The Old Grammarians’ Society (OGS) of CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, says performances of the school students in various examinations have justified investment put in place to sustain the school’s academic excellence.
Mr Olu Vincent, President of OGS, made the remark at the School’s 163rd Founders Day programme held on Monday at the CMS Grammar School Hall, Bariga, Lagos
According to him, at the WASSC Examinations, the school recorded 100 per cent performance at Distinctions and Credit grade levels in 17 subjects out of the 30 registered subjects.
“The subjects include Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Food and Nutrition, Government, Marketing, Physical Education, Computer Studies and others.
“We also recorded 98.9 per cent in Physics, 98.8 per cent in Data Management and 70.7 in Further Maths.
“Most of the students that passed out from this first and greatest secondary school in Nigeria have secured admission into various universities in Nigeria, while some have travelled abroad for further studies,” he added.
Vincent noted that the school, established in 1859 by Revd. Thomas Macaulay, who became the first Principal, had produced old boys who have excelled in diverse sectors including the Judiciary, Academics, Medicals, Entertainment, Music, Engineering, Politics and Military.
The OGS President added that the 163rd Founders Day Celebration incorporated prize giving celebrations for students.
“We have prizes for all subjects and in different categories.”
He disclosed that among the facilities completed in the school by the Old Boys include an Olympic sized swimming oool, four floors of hostel facilities fully furnished and donated, air-conditioned hall with separate 100KVA generator donated by OGS Americans.
According to him, others include a modern basketball court with spectator stand, state of the art E-Library with 35 work stations, modern sickbay facility by OGS Americans as well as a modern kitchen.
“There is a multimillionaire digitalisation project with independent power supply using solar panel by OGS Americans, UK and Europe.
“The commissioning of the kitchen and the first phase project will be on June 6, being the real Founders Day.
“Also, upgrading of the football field to modern stadium with indoor facilities to be provided, on the drawing board.
“These all boil down to the passion we have for our alma mater with the mindset that no sacrifice or contribution is too big or great.
“The event creates an enabling environment where some OGS members have interactive session with students of CMS Grammar School and they share experiences and offer counsel accordingly.”
He noted that a scholarship scheme would be in place for brilliant indigent students at the point of entering into the school.
Also, the Principal of CMS Grammar School, the Revd. Jacob Ogunyinka, while applauding the OGS for the numerous contributions, said that the school would be restored to its original plan of having students in the hostel.
Ogunyinka explained that the management of the school and members of teaching and non-teaching staff were working hard to make CMS Grammar School a model for others to follow.
“With all these developments and plans, we are going back to full boarding system, which was the original design of the school right from its establishment.
“We believe that will make the students to have sound spirituality, excellent morals, character, behaviour as well as academics to channel them in becoming what they want to be.
“Although, we have started that, our students that sat for JAMB this year did excellently well,.
About 100 sat for JAMB, ,74 got above 200, while seven scored above 300 out of the 80 released so far.
“The Lagos Anglican Schools Management Board (LASMAB) is doing a lot too; every year, they put something on the salary of teachers, also organise competitions to get best teacher of the year,” Ogunyinka said.
According to Ogunyinka, who is the 27th Principal of CMS Grammar School, LASMAB has provided accommodations for about 80 per cent of the staff, all in preparations to the school becoming a full boarding institution.
He disclosed that an old boy who pleaded anonymity have a scholarship of N1 million, while another gave N2million to install street lights around the school fence.
“The old boys are doing a great job to give back to the institution, ” he said.
The OGS had representatives from various sets and they included Dare Odufowokan, Bunmi Enigbokan, Dipo Arigbede, Mr Seni Ogungbadero and
Dr Dipo Arigbede, at the 163rd Chairman Founders Day.
