Bashiru Challenges St. Joseph’s Alumni to Transform Shared Heritage Into Action

Segun Atanda/

LAGOS — Members of the St. Joseph Secondary School, Agege Global Alumni Association have been challenged to move beyond celebrating cherished school memories and embrace a greater responsibility of investing in education, mentoring younger generations and providing ethical leadership for society.

The charge was delivered by management consultant and public administrator, Chief Akinola Idowu Bashiru, while delivering the keynote address at the association’s 2026 Global Reunion held on Saturday at Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel.

Speaking on the theme, “From Shared Memories to Greater Responsibilities,” Bashiru told hundreds of Josephians from Nigeria and the diaspora that the true measure of an alumni association lies not in nostalgia but in its commitment to shaping the future of its alma mater and society.

Although he acknowledged that he was not a graduate of St. Joseph Secondary School, Bashiru said his close relationships with several distinguished alumni, including former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, had given him a deep appreciation of the institution’s enduring legacy.

“I did not walk the halls as a student or wear the school uniform, but standing before you today, I do not feel like an outsider,” he said. “The warmth, camaraderie and energy of this global community show that the spirit of St. Joseph’s is a living force that transcends generations and geographical boundaries.”

Reflecting on the school’s rich history, Bashiru recounted stories of the famous morning assembly bell, memorable sporting competitions, academic rivalries and the strict discipline imposed by legendary teachers such as Mrs. Jibowu, Mrs. Akinsanmi and Mr. Ogunyemi.

According to him, these experiences created bonds that have continued to unite former students across the world.

“St. Joseph’s did not merely educate you,” he said. “It gave you a shared identity and a foundation upon which many of you have built remarkable careers across the globe.”

He, however, warned that memories alone were insufficient to sustain the institution’s future.

“Memories are not meant to gather dust in old photo albums,” he said. “They are fuel for your next chapter. Every shared memory carries with it a responsibility to give back to the institution that shaped your lives.”

Bashiru identified three critical responsibilities for the global alumni body.

First, he urged members to invest in the future of the school by supporting infrastructure development, funding scholarships for indigent but brilliant students, and upgrading science and computer laboratories to meet global standards.
He also called on alumni to strengthen their worldwide network by mentoring younger graduates, supporting one another professionally and personally, and creating opportunities for collaboration across different industries.

“A Josephian anywhere in the world should never walk alone,” he said.

Beyond supporting the school and fellow alumni, Bashiru challenged members to become ethical leaders capable of addressing the world’s growing economic, technological and governance challenges.

“The values of integrity, hard work and moral excellence instilled in you are exactly what today’s world desperately needs,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from the school’s motto, “Our God Is Able,” Bashiru encouraged the alumni to remain confident in their ability to make lasting contributions.

“Because He is able, you have the capacity to give back. Because He is able, this global network can transform lives. Because He is able, the future of St. Joseph Secondary School can become even more glorious than its past.”

He concluded by urging the association to become more than a reunion platform.

“Let this not merely be an association that looks backward with nostalgia. Let it become a launchpad that looks forward with purpose, where shared memories inspire greater responsibilities and lasting impact.”

The reunion brought together distinguished alumni, school administrators, teachers and friends of the institution from across Nigeria and different parts of the world to celebrate the school’s enduring legacy while charting a roadmap for its future development.