The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Staff School, on Friday, 2 October 2026, kicked off activities to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a colourful parade to the Senate House, UNILAG, Akoka, and a press conference where the celebration was formally declared open.
Pupils, Staff Parade to Senate Building
The celebration began early in the morning as pupils and staff marched from the school premises to the Senate House, UNILAG.
Songs, dances and joyful chants filled the air as pupils and staff marked the school’s six decades of educational excellence.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Olumuyiwa Falaiye; the Registrar, Mrs Victoria Abosede Wickliffe; and the Bursar, Mrs Oluwafunmilola Yetunde Adekunle, received the pupils and staff on the ground floor of Senate House.
Sixty Years as a Significant Milestone
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Olumuyiwa Falaiye, described 60 years in the life of a school as a significant milestone.
He noted that many alumni of Staff School had gone on to become influential men and women in various fields, adding that the University was proud of the school and its pupils.
He conveyed the Vice-Chancellor’s charge to the pupils to take their education seriously, describing it as one of the best ways they could honour their parents and contribute to the development of the country.
Professor Falaiye observed that the pupils were growing up as members of Generation Alpha, with access to numerous technological tools and resources. He urged them to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
The DVC prayed for the protection and secure future of the pupils and for peace and stability in Nigeria. He also assured the school of the University’s continued support before declaring the anniversary celebration open.
He commended the teachers for their dedication and thanked the parents for their commitment to the education and wellbeing of their children.
Board Chairman Encourages Pupils to Stay Focused and Excel
From the Senate House, the procession moved to the Faculty of Education, where the Board Chairman, Professor Joseph Awoyinfa, addressed the pupils.
He described the pupils as the leaders of tomorrow and encouraged them to conduct themselves well both at school and at home. He also reminded them to appreciate and pray for their parents, who provide for their education and welfare.
Professor Awoyinfa expressed confidence that the pupils included future doctors, lawyers, professors and other professionals, and prayed that they would fulfil their potential and destinies.
Press Conference
Shortly after the parade, attention shifted to the Senate Chamber, Senate House where a Press Conference was held to highlight the line up of activities to celebrate ULSS at 60, the impact of the school, and roadmap for the school’s future.
A Journey of Gratitude and a Week of Activities
The Headmistress, Mrs Eunice Adedoyin Akinade, welcomed guests and reflected on the school’s journey over the past six decades.
She noted that ULSS had undergone significant changes over the years and attributed its development to the contributions of past teachers, successive University administrations and the Governing Board.
She also commended the dedication, professionalism and sacrifices of teachers, as well as the commitment of parents to the education of pupils who have passed through the school.
Mrs Akinade outlined activities scheduled for the anniversary week. Monday, October 5, will be dedicated to a special Teachers’ Day celebration, while Cultural Day and International Day will follow on Tuesday, October 6, and Wednesday, October 7, respectively.
She noted that the school operates from two locations: Akoka and Idi-Araba, with the same curriculum, and that both locations would participate in the anniversary activities.
Retired teachers and former heads of the school will be honoured during the celebration, including the only Headmaster the school has had since its establishment in 1966. Two former leaders will also be recognised posthumously, with their families expected to participate in the events.
The anniversary programme will conclude with a hybrid Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Chapel of Christ Our Light, UNILAG , Akoka Campus.
The Headmistress expressed the hope that alumni would return in large numbers, noting that their support would contribute to the improvement of the school’s infrastructure and facilities and support efforts to establish its alumni association.
ULSS Board Chairman Conveys VC’s Message, Unveils Foundation
At the press conference, the ULSS Board Chairman and Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Joseph Awoyinfa, delivered a goodwill message from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS.
The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the school on 60 years of contributing significantly to the educational development of generations of Nigerians. She described the school as a community where young minds are nurtured, character developed, and lifelong friendships formed.
The message paid tribute to the teachers and leaders who laid the foundation of the school and emphasised the need for the institution to look both to its history and its future.
The goodwill note pointed out that artificial intelligence, digital technology, and climate change are reshaping the world into which today’s pupils are growing. The message therefore urged the school to give equal attention to academic excellence, character development, creativity, critical thinking, digital literacy, and innovation.
The message stressed that knowledge comes with responsibility and that excellence is most meaningful when it is used to serve humanity.
In his remarks, Professor Awoyinfa expressed pride in serving as Chairman of the Board. He described the Headmistress as a mother who was determined to take the school to greater heights and expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly elected PTA Chairman to contribute to the school’s progress.
Professor Awoyinfa stressed the importance of primary education, noting that the depth of a foundation determines the height of a building. He argued that universities do not create talent but build on talents that have already been identified and nurtured at the primary and secondary levels.
Using an anecdote from China to illustrate the importance of early values formation, he urged the audience to appreciate and applaud the teachers responsible for shaping the foundations of young lives.
He also unveiled a foundation established in memory of his late mother and commenced its activities by presenting books and financial assistance to pupils at the event.
He prayed that the next 60 years of ULSS would be even more glorious than the first six decades.
PTA Pledges ₦100 Million Fundraiser, No Levy Increase
The newly elected chairman of the school’s Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Comrade Olumide Oluwasogo Opeolu, congratulated the school on six decades of excellence.
He said the primary objective of the PTA was to complement the efforts of the government, University Management, and the Governing Board in positioning the school for greater achievements over the next five, 10 and 15 years.
Comrade Opeolu assured parents that there would be no increase in the PTA levy during the next four years. Instead, he said, the Association would reach out to parents, individuals, and organisations within and outside the University community with a target of raising ₦100 million for the school within six months to one year.
He disclosed that the executive had already raised funds towards the 60th anniversary at its inaugural meeting, adding that this gave him confidence that more support would be secured when the Association reaches out to well-meaning individuals.
The PTA Chairman appealed to parents and friends of the school to contribute to its development and promised an inclusive administration that would carry parents, teachers, and pupils along.
Serving with him on the newly constituted executive for the 2026–2030 tenure are:
[ ] Femi Oshinuga, Vice-Chairman (Akoka);
[ ] Hassan Halimah Okandeji, Vice-Chairman (LUTH/CMUL Annex);
[ ] Aramide Theresa Okeibunor, General Secretary;
[ ] Funmilayo Eyimisan, Assistant General Secretary;
[ ] Idowu Harriet, Treasurer;
[ ] Oluwabukola Lawson, Financial Secretary;
[ ] Olayiwola Oyawoye, Internal Auditor; and
[ ] Isiwat Ojo, Social Secretary.
The Headmistress, Mrs Eunice Adedoyin Akinade, and the Deputy Headmistress, Dr Esther Sogbanmu, serve on the committee alongside the Ex-Officio members, Dr Folorunsho Adebayo and Adetutu Helen Edet.
Alumna Credits Staff School for Quality Education
Dr Wura Abiola, an alumna of the Class of 1983 and daughter of late Chief MKO Abiola, spoke about her longstanding connection with the UNILAG Staff School.
Now an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS), Dr Abiola attributed her love of learning and eventual attainment of a PhD, in part, to the quality of education she received at ULSS.
She recalled the school’s once-pristine facilities and beautiful classrooms, expressing concern about the deterioration she observed during a recent visit.
According to her, members of her set had mobilised to raise funds for the school’s revitalisation, an initiative that had since attracted support from other alumni.
She expressed confidence that the collective contribution of alumni would go beyond existing budgets and help retain the school as a centre of excellence.
Looking Ahead
Day One of the 60th anniversary celebration combined festivity with a strong call to preserve the school’s legacy and invest in its future.
The day’s speeches paid tribute to generations of teachers, administrators and parents who contributed to the school’s development, while also highlighting the need for sustained support for its infrastructure, pupils, and teachers.
With the support of the University, parents, alumni and other well-wishers, the University of Lagos Staff School begins its next chapter with a renewed focus on strengthening the foundation on which future generations will build.
Report: Lynda Onah
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
