It was a grand display of academic excellence and a reflection of unwavering commitment to service delivery as Prospect Educational Centre, proprietors of Prospect Nursery and Primary School as well as Prospect Secondary School, Igbara-Oke, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State — celebrated 30 years of imparting knowledge.
The colourful event, held on the school premises, attracted academics, traditional rulers, politicians, technocrats, alumni, and parents.
Presiding over the ceremony, former Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, lauded the management and staff for their dedication and urged them to sustain and improve on the remarkable records being set.
Representing the minister, Prof. Davies Folorunso, a Professor of Advanced Materials Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), expressed delight at the school’s numerous success stories.
He also instituted annual awards for the best students in Physics and Mathematics, noting that he would include provisions in his will to ensure the awards’ continuity.
In her goodwill message, the Erelu Iyaloja-General of Akure Kingdom, Chief (Mrs) Adefunmilayo Adekanye, commended the proprietress, Mrs T.A. Daramola, for meeting the expectations of both parents and the state government.
Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer of Igbara-Oke Division, CSP Othuke, congratulated the school on its 30th anniversary, describing it as a milestone worthy of celebration. He urged stakeholders to continue sensitising students on the need to shun social vices and embrace peaceful living.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Ife Ajiwoye, described the celebration as a tribute to three decades of academic growth and commitment to nurturing the minds of future leaders.
“As we commemorate this significant occasion, let us reflect on the vision and dedication of the founders, who laid the foundation for the school’s success. Their legacy should continue to inspire us to strive for excellence in education,” he said, appreciating committee members at home and in the diaspora for their contributions.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the family, Mr. Taiwo Daramola, one of the proprietress’s children, congratulated the management, staff, students, alumni, and awardees.
“Reaching thirty years is not just a milestone; it is a testimony to vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” he stated.
“Prospect Educational Centre has stood as a beacon of knowledge, discipline, and moral upbringing, nurturing generations of leaders who today make remarkable contributions across various fields.”
In her anniversary speech, Mrs Titi Daramola highlighted the achievements of the school since its inception. She credited her late husband, Engr. J.A. Daramola, for initiating and supporting the vision that birthed Prospect Educational Centre.
“The school was founded on September 12, 1995. It was my husband’s passion to provide affordable and quality education for less-privileged children in rural areas,” she said.
“With God’s help and the support of good people around me, the once-newborn ‘Prospect’ has grown, producing many successful individuals worldwide.”
Mrs Daramola noted that the school prides itself on instilling discipline, moral values, academic excellence, and respect for elders in its pupils. She cited notable milestones, including participation in debates, quizzes, drama competitions, and democratic values training under the SADIN programme in Benin, Edo State. The school was also among the first in Ondo State to adopt the NECO examination.
She expressed gratitude to her children, the Old Students’ Association, staff, students, parents, and the Nigerian Police, who have been “good neighbours” over the years.
The event featured the presentation of awards to individuals who have contributed to the growth of the school. Recipients included Elder Sylvester Kolawole Oluponna, Barrister Taiwo Aturu, Prince Olusegun Atere, Mr Kehinde Adewumi, Mr Asiribo Olayinka, Master Opeyemi Benjamin Ajayi, and Mrs Bola Akacha.
Outstanding alumni honoured were Oladele Dada, Oluwaseun Ogunlala, Seyi Akinwale (née Aturu), Dr Lanre Akomolafe, Mr Abiodun Ojo, and Mr Afeez Olaore.
Posthumous awards were presented in memory of Chief Peter Oluyide Adu, Pa Peter Ogunlala, Deacon Ebenezer Kuye, Mrs Cecilia Fagbohun, and Mr David Olumide Ojo.
Other notable attendees included the Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Ifedore, Pastor Kayode Afe, the Igbara-Oke Zonal Chairman, Mr Bodunde Ogundele, as well as family friends such as Mr Tope Adu, Mrs Yejide Omolayo, Mr Francis Olawande, Barrister Alaba Eniola, Deaconess Olusola Ogunmoloye, and Dr & Mrs Olusola Olanrewaju.
The celebration underscored Prospect Educational Centre’s legacy as a beacon of quality education, discipline, and moral upbringing – a heritage the school pledges to preserve for future generations.
