40th anniversary: MD School rewards long-serving staff with land, cash gifts

MD School in the New Oko-Oba area of Lagos State celebrated its 40th anniversary over the weekend with a colourful ceremony that highlighted four decades of academic excellence, growth, and service.

The event attracted pupils, alumni, parents and dignitaries from different sectors, including government, and featured praise and worship, prayers, a sermon, cultural performances and award presentations.

A major highlight of the celebration was the recognition of 25 long-serving teachers and staff members, who were rewarded with life-changing gifts in appreciation of their dedication to the institution.

Leading the recipients was Olusola Akaiso, the school’s longest-serving teacher, who rose through the ranks to become Head of School.

Akaiso received the top prize of a plot of land alongside other gifts in recognition of her outstanding years of service.

Another staff member, James Ugwunali, who had previously been awarded a plot of land, also received a cash gift to support the completion of his building project.

The event also featured an emotional tribute to the late former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Dotun Oladipo, who was honoured posthumously for his contributions to the school’s development.

Paying tribute, the Executive Director of MD School, Omolara Adedugbe, described Oladipo as a dependable partner who played a significant role in the school’s growth.

“Dotun was with us during our 20th and 30th anniversary celebrations and played an active role. Even this year, he was preparing for this celebration before he sadly passed on,” Adedugbe said.

Reflecting on the school’s journey over the past 40 years, Adedugbe attributed its success to God’s grace, the unwavering support of her family, particularly her late husband, and the commitment of staff members.

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She revealed that the idea for MD School was conceived with her late husband after identifying a need through his medical clinic in Ibadan.

According to her, what started as an idea gradually evolved into a vision that was “tenaciously pursued and jealously guarded” and has now become a lasting legacy.

Adedugbe also commended both past and present staff for their commitment, describing them as the “heroes of our story.”

“No vision succeeds without enablers. MD School has been propelled to where it is today because of the efforts of people who contributed in one way or another. That is growth through people,” Adedugbe said.

The anniversary celebration was chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Akin Olujimi, while the Director, Office of Quality Assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Dr. Suleiman Ogunmuyiwa, attended as the Special Guest of Honour.

Also in attendance were the traditional ruler of Ijebu-Ijesha, Oba Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye, and other distinguished guests.