Kinderland Nursery and Primary School, Ibadan, has celebrated its 40th anniversary, bringing together generations of former pupils, families, educators and friends for a five-day activity commemorating four decades of foundational education and community impact.
The anniversary also provided an opportunity to reflect on the vision of Pastor Mrs Remi Alade, whose commitment to education helped establish a foundation that has shaped generations of pupils who have grown into professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, parents, and contributors to society.
Many of the former students said the anniversary was a celebration of the values instilled in them during their formative years, which have continued to find expression in their lives and professional careers.
A significant part of the anniversary was the homecoming of members of the Kinderland Old Pupils Association (KOPA). Among the old pupils present were Akinmade Akinleye, a multiple international award-winning photographer, visual artist, and creative educator; and Olu Adebamowo, Nollywood actor and filmmaker, alongside other KOPA members from different professional backgrounds.
Akinmade Akinleye noted that the old pupils’ homecoming reflected one of the enduring stories of E.M. Kinderland: “Children who once shared classrooms have gone on to pursue diverse careers and life journeys while retaining a connection to the institution that formed part of their earliest educational experiences.”
One of the old students said that central to that philosophy is the school’s enduring motto: “I am. I ought. I can. I will.”
Another old student said, “Forty years is not merely an anniversary. It is a legacy spanning generations.”
The anniversary activities began on Thursday, September 24, followed by an inter-house sports competition on Friday. The celebrations continued on Sunday, September 27, when former pupils gathered for the KOPA reunion buffet.
One of the highlights of the anniversary was the KOPA Give Back to School Project, through which the school was provided with a new, well-equipped ICT classroom designed to strengthen pupils’ access to technology and contemporary learning resources.
The association stated that the project is a commitment towards ensuring that its relationship with the school extends beyond reunions to helping another generation receive the educational foundation that previous generations benefited from.
The association hopes to continue supporting the project as a way of celebrating the past and investing in the future.
