From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Forty-two years after leaving the classrooms of St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin, members of the 1984 graduating set, have returned to honour the man who played a pivotal role in shaping their formative years.
The old students, under the banner of St. Anthony’s Secondary School Ilorin Old Students Association (SASSIOSA ’84), visited their former Principal, Pa Emmanuel Aliyu Alade, 94, at his residence in Ilorin, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as part of activities marking their reunion.
The visit brought together former students and their retired administrator, who admitted many of them to the school in 1979, in an emotional reunion marked by prayers, reminiscences, laughter and appreciation.
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Receiving the delegation, Pa Alade expressed surprise and delight at the gesture, saying, “I’m grateful and I feel great. Your good intention towards me is well appreciated.”
He prayed for the former students, asking God to bless them, protect their families and grant them peace of mind and greater accomplishments.
Speaking on behalf of the 1984 set, the association’s President, Chief Mrs. Victoria Afolayan, said the reunion was an opportunity to appreciate the former Principal for his contribution to their development.
“We are glad to celebrate you, sir. We thank God for giving you the grace of longevity with good health,” she said.
Afolayan, who is a Chief Lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, also informed Pa Alade that the school would mark its 60th anniversary on February 1, 2028, expressing the hope that the former Principal would attend the landmark celebration.
During the visit, the 94-year-old educationist demonstrated some of his old administrative routines, including how he coordinated students during morning assembly and inspected classrooms while lessons were in progress.
He also reminisced about some of the teachers who served alongside him at St. Anthony’s before his transfer to Fatima Community College, Ekan-Meje.
As part of the honour, the SASSIOSA ’84 members presented Pa Alade with N100,000 cash and a giant portrait of him. The wine-coloured native attire he wore during the visit was also presented to him by the old students.
The reunion ended on a convivial note, with the former students singing, joking, dining and celebrating with their former Principal.
Born on May 6, 1932, in Babanla, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Pa Alade began his primary education at Komenda Basic School in Ghana before proceeding to Achimota School, Ghana, for his secondary education.
He later obtained the Cambridge School Certificate and Cambridge Overseas Certificate before undergoing teacher training at Winnabba College of Advanced Training in Teaching. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Ghana.
A professional teacher and education administrator, Pa Alade taught in three secondary schools in Ghana before returning to Nigeria in 1973. He served at Titcombe College, Egbe, as a classroom teacher and later became Vice-Principal of Ochanja Secondary School, Kogi State.
He subsequently served as Vice-Principal of St. Clare’s Grammar School, Offa, before becoming Principal of St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin, from 1977 to 1981.
His appointment made him the school’s third Principal, succeeding Rev. Sr. M. K. Margaret and Rev. Fr. Martin Comboy, and the first Nigerian to occupy the position.
In 1981, he was transferred to Fatima Community College, Ekan-Meje, where he served as Principal for seven years before retiring from the public education service after a 15-year career.
Even after retirement, Pa Alade remained active, teaching in private educational institutions for about 19 years before finally retiring from active teaching at the age of 75.
He also had a brief political career, serving as Supervisory Councillor for Works and Housing in Ifelodun Local Government Area between 1999 and 2000.
Described by his former students as a disciplined, focused and selfless educationist, his influence was evident in the achievements of members of the 1984 graduating set, many of whom have gone on to establish themselves in different fields.
The celebration later continued with a reunion dinner attended by several other members of the set and graced by the SASSIOSA Global President, Hon. Sir Ben Duntoye, a former Commissioner for Information in Kwara State.
Duntoye’s appearance came as a surprise to the 1984 set, and he used the occasion to commend the members for what he described as their exemplary commitment as alumni and their consistent support for their alma mater.
The reunion provided the old students an opportunity not only to reconnect with one another but also to celebrate a teacher whose discipline, leadership and commitment to education helped shape their lives decades after they left the school.
