildings were renovated, significantly, the SSS1 and SSS2 buildings were re-roofed
d. His tenure was very eventful because of his commitment to the development of the school
e. He was a very good supporter of the old student’s activities. As a matter of fact, repairs of the main storey building started during his tenure with the intervention activities of 75/80 Set.
11. Prince Ademola Adeyoju – ( February 2010 – June 2016)
a. First Old student Principal of the school.
b. Disarticulation inherited and three Principals system introduced
I. Junior School 1 – headed by Pastor A. O. Awe
II. Junior School II –headed by Pastor E. O. Awe
III. Senior Secondary School headed by Prince Ademola Adeyoju also as Co-ordinating Principal for the three streams of schools
c. During this multi-faceted leadership, the following developments took place:
I. The school’s Diamond Jubilee was celebrated – 1963-2023
II. 20 Brand new computer systems were facilitated through the influence of Osu Community Development Council courtesy one Mr. Arowosegbe. Unfortunately, the systems were carted away by burglars in this era.
III. Engr. James Okebiorun (an old student) singlehandedly facilitated the repair of the deplorable ceiling of the old Dining Hall
IV. Provision of Burglary proof and painting of the hall were facilitated by the National Old Students’ Association
V. 1969/73 set lent support to their own as the reigning Principal by tiling and painting of the Principal’s office.
VI. The State Government Intervention came in 2013 with massive renovation of dilapidated buildings and construction of a block of six classrooms which was completed before 2016.
VII. The old dining hall was renovated, courtesy of Engr. Segun Okebiorun, an old student of the school.
VIII. The National Body of the Old Students’ Association took the challenge of renovating the school main upstairs blocks of classroom
12. Pastor S. A. Adepoju (June 2016 – March 2019)
a. 1977 Set renovated the school Library which was named after Chief Adebayo Adefarati
b. Some Parts of the school fence were repaired.
c. His long stay in the school assisted in building a very cordial relationship with the Parents/Teachers’ Association
d. He made good effort to promote co-curricular activities.
e. The School won many laurels in external engagements.
f. Osun State Government supplied plastic chairs and lockers to relieve shortage of furniture.
g. Overseer Solomon Olawale Olawuyi-FCA (Senior Prefect 1976), constructed an Industrial
water borehole for the use of the school, after many years of absence of portable water. He also secured pre-paid Electricity Meter which for the first time connected the school to the National Electricity grid
13. Mr. I. A. Adeniyi – (March 2019 and April 2021)
a. Set a high standard in facility maintenance in the school.
b. He encouraged the construction of a befitting Gate for the school by the Old Students.
c. He maintained discipline at a time the students were being carried away by societal influence
d. He made a great effort to reposition the school academically.
14. Mr. M. S. Folorunso – April 2021 – 11th December, 2024
a. His era witnessed massive infrastructural development championed by the Old students
b. Compendium of past questions spanning 10 years were donated by the Pharmacist Olusayo Olusetire.
c. A new gate of first-class standard was designed and constructed by the 1975 Set of the Old students’ Association
d. The Old Students’ Association resuscitated the glory of the old with the installation of street lighting system powered by solar device.
e. The pride of Atakunmosa High School – the ultra-modern Science Laboratory received massive renovation – courtesy of the National Body of the Old students
f. The school roads Interlock was constructed in this era by the national Body of the Old Students Association
15. Comrade Olumide Olugbemi Odedele December, 2024 to Date
ACADEMIC, SPORTS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The school made appreciative growth and development in this sphere between 1967 to 1975. It was a glowing era in Academic, Sports and Games, Literary and Debating activities and Inter-Class, Inter House and Inter School Quiz competitions.
The Sport Houses of – Arimoro, Obokun, Ogedengbe and Atakunmosa named after Ijesa legendary leaders were very active in their activities. The era was reputed to be the period when discipline was in its high frequency. Students held in high esteem their teachers and seniors. Prefect Council was initiated, where co-ordinated strategy of infusing discipline was discussed. School Prefects were like “Lords.” They domesticated and deployed school rules and regulations with candour and sincerity of purpose.
Boarding House facilities were provided and students living there were cultured in the philosophical phrase of ‘’Industry and Determination” which was an iconic trade mark of Chief Adebayo Adefarati – the Principal of Principals. Dignity of labour was promoted, the mud blocks with which some of the generation of buildings were built in the era, were moulded by the students. Though many considered it then as wickedness or forced labour, in retrospect, those who were exposed to it continue to sing praises of the teachers and principals of that era.
It was an all-round development. The School Magazine by name – “The Hero”, was inaugurated to fire the spirit of artistic and literary gymnastics among the students. It was an era the Dramatic & Cultural Society embarked on stage drama hinged on the Literature books recommended by the West African Examinations Council, to be read by the school.
Today, may his soul continue to rest in peace, the Late Victor Olaotan (Akapo) a veteran actor, developed his dramatics instinct through the background exposure he had in the school, which later made him an icon in the Entertainment and Film Industry till he died in 2021. The school Dramatic and Cultural Society participated in FESTAC 1977.
History will find it difficult to forget the school Heroes’ Band. The band was equipped with standard musical instrument which comfortably equated them with the best musicians of that era. In the field of Sports and Games, the school won many trophies and awards, the climax of which was when the school football team broke all jinx to qualify second in the Western State, highly coveted Principal’s cup in 1974.
History will keep an evergreen book of record where the names of the following Teachers will be written with golden pen for the roles they played in the formative years of the school particularly up till late 1970s: All the Principals, Hon. Adesoji Adegoke (arguably the longest serving teacher of the school), Mr. L. A Ademola (later Mr. B. A. A. Farore) Mr. L. A. Ogedengbe, Mr. R. A. Adegbola, Mr. Ayo Alabi (renowned Games Master), Monsieu Gerald Azakpo, Mr. Yinka Asaolu, Mr. J.E. Ebigbola, Hon I. F. Farodoye, Mr. J. T Oki, Mr. M.A. Omowaiye, Mr. J. Olaitan, Mr. R. A. Arimoro, J.O. Kudaisi, E. O. Ogunleye, S. O. Okechukwu, Miss Ronke Osuntogun, Miss. D. O. Ogunleye, Mrs. Ashaolu-Famogbiyele, Mr. Tunde Njoku, Chief Ore Adebiyi, Mr. Adeyanju, Mr Olalere Olaleye, Miss Okewole, The Shaw sisters, Mrs. Tutu Adefarati, (nee Aofolaju) Mr. Ayo Aluko, Mr. (now) Prof. Ayo Agbonjinmi, Mr. ‘Yinka Fapojuwo, Mr. Tunde Amosu, Mr. Akinbobola and few others whose name could not be remembered at the time of this writing.
The non-teaching staff who collaborated with the teaching staff to ensure the ethics and traditions of the school were guarded jealously were: Mrs. Fajuyitan (Chief Cook), Miss Ajayi – The Matron (later Mrs Fatilewa), Mr. Tunde Orimogunje, the school’s Accounts Clerk, Mr. Ogundiya – the school Bursar. Chief Lami was the head of the Security Personnel.
As intoned by Elder ‘Soji Adegoke, “overall, like in the type of Principals, Atakumosa High School, Osu, was lucky in the type of teachers she had at the formative years. They were a bunch of dedicated, disciplined and selfless teachers. They fully co-operated among themselves and with the Principals, to achieve the main objective of the founding fathers of the School – building of a school that would be outstanding in the neighborhood in terms of positive educational attainments.”
Members of Staff operated like brothers and sisters of the same parents or family. In fact, the Principal, Mr. Ade Adefarati, (later Chief) called all members of staff by their first names. That created an atmosphere of cordiality and close relationship between him and Members of Staff.
CONCLUSION
In 60 years, Atakunmosa High School Osu has lived up to the expectation of her founding fathers. If management-by-objective principle was applied, the school has fulfilled her bill. Setting the tone from onset in 1963 that the motto of the school will be ‘KO NI AFARAWE – NULLI SECUNDUS’’. That is, to be first among equals.
In the field of academics, the school had produced and still producing students of high academic and moral excellence. In the field of sports and games, the school had attained greatness which memory the younger generations continue to reference. However, the school is also having her share of decadence and policy somersault in our society.
As remarked by Hon. Elder Soji Adegoke, ‘’ I lament the fact that the envisaged progress and development of the school have been seriously hampered, largely because of many, often conflicting regulations introduced by succeeding governments in the state. Most of such regulations serve only to stifle proper educational planning and practice.’’
The challenge is now being taking up by the collective efforts of the National Old Students’ Association with a unanimous resolve that THE GLORY OF THE PAST MUST BE RESTORED. I hope and pray that God Almighty will give us the day.
Epilogue: Much appreciation for the much unexpected opportunity granted to me to put the history of our noble school together for posterity. I remain indebted to my dear sister and senior, Mrs Kofo Ajelabi, (nee Ogunbiyi), an old student of distinction in her days, who threw this challenge at me in at a very difficult time. The support I received from many of my seniors and other colleagues contributed immensely to this effort.
I remain grateful to Sir (Barrister) Folorunso Ogunjuyigbe, an uncrown archivist of Atakunmosa High School records, Mr. Mustapha Ibironke, Mr. Gbadegesin Aasa, Pastor. ‘Sesan Oluwamogbiyele, Elder Isaac Ajetomobi, Mr. Mike Ajilore and Prof. Bolarinwa Bolaji. I will forever remain grateful to Elder Adesoji Adegoke – our teacher of referred reverence. In his writings, much information was received and adapted in this effort. I remain grateful sir.
Prince (Sir) ‘Goke Arimoro, Fcipm
Author, December, 2022.
References:
Abiola, J.D. E et al, ‘Iwe Itan Ijesa, CMS Press, Lagos 1932.
Adegoke, E. A – My Memoirs of Atakunmosa High School Osu -2022
Adeyoju, Ademola – From the Principal Emeritus’s Desk – Atakunmosa High School Osu : A brief History of the School.
Ajetomobi, I. O, Atakunmosa High School Osu; Its Establishment and Formative Years
Arimoro, Adegoke ‘Dire “Osu –From the Cradle – Vols 1, 2, & 3 (Revised Edition) Nov 2020.,,,
Kenyo, E. A. ‘Yoruba Natural Rulers and their Origin’ Yoruba Historical Research co. Ibadan, 1964.
The coronation programme of Oba Alayeluwa Peter Agunlejika II, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, dated September 24, 1966.