IJU-ODO: THE TALE OF MANUWA MEMORIAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Established in the mid of the last century as a result of unabated demands from the Anglican Mission by the people of Okitipupa division. The school was named after an indigenous Anglican Priest, Rev. Benjamin Ilogho Manuwa, a son of Oba Elero Kueyin Manuwa who played a great pioneering role in the consolidation of the Anglican Mission in Ikale-Ilaje area between 1916 and 1931. In 1953, the duo of Anglican Mission and people of Okitipupa division agreed to float the school. On February 22nd 1954, the “Dawn of Light” or what might be called “a fountain of knowledge” In Ikale-Ilaje land commenced with an initial intake of twenty two boys, which later rose to thirty-four students. Since then, the pedigree has continued to metamorphosed from a corn to an oak tree and a cornerstone to a living stone. Rev. Canon Philemon Harrisson a Sierra- Lonean became the first principal. His wealth of experience as a former lecturer at the famous Oxford University, UK and later Fouray Bay College, Sierra-Leone earned him all it took to administer the growing Citadel of learning. Rev. Canon P.H. Wilson decided to open the school on 22nd of February so as to coincide with the date of birth of lord Robert Baden Powell (Founder of Boys’ Scout in 1908) a man he had much regard, love and adoration for: The pioneers roll call of the school students at its inception in 1954 were: Adeya Marcus Akinmameji Joseph Awolalu Enoch Bajowa Joseph Olu Duroyanwo Akinwande Idebi Clement Ikuejamofo Clement Japinna Aaron Juba Samuel Kalejaye Elkanah Megbontowon Isaiah Monehin Julius Neri Ezekiel Obasemo Julius Obideyi Olabode Obiyemi Earnest Ogunbamerun Augustus Ogunmefun Raphael Ogunsusi Marcus Ojuri Caleb Olatokunbo Buari Olu Robert Olugbadebo Charles Omosehin Leviticus Omowanle Naphtal Omowole Amos Otunnagbe Emmanuel Oyekanmi Aseph Sajo Timothy Ojuobederhie Isaac Ogunti Madam Olatokun Sikiru Alase Joseph The first set of teachers from 1954 to 1960 were: Rev. P.H. Wilson from Sierra- Leone Mr. J.B. Fakile from Ise-Ekiti Mr. J.O. Awolula (Now Professor) Rev. Awosanmi from Ile-Ife Mr. A.O. Akerele from Egbaland Mr. E.O. Agagu (now Chief) Mr. J.M. Alabi Mr. O. Abe Mr. E.O. Ihometa Mr. A.G. Finnery Mr. J.O. Onisile Mr. Adeniyi Mr. Adesanoye. On 22nd February, 1954, Mr. J.O. Awolula (now Professor) was only companion to Rev. Canon P.H. Wilson. The versatile scholar opened the school with Rev. Canon Wilson. Thus, is a man who knows where, when, what and how about MMGS. In 1956, Chief E.O. Agagu, the living legend, a rare gem and a colossus of our time, who brought the monsoons and maritime wind of knowledge to Manuwa Memorial Grammar School and Ikale – Ilaje land in general came in to join the staff; both as a member of staff and as the Vice Principal. The boarding house system was introduced in 1956. Manuwa became a member of AIONIAN brotherhood. The founding principal, Rev. Canon Phil. Harrison Wilson died on 24th Now, 1958. Chief E.O. Agagu was immediately announced as the principal after the death of P.H. Wilson. In 1959, thirteen finalist pioneer students were distributed to sister neighbouring schools for their first WAEC examination. While the likes of Olu Bajowa and seven others were taken to Gboluji Grammar School, Akure. The reason was that the two graduate teachers required by WASC Examination began in the school with Mr. E.O. Agagu was in post after the death of P.H. Wilson. On November 21, 1960, the first WASC Examination began in the school with Mr. F.O. Olatubosun, the then Principal of Methodist High School, Okitipupa as the first Supervisor. The roll call in the 1960 set includes now Dr. G.O. Obateru, Prof. Jabez Ojoade, Dr. Martins Omosule, Prof. Ebisemiju Simeo and rest of others. In 1961, the school land was registered with the issuance of Deed of Conveyance. The tenth year Anniversary of the school was held between 19th and 22nd April 1964. A cash donation of 63:9 (pound) was realized at the occasion. In 1965, an approval was given to M.M.G.S. by the Ministry of Education for the conversion of 6 years course duration into 5 years with effect from 1963. In 1966, a well equipped Science Laboratory was built by the school; this earned it an immediately recognition in science subjects by WAEC. Also, in 1967, a giant trophy was donated by then Lt Col. Oluyemi Bajowa to boost literary and debating so that the art students could complete favourably with the science students. On 6th February 1968, Mr. O.K. Agagu (former Executive Governor of Ondo State) was searched because of his brilliance to join the hierarchy of members of staff replacing one Mr. Ajayi (a brilliant tutor whose vacuum the school could not afford to miss then). On 19th February, 1968, the school commissioned the purchased Lister generating plant for use. The school was changed to a co- educational system via the approval by the State Ministry of Education on the 9th November, 1968 Entrance exam was conducted for 165 candidates out of which only 20 girls were offered admission into the class one against 1969. On October 14, 1969, a cup was donated by Mr. Robert Oluwole for Academic excellence which was named Sir Samuel Manuwa Cup. On October 2nd 1970, a set of drums costing 21 (pound) was bought by the school for the pupils socials. On December 7th, 1972, official notification of the transferred to Methodist High School, Okitipupa with effect from 1st of January, 1973. on the notice of transfer Dr. S.L.A. Manuwa visited the school, conducted around by the outgoing principal after which he expressed his satisfaction and admiration for progress made. He then gave a cheque of 100 (pound) as a personal donation towards the school’s 5 year Development Programme. Before leaving for Methodist High School, Mr. E.O. Agagu received the school van built in Lagos at the cost of 225 (pound). He spent a total number of 13 years as the principal of MMGS. Also before leaving, arrangement for building the IDA Technical Workshop was perfected. In 1973, academy calendar in the school was changed to September to July as against the former January- December. On January 6, 1973, Mr. G.A. Adejuwon took over from Mr. E.O. Agagu An innovation was introduced to develop the acquisitioned skills of the students as both students and teachers were engaged in block making. On 5th February, 1974, International Development Agency (IDA) Workshop foundation was laid (Technical Building). In 1974, a class 1 Student (girl) Grace Ebukuyo represented the country in the 1974 commonwealth games in New Zealand. This marked a monumental event in the anal of the school. On 14th April 1974, Students’ Representative Council was established with Mr. E.A. Ojajuni as the patron. This was to involve students in the governance of the school and to develop their political consciousness. On February 1st, 1975, Rev. S.T. Shegin took over from Mr. G.A. Adejuwon who was transferred to Abeokuta Grammar School. On 18th March 1975, something tragic occurred when a member of staff Mr. A.E. Nwosu gave up the ghost at Adeoyo State Hospital, after being injured while exercising himself in the gymnastics on the school compound. He was later buried at East Central State. On 18th September, 1975, the death of Dr. Samuel Manuwa (Age 72) was announced over the radio. He was the first Medical Advisor to the Federal Government and the Pro- Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. MMGS was named after his late father Rev. B.I. Manuwa. He was on many occasions made financial assistance to the school. The last of that was made towards the 21st Anniversary of the school in 1975. On August 30th 1967, Rev. S.T. Sheyin was transferred to Ogun State. On 18th September 1976, Mr. R.S. Eruosanyin took over from S.T. Sheyin. On 19th February, 1979, the silver Jubilee Anniversary of the school was held. Donations of various kinds were made for the school among which were: A sum of N1, 500 by Gen. Olu Bajowa. Old Students donated paint towards the renovation of the school The 1964 set donated a sum of N400 Akure branch donated of OSA presented a wall clock. Unilag branch donated books to the school library. Donations came from other quarters. On 24th July 1979, a civilian bus with Reg. No. OD 6454 T was bought for the school by the PTA at the rate of N10,08,00. After 3 years of meritorious service to the school, Mr. Eruosanyin was transferred. He handed over to Chief F.O.Oladipupo on the 6TH September, 1979. On 6th December, 1979, Dr. Monone Omosule, the president of MMOSA led other executive members of the association to inspect the school and supervise the erection of the school library. They were then treated in a grand style by the leadership of the students Representative Council. Chief M.O. Loto took over from Chief Oladipupo in 1982 and served for 3 years. In 1983, Mr. S.A. Akinrogunde took the mantle of the principal-ship from Chief M.O. Loto (of blessed memory). The idea of resuscitating the boarding system was muted during his tenure. Mr. S.O. Ogunboye became the principal of the school for one year and four months between the period of 1986 to 1987. Chief O.O. Babagbemi took over from Mr. S.O. Ogungboye for another period of one year. He also fought unrelentingly to resuscitating the boarding system before he was transferred in December 1988. On January 1, 1989, Mr. Z.T. Akindele took over from Chief Babagbemi O.O. whose tenure ended by 1988 academic session. On November 1, 1992, Prince Juba took over from Mr. Z.T. Akindele as principal. In February 1994, at the old students Association re-union of the 40th Anniversary, two house was unanimously agreed upon and added to the already existing four. These were Wilson house and Agagu House. This is to further command their unparallel efforts as builders in the life of the school especially at the most crucial period. In 1998, an ultra- modern library financed by General Olu Bajowa (rtd) was commissioned. In 2001, a water scheme project (Bore hole), also financed by Gen. Olu Bajowa (rtd) was also commissioned. On May 26, 2003, Mr. Ayiebiwo was officially transferred to take over from Prince Juba A who had serve the school for 11 years. However, officially handing over was done on 9th of June, 2003. On February 12, 2004, a foundation stone laying ceremony of new Administrative embarked upon by club set 69/73 was flagged off. February 21, 2004, an ultra-modern gate complex built by class club sets 65/66 was commissioned.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 11:50:32 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015