The Anwar Ul Islam College Agege Old Students Association (ACAOSA) 1984 Set is celebrating four decades since their graduation with a two-day event themed “Celebrating Four Decades of Unity and Progress.”
The milestone reunion will take place on Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23, 2024, at their alma mater in Agege, Lagos.
The celebration begins on Friday with a Jumat service at 2 p.m. in the school’s mosque on Oniwaya Road. Following the prayers, the Class of ’84 will present a development project to the school, a testament to their commitment to giving back. The first day’s activities will conclude with a friendly novelty football match between the ACAOSA ’84 members and current school staff, strengthening bonds through friendly competition.
Saturday’s events, starting at 2 p.m., will include a “Meet and Greet” session, offering former classmates an opportunity to reconnect and reflect on their shared journey. The day will continue with an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding alumni and supportive partners, culminating in a Gala Night to celebrate the enduring spirit of unity and friendship.
Shakiru Bello, President of ACAOSA ’84, emphasized that the reunion is a rare chance for classmates to come together after four decades, celebrate their achievements, and honor the institution that shaped them.
Anwar Ul Islam College: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded as Ahmadiyya College in 1948, Anwar Ul Islam College has a distinguished history. Established on April 5, 1948, as a Muslim secondary school at Nos. 4, 6, and 8 Olushi Street in Lagos, it was Nigeria’s first Muslim secondary school, created with the mission to educate Muslim children who were often excluded from Christian mission schools.
The founders of the school included notable figures such as Alhaji Jubril Martin, Alhaji B. D. Oshodi, and Alhaji R. A. Allison, among others. With their support and vision, the school acquired 87 acres of land in Agege from Chief Jinadu Ogunji, the Olu of Agege, although much of the land has since been lost to encroachment.
The school’s doors were open to students of all faiths and ethnicities, setting it apart from other institutions of its time. In January 1956, the school’s name was officially changed to Ahmadiyya College.
Anwar Ul Islam College remains a pillar of educational excellence, with alumni who have made impactful contributions across Nigeria and beyond. The upcoming reunion stands as a celebration of this legacy and the continued journey of the Class of ’84.
0