For OS Jide Abogunrin, the story of Anglican Grammar School, Oke-Nla, Ifo, is more than a chapter in the past. It is part of the foundation on which his character, career and continuing commitment to service have been built.
A member of the 1992 graduating set, Abogunrin looks back on his years at AGS Oke-Nla as some of the most memorable and formative of his life.
The friendships, school activities,
shared experiences and disciplined environment may have seemed ordinary at the time, but together they helped shape the man he would become.
“My years in the school remain some of the most memorable and formative years of my life,” he reflects.
Lessons beyond the classroom
Among the educators who made a lasting impression on Abogunrin were the late Mr. Adeshina, who served as principal, Mrs. Osuagwu, Mr. Afolabi, Mr. and Mrs. Aseniyi, Mr. Bankole and Mr. Olawoyin, among others.
Their impact went beyond academic instruction. Through their example and guidance, they instilled in him the values of discipline, hard work, integrity, respect and perseverance— principles that have remained central to his life.
The lesson he carries most strongly is simple but enduring: success does not happen by chance. It is earned through commitment, consistency and determination.
A foundation for service and progress
Abogunrin says AGS Oke-Nla gave him more than knowledge. It gave him a way of approaching life—with responsibility, confidence, focus and the resilience to keep moving forward in difficult moments.
Those values have continued to guide his personal and professional journey. Today, he serves as an Accountant at the prestigious Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology (formerly Tai Solarin College of Education) Omu-Ajose, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State
Yet, when asked about the milestone he is most proud of, Abogunrin does not focus only on a title or career position.
For him, true achievement is also measured by the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others and contribute meaningfully to society.
That perspective reflects the deeper legacy of his education: success not merely as personal advancement, but as purposeful impact.
Fifty years of excellence—and a future still unfolding
The golden jubilee of AGS Oke-Nla holds deep personal meaning for Abogunrin. To him, the 50th anniversary represents five decades of history, excellence, sacrifice, discipline, friendship and impact.
The celebration offered an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, revisit cherished memories and appreciate the contribution of the generations who have sustained the school’s name.
It also reinforced a truth he considers essential: great institutions are built
collectively by students, teachers, administrators and alumni.
“The golden jubilee is not only a celebration of the past; it is also a call to build an even brighter future for the generations coming behind us,” he says.
Proud to be part of the AGS Oke-Nla family, Abogunrin believes the school’s best days are still ahead.
A message for today’s students
To the students currently walking the halls of AGS Oke-Nla, his advice is direct: take education seriously, respect teachers, remain disciplined and believe in yourself.
He urges them not to let present circumstances define the limits of their future. Dream boldly, work hard, stay humble and surround yourself with people who inspire growth.
“The school is giving you a foundation, but what you build upon that foundation
depends largely on you.”
For Abogunrin, the years spent at AGS Oke-Nla are preparation for a larger purpose. Students may not always recognize the value of those years while living them, he says, but one day they will look back and understand that the discipline, relationships and lessons of
school were preparing them for the people they were meant to become.
As AGS Oke-Nla celebrates 50 years, OS Abogunrin’s story stands as a reminder that the true measure of a school’s legacy is found in the character and contribution of its alumni—and in the lives they go on to influence.
