First female secondary school flourishing after 150 years

Even after a century and half of its existence, St. Anne’s Ibadan still provide quality education. If you are visiting the first female secondary school in Nigeria, St. Anne’s Molete, Ibadan, for the first time, you may think it is a private school, is managed by an individual. Mud structures constructed over a century ago […]

Even after a century and half of its existence, St. Anne’s Ibadan still provide quality education.

If you are visiting the first female secondary school in Nigeria, St. Anne’s Molete, Ibadan, for the first time, you may think it is a private school, is managed by an individual. Mud structures constructed over a century ago are still well-managed and maintained. The serene environment is one of its unique selling points.

Amazingly, most of the structures in the school, including the first building where it started classes 150 years ago are as strong as the modern buildings in other schools across the state.

The three-in-one school, which was a merger of a Seminary and Kudeti Girls Schools, was the foremost female secondary school in Nigeria.

To test the ability of the students of the school if the standards set by the founding fathers remain, the old students of the school, as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration organized quiz competition for the students.

The anniversary also witnessed the commissioning of some projects by the old girls and improving the welfare of the workers in the school.

Projects commissioned by the old students are renovated classrooms, toilets, the school hall, building of an e-library, painting of the school fence and gate and other notable infrastructure.

Our correspondent observed that to keep the students mentally alert, the final year students are expected to attend compulsory remedial classes organized by the management for them to excel in their examination, even during the holidays.

A former chairperson of the Nigerian Union of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Oyo State and old student of the school, Mrs Kitan Adeagbo, who attended between 1977 and 1982 described the school as a source of greatness for every girl-child, however, said the standard of the school is diminishing.

She said: “The experience was wonderful because we were trained for academic excellence, morals and godly virtues. Our principal then was Miss Macquanie, a white woman who inculcated discipline into us.”

Adeagbo further said “you dared not fight or use abusive language during our time. No vernacular speaking during school hours and you must be properly dressed.

“Then and now the school had a good name which we all built upon.  Our students were a delight to behold in all ramifications, especially in terms of education, brilliance and neatness,” she said.

Recollecting names of some of the teachers in the school,  Adeagbo said, she recalls the discipline instilled in them by the likes of Miss Bankole whom they used to call “Banky ele” because of her beauty, Mrs Akinpelu of blessed memory as well as Mrs Olaopa, whom she described as great people.

However, she lamented that the beautiful environment of the school and the aesthetic values of the premises are no more. “Most times when I see the students I feel like weeping because the beauty is lost completely not outward beauty but the total inner beauty. No discipline anymore, no academic excellence,” she pointed out.

A final year student, who intends to study law, Ajibike while speaking with our correspondent described the mode of teaching and learning in the school as excellent.

Ajibike said “I didn’t start my junior secondary school here, but I can assure you since I joined this school, I have noticed some improvements in myself. This school gives room for competition and for those of us who dream big, this school is great. My dad once told me that he was ready to support me to anywhere I wish because of my recent improvement.”

Another student who was reluctant to mention her name said the environment is enough to convince parents and students to attend the school.

“I agreed with you that the school is aged, but you can see that nobody will believe the school is that old going by the structure in our compound. I am proud to be part of this school,” she said.

For Shade, there are enough teachers for each subject. “We have enough teachers. Because the management accommodates NYSC members and conducts interviews for them, we have brilliant once among them. We see them as our mentors and that encourages us to do more,” she concluded.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 150th-anniversary celebrations, the chairperson, Mrs Olufunmilayo Sholeye, said every old girl of the school has contributed immensely for the success of the institution and all their contributions have been of great benefit for the success of the celebration.

Sholeye, however, called on the young students to always put God first in whatever they are doing and emulated the old ones in contributing their quota to the development of the school by giving back. “Life experience will teach you how to toe the right part of your journey, so this will enable you to attain your set goals and your heart desires,” she said.