Mayflower school is 60

The Mayflower Old Students Association is set to immortalise the late Tai Solarin, founder of the Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State, by constructing a school hall in his honour.

The Chairman, Mayflower 60th Anniversary Committee, Chief Olayinka Ogunmekan, said this on Monday at a briefing to herald the 60th anniversary of the school.



Ogunmekan, who said some outstanding former students, such as the Executive Director, Union Bank, Mr. Kunle Sonola; and Mr. John Mbonu, a former Executive Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, among others, would be honoured. He added that old students of the school would continue to propagate Solarin’s ideals and legacies.

He said, “We have built dormitories, renovated classrooms and constructed a telecoms centre for pupils. We have also spent about N2.6m so far to renovate the school hall. However, we will be turning the sod of the new Tai Solarin Hall because we want to immortalise Oga Tasere (Solarin). We do not have anything in his name yet.

“I graduated from the school in 1964 and he taught us forthrightness, tolerance and how to be independent. He was a disciplinarian and the school has won several awards. Mayflower produced Mrs. Modupe Kazeem, the first national female Chemical Engineer and the likes of Pastor Williams Kumuyi and Bishop Mike Okonkwo, of the Deeper Life Bible Church and the Redeemed Evangelical Mission respectively, among others.”

Also speaking at the event, the Vice -President, MOSA, Mrs. Tokunboh Akinwunmi-Sanni, said the late educationist taught pupils of the school selflessness and responsibility.

“Oga Tasere taught us to be responsible and we ex-Mays are outstanding even in the society. Government cannot do everything because there are too many schools. Our role as an association is to enhance and support the school.

“Since its establishment, the school has achieved an enviable position as a foremost educational institution in Nigeria and you will agree that it is worthy of celebration for its 60 years of existence, “she said.