A congregation of students and staff of the prestigious Vanguards Academy in Odosengulu, Ijebu-Ode Ogun State, on Friday, September 30, gathered at the school mosque to observe special jumaat service, as part of the week-long programme in commemoration of the school’s 20th anniversary.
The faith-based school flagged off its platinum anniversary on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022, with the unveiling of the anniversary logo and a spectacular calisthenic display by the students.
Muslim News gathered that the flag-off event started in front of the school gate with the special recitation of Suratul Fatiha, Alaq and some verses from Fatih after which three students mounted the newly built façade to sing the national, Ogun, and school anthems.
Thereafter, the anniversary logo was unveiled by Engr (Dr) Abdul Ibrahim, and Alhaji Tijani Mikail Taiwo, chairman and member of the pioneer Management Board respectively.
Another beautiful scenery that caught the attention of all and sundry was the captivating calisthenic display by the students as they creatively formed VANGUARDS @ 20 and VA @ 20 simultaneously before other activities continued in the hall.
Hajj Mabur boss charges students on school’s legacy
The Managing Director, Hajj Mabrur Nigeria Limited, Alhaji AbdulHameed Solate, who led the special Jumaat service, told the congregation to sustain the legacy of the school, urging them to do good that will have impact in this world as they will be rewarded for what they do now and the legacy they will leave behind on the Day of Judgement.
This special Jumaat forms part of the activities marking the establishment of the school, founded on September 28, 2002, to provide comprehensive education for academic excellence and intellectual supremacy.
The revered Islamic scholar in his sermon, generally spoke on ensuring excellence in everything embarked upon.
Meanwhile, a series of programmes and activities that will further showcase the school’s legacies and promote camaraderie among members of the Vanguards Family have been outlined to run through the week to make the occasion. memorable.
Some of these include a football match on Saturday (October 1) between members of staff and alumni of the school; visitation to some selected media houses including your darling Muslim News, Nigeria’s most authoritative Islamic Newspaper, and the grand finale, scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2022, among other activities.
Reconnecting with Vanguards has always been therapeutic – Alumna
An alumna of the school, Hajiah Bushrah Olagunju-Matemilola, while narrating her experience to the students during an interactive session with first set students (G13) and management on Wednesday, disclosed that reconnecting with the school has always been a form of therapy for her amidst the moral degeneration that is threatening the country.
Hajia Bushrah Olagunju-Matemilola, who was the first Dinning Prefect, appreciates the school for inculcating in her, values that have lasted a lifetime.
She categorically noted that the school instilled in her discipline, accountability, organisation, and orderliness, among others.
Mrs. Olagunju-Matemilola, who now holds two Masters in Mass Communication and Literature in English respectively at the Prestigious University of Lagos, said: “Vanguards Academy (VA) was where I started building my spiritual life.”
The CEO of Hasbee Royale said she has never felt the need to dissociate herself from the school since she graduated from there and mentions ways by which Vanguards Academy Old Students Association (VAOSA) supports her members and serves as a helping hand in times of need.
She, therefore, urges the alumni of the school to grab the opportunities in VAOSA to their advantage.
There is a strong bond between us and our students – Abdus-Salam
Mr. Sulayman Abdus-Salam, a pioneer staffer of the school made it known to Muslim News that there has always been a very strong bond between the students and members of staff to date.
He defined the relationship that exists between the two parties as brotherly.
According to him, “My colleagues and I were like big brothers and sisters to the students. We were so close.”
He reminisced the experiences at Isiwo, before moving to the Permanent Site at Odosengolu and commended the first three sets of pioneer students for their never-say-die spirit and adaptability.
He said: “Looking back to the good old days one will just say Alhamdulillah. I could remember vividly how the first set of students was new to the rural environment of Isiwo but they adapted faster.”
He stressed how the school upheld discipline, responsibility and diligence from the outset and has remained committed to such.
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