The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom
( Iberu Oluwa ni ipinle ogbon )

It is on this foundation that Abeokuta Grammar School was built over 90 years ago, thus it has waxed strong in academic achievement, discipline and honesty. It is a graceful journey and we have course to rejoice. Many a man, many an establishment and indeed many an Institution celebrates 25th, 50th, 60th and sometimes 75th Anniversary; only a few are privileged to celebrate 90 years (since 1908).  We are looking forward to the Centenary celebrations in 2008.

Abeokuta Grammar School is an institution many throughout Nigeria and even from the West Coast of Africa rush to be admitted. It is an institution with a difference.

From the inception, it has opened its doors to any with a thirst for learning. It does not practice discrimination of any sort, be it religion, sex or ethnicity. It is the first school in Nigeria, if not the only school, where as far back as the first decade of this century students from the far North, East and West (the main divisions of the country then) mix to receive modern education in the spirit of brotherhood and oneness.

It has been a Unity School from time with emphasis that you are your brothers’ Keeper, on respect for seniority, on respect for age – attributes for Nigerian culture and family union. It has been centre for discipline per excellence and for sound educational upbringing.

Eleven principals substantive – all Nigerians with the aid of many dedicated tutors have run the school till today. Details of these great teachers will be given in another section of this brochure. The school had undergone stages of developments as the Principals changed baton. The only thing constant is “Discipline”. It is exhibited in all features of the school activities – academic, athletics, social and especially moral training. One only needs to step into the school compound to become aware of the school ideals:

“Only the best is good enough for ABEOGRAMS”

“My character is greater than my books”

“A good name is better than silver or gold”

“AGS first, AGS last, AGS always”.

Students are taught to enjoy hard work and exhibit honesty in all they do and to be ambassadors of the school anywhere they serve.

A Student before one of the School’s Blocks

“In mensis sana in corpore sano.” Students inculcate discipline as an ideal; they place premium on honesty, good character and industry. It is the wheel on which AGSOBA in all fields of endeavours ride to height of achievements. Parents all over the country, especially of the past pupils leave no stone unturned to secure admission for their children.

It is on record for posterity that through manual labour and self-discipline, the school dug a slope over 10ft high to prepare a soccer pitch when mechanical earth remover was a luxury in the country. The field remains in use today on the old site at Igbein Hall. This singular feat was achieved by “SOKEDILES” that passed through Rev.

Discipline as a watchword permeated through the academic curricular so much that the school had in:

• December 1909 – Entered for the examination of Royal College of Preceptors
• 1911 – Sat Cambridge Local Examination
• 1914 – First Intake of girls – thus becoming a mixed school
• 1939 – Presented first students for Cambridge School Certificate Examination
• 1940 – Scored 100% success for students presented Senior Cambridge School Certificate Examination and some had Exemption from London Matriculation.
• 1996 – Elevated to the status of a model School.

Sporting activities were encouraged through inter-house competition between Houses namely Okenla, Lisabi, Sodeke and the School Houses. The School excelled in Grier Cup, Empire Day, the Alake Coronation and the AIONIAN GAMES. Worthy of note are names like J.O. Fadina, Augustor Labode, Lawanson, Bili Oyekan (mile race) Fasade Benet Irele (relay race) Majekodunmi (High Jump) Renner (Pole vault). S.O. Craig, Edward majekodunmi, Olisa Chukwura, Ayinla Dawodu, Ehondor,Olawale Folarin, Orji, Maku to mention a few in soccer display.

Primary factor in developing the new site at Idi-Aba is the affinity the old Students demonstrate. As a mark of loyalty and gratitude to the school for the discipline embedded in their life, individuals, clubs/classmates compete in donating one thing or the other to promote the ideals of the school. The list of donations is displayed elsewhere in this brochure. They award numerous prizes yearly in order to encourage academic excellence.

What is more, they distinguish in their various aspirations so much that establishments seek for AGSOBA because of their dedication to duty, meticulousness and, above all, probity. Nigeria cannot record its greatness without reference to past pupils like justice Olumuyiwa Jibowu (1st Nigeria Puisne Judge) Dr. E.N.O. Sodeinde; Chief Adegunle Soetan; Ven R.A. AshleyDejo; Mr Ayo Diyan (late Chairman Boards of Customs & Excise) all of late memory; pupils like Olisa Chukwura SAN; Justice Sikiru Abina – C.A. Abimbola – Owolabi Kolawole – R.A. Bakare – R.O. Soluade; Industrialists like A.O. Runsewe – J.J. Ladipo (Lisabi Mills) – O.A. Akoni (Toki Pharmarcists) – Chief Olatunde Abudu – S.O.Bamgbose (Olaogun Ent.) – Oluwole Adeoshun, Stateman like Professor Koye Ransome Kuti, Ambassador G.O. Ijiwere, Senator David Davinone ; respected traditional rulers like Lipede I Alake of Egbaland – OBA (DR) DAPO TEJUOSO Osile of Oke Ona – Olubuse I Ooni of Ife – Tella I Olu of Ilaro; a great educationist and historic disciplinarian and a principal with the longest service yet (1932 – 1954) Rev. I.O. Ransome Kuti; a dogged woman emancipation frontliner late Mrs. FunlayoRansome Kuti “BERE”; a talented artist late Fela Anikulapo Ransome Kuti, a private medical philanthropist, a renown soloist Dr. Kola Sosan; academician like photo-brain Gemini Oyewoles; late H.M. Somade – Akin Adesola (former V.C. Unilag) – F.O. Oridota (Principal 1977 – 1987) – Dr. Adebayo Mokuolu ( an exponent of Physics & Chemistry).

The old students association has established a scholarship revolving fund to help brilliant indigent students. AGSOBA world-wide has under construction as Assembly hall badly needed for interaction and character training. Cordial relationship is maintained with the school Board of Governors who jointly guard jealously the fortune of the school.

The Parents and Teachers Association exchanges confidence with AGSOBA to ensure the bright future of the Institution.

Sail onto the Century Abeokuta Grammar School.

UP SCHOOL