St Anne’s old girls open archives, task members on developmental projects

The Old Girls of St. Anne’s School, Ibadan, under the auspices of the Seminary-St. Anne’s School Old Girls Association (SSASOGA), have officially inaugurated the school’s archives and museum, a donation from the association.

The event, which marked the association’s two-day reunion and fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM), was held on the school’s premises on Friday.

Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Kehinde, the national president of SSASOGA, praised the archives and museum as a vital space that will preserve the school’s rich history and heritage. She encouraged members of the association, as well as others who have been part of the school’s journey, to contribute photographs, artefacts, and other memorabilia that will help maintain the school’s legacy.

“Future visitors to the archives, including both current and former students, will be able to view these materials and gain an appreciation for the school’s past,” she said.

The chairman of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Pastor Akinade Alamu, officially declared the archives and museum open. He commended St. Anne’s School for continually making the state proud through its students and projects.

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Alamu noted that Oyo State values its students and teachers, citing the allocation of 21 percent of the total 2025 state budget to education. He added, “Oyo State is investing heavily in education, and we are pleased to see old students of our schools contributing meaningfully to their alma mater.”

After touring the archives and museum, Alamu described them as a source of inspiration and knowledge for all who visit.

During the event, several old girls shared their memories and experiences at the school. Among them were Dr. Shodipo Ajayi, Mrs. Omotayo Mogan, Mrs. Tokunbo Adesoye, and Mrs. Foluso Falomo. They spoke fondly of St. Anne’s as a place of unity, where no one is discriminated against, and where girls are nurtured to become well-rounded women in all aspects of life. They also recalled enjoying various activities such as drama, singing, cooking, gardening, and forging lifelong friendships.

On Saturday, during the AGM, Mrs. Kehinde emphasized SSASOGA’s mission to give back to both the school and society. She expressed her surprise at the level of commitment and compassion exhibited by the association’s members in supporting the school.

She commended the old girls for the various projects they had undertaken and encouraged them to continue donating and contributing to the school’s growth. Despite the challenges of rifts, conflicts, and financial constraints, she highlighted the unwavering dedication of the association to making St. Anne’s School a place of excellence. She urged members to pay their dues promptly, emphasizing that no association can thrive without funding.

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Mrs. Kehinde also encouraged the old girls to take up projects that will make life and studies easier for the current students. She urged them to adopt indigent students and support their education.

The Alumna Talk was delivered by Mrs. Funso Adegbola, an old girl of the school and founder of Vale College, Ibadan. She discussed the importance of the boarding system in schools, sharing how the system at St. Anne’s had a profound impact on her life. Mrs. Adegbola explained that the values, life skills, communal living, and discipline instilled through the boarding system are fundamental and lasting.

Reports were also presented by various committee heads, including the secretary general, vice presidents for projects and branches, social secretary, youth coordinator, and publicity secretary. The reports from the education committee, student welfare, and members’ welfare were also shared, along with updates from the house captains and principals.