Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu hails Olivet High School’s eight-decade legacy in Oyo

Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu has praised Olivet Baptist High School for its role in shaping education in the Oyo over the past eight decades.

Ladigbolu spoke at the school’s original site in Isokun, Oyo.

The archbishop delivered an anniversary lecture titled “Western Education in the Heart of the Oyo Empire” as part of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Olivet Baptist High School Old Students Association.

He highlighted the school’s contributions to academic, moral, and spiritual excellence, describing its founding in 1945 as a turning point in Oyo’s educational development.

Ladigbolu noted that while economic challenges and cultural conservatism initially slowed progress, Christian missions had laid the groundwork, establishing 154 of the 156 primary schools in Oyo Province by 1931.

Wale Okediran, the association’s national president, presented Ladigbolu with an award in recognition of his contributions as an elder statesman and advocate for education.

Ladigbolu commended Olivet’s mission to nurture students for leadership and service, citing alumni such as Wande Abimbola, Oba Otudeko, and the senator Monsura Sunmonu as evidence of its impact.

Calling for renewed investment in the school’s future, he urged stakeholders to prioritise digital education, vocational training, and infrastructure development, stressing the importance of mentoring younger generations.

“Olivet stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Oyo Kingdom. Its story is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness,” he said.