West Africa’s first Muslim college, Anwarul Islam Model College, Agege Lagos was agog recently when the alumni of the college honoured their past teachers and give back to the school that modeled them 20 years after.
Established in 1948, under the auspices of Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam in Nigeria, the 1999 set of the school’s Old Students’ Association (ACAOSA) returned to the college to recognise and honour the current principal of the school.
Awards were given to past teachers who tutored them with solid foundation to attain greater height in their various career.
The President of the set, Mr Taofeeq Badru described the moment as a special day for the teachers and the Alumni.
“What better ways can a reunion/20 years anniversary be celebrated? It was a beautiful moment for set 1999 of Anwar-ul-islam college Agege as we gave back to the society that made us’
“To our Principal (Alh MD SALAMI)and teachers Mr Otusanya (chemistry), Dr Rafiu (Economics), Mr Atanda (Yoruba). Thank you all for honouring our invitation. It was a special day for all. We appreciate,” he said.
Marking the occasion, the group emphasised the relevance of formal education by collaborating with an Academic Excellence Initiative(AEI) to stage a Seminar/Intercollegiate Quiz competition.
President Badru who is a medical scientist was grateful to his former school mates and other personalities behind the success of their reunion.
“To the set of 1999,We congratulate ourselves on this feat of coming together 20 years of exit from the college, We ve only shown contrary to the popular proverb that “20 children cannot play together for 20yrs”. We shall continue to wax stronger in strength, love and Unity by God’s grace. We have written our names in gold by this act, We shall have power and strength to do more in years to come,” he said.
A former Yoruba teacher at the college and an awardee, Mr Atanda said teaching at Anwarul Islam was a very memorable experience.
”I can never forget the school because of its boys only nature and that made those of us teachers that are active and discipline to exhibit God’s gift to guide and disciplined them because then I was tough, Infact, I was the Chairman of the task force of the college from 1991 to 1999 their set. We thank God for Everything,” Mr Atanda stated.
Also appraising his former students, Dr Rafiu who is the current President of Association of Commercial Subject Teachers of Nigeria ( ASCON), Lagos State Chapter.) Shared his experience as a former teacher at the college
“Unfortunately I can’t see this kind of students again, back then they would challenge you and you dare not go to teach them without adequate preparation and I’m happy today as they all appreciate and some give testimony that I laid the foundation for them to become accountants,” he commended.
The Anwaru Islam College, Agege has produced top leaders of the country, among whom included Hon. Justice Fatain Adeyinka, Retired Chief Judge of Lagos State., Major-General Tajudeen Olanrewaju; RTD General & Former Minister of Communications, Alhaji Yakub Balogun, Retired Head of Service, Lagos State. , Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) Solicitor-General, Lagos State, Mr. Kamarudeen Junaid, Perm Sec. Ministry. of Youths & Sports, Lagos State. , Ambassador Musiliu Obanikoro, .Otunba Femi Pedro Former Deputy of Lagos State and other notable Nigerians.
