By Wole Tokede
It was a weekend of felicitation, celebration and camaraderie as the reunion of the 1981 set of the Baptist College Old Students’ Association (BACOSA) held and it also hosted the yearly meeting of the National body of the Association.
The two-day programme which held between Friday 12th and Saturday 13th December, 2025, also produced the first elected executives to lead the Association for the next two years.
The new elected Officers are:
1) Chairman – Dr. Sunday Olawale
2) Vice Chairman – Mr. Moses Oyetunji
3) Secretary – Dr. Ademola Fijabi
4) Asst. Secretary – Mr. Amos Oladele
5) Treasurer – Mr. Layi Afolabi
6) PRO – Mr. Taiwo Ajamu
7) Legal Adviser – Barrister Adetona Akande
In his welcome address, the erstwhile Coordinator (now elected Chairman) of the set, Dr. Sunday Olawale had these to say: “It is with deep gratitude and overwhelming delight that I stand before you today on this historic and long-anticipated occasion, the maiden physical reunion of the 1981 Class of Baptist College, Iwo.
”This gathering is far more than a mere meeting; it is a celebration of memory, identity, friendship, and the enduring heritage of an institution that helped shape the course of our destinies. Baptist College, which later merged into the Oyo State College of Education, Ilesa Campus, and ultimately blossomed into what we proudly know today as Bowen University, remains the foundation upon which much of our collective success was built.
”Since our graduation in June 1981, life has taken each of us along different paths – professional, personal, spiritual, and social. Many of us have not seen one another physically for over four decades. To look around this hall today and behold familiar faces, now seasoned with wisdom, experience, and accomplishment, is deeply touching and profoundly meaningful.
”This reunion is a testament to the resilience of our bond and the strength of the formative years we shared within the walls of our beloved alma mater.Permit me to extend sincere appreciation to everyone who envisioned, supported, and sustained the idea of this Association.
”The BC Iwo 1981 Set formally crystallized in the last quarter of 2023. I joined the platform on September 5, 2023, and from that moment, I witnessed an inspiring level of commitment and camaraderie. Our virtual meetings held twice monthly and, later, weekly whenever urgent matters demanded it.
”I salute all members, particularly those in Lagos and other zones whose dedication, maturity, and collaborative spirit laid the groundwork for what we celebrate here today. You gave your time, experience, resources, and goodwill, proving that unity of purpose remains one of our strongest assets.
”Today, as we gather forty-four years after leaving these formative halls, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. We stand here not merely as former students but as seasoned educators, administrators, innovators, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, and contributors to national development. Truly, we have journeyed from “raw materials” into polished individuals who have meaningfully impacted families, communities, and society at large.Yet, while we rejoice, we must also pause in solemn remembrance of our departed colleagues, that is, dear friends who began the journey with us but are no longer physically present. We honour their memory, cherish the times we shared, and pray that their souls continue to find perfect rest. May we kindly rise to observe a minute of silence in their honour… MAY GOD GRANT THEM ETERNAL PEACE.
”As we proceed with this reunion, I encourage us to embrace the spirit of reflection and renewal. Let us relive treasured memories, rekindle old friendships, mend any strained bonds, and reaffirm the values that Baptist College instilled in us (discipline, diligence, faith, and service).
“May this gathering strengthen our unity, deepen our sense of purpose, and inspire us to contribute more meaningfully to our communities and our nation.With joy and honour, I welcome you once again to this memorable and historic event.Thank you”.
The BACOSA National President, Honourable E.A. Akinyode, JP appreciated the set for hosting the yearly National meeting and prayed that the God Almighty will continue to bless members of the Alma mater.
As part of the programme schedule, there was a tour around the campus immediately after the BACOSA General meeting. Photographs were taken at strategic points on campus.
The arrival, checking-in and exchange of pleasantries at the hotel took place. This was followed by an opening prayer and rendering of favourite Baptist College, Iwo songs/hymns. A minute silence was observed for the departed souls among the Alumni (i.e.1981 set) after the singing session.
There was another photo session at the hotel, after this there was self-introduction (i.e. Name, Class, Hall, Nickname, Home Town, Places of work, and present engagement).
This was followed by mock addresses by selected the then college officers by respective members of the ‘81 set who had been assigned to play the roles. There were mock addresses by the mock College Principal, handled by Amos Oladele; mock Senior House Master handled by Taiwo Ajamu; and the mock Senior Prefect by Bayo Ogunleke.
There were also addresses by the mock Food Prefect handled by Samuel Ogunniyi; mock Labour Prefect superbly handled by Alabi Olufemi; the mock Games Prefect by Ibrahim R. O; and the mock Lagado University Vice Chancellor made practical by Fijabi Ademola.
Ewi Exponent, our own Alabi Olugbenga (famously known from way back until now as Akoko) showed us what he has been doing for more than 50 years by regaing attendees with a well prepared ewi rendition which, among other things brought back old memories of personalities and events that shaped the lies ad sojourn of the then students and impacted on their future – in accordance with the motto of the great institution, “Non Scholae Sed Vitae” which transates to “Not for School but for Life”. Appreciative Alumni rained Naira on him when he performed, entertaining them with ewi.
After these, there was a dinner which was followed by Alumni Lecture delivered by Wole Tokede.
Tokede’s presentation had four major planks.
1) Importance of an Alumni Association.
2) Alumni Associations, its Challenges and Solutions
3) Prioritize Your Health: Alumni Association is for the Living
4) Be at Peace with Your Home
The programme came to a close on Saturday morning after a sumptuous breakfast of Amala and abula soup with big smoked eja abori. Everyone confessed that that breakfast was in the class of its own! A special prayer was offered for the caterer who was in charge of feeding for the two days.
After the special breakfast, prayers were made, signaling the end of the joyous occasion to the glory of the Almighty God.
Going forward, the association resolved to continue to hold its virtual meeting monthly (instead of the erstwhile fortnightly meetings) on the last Sunday of every month, beginning this December.
