The Eko Boys’ High School Old Boys Association (EKOBA) has commended the Lagos State Government for approving the designation of Eko Boys’ Junior and Senior High Schools as a Day Model College, describing the development as a historic milestone in the institution’s quest for renewed academic excellence.
The association, in a statement jointly signed by its National President, Ekorian Engr. Nurudeen Tito Ganiyu, and National General Secretary, Ekorian Engr. Lateef Lawal, said the approval by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education represented a major step towards restoring, strengthening and repositioning the century-old school.
According to EKOBA, the approval, conveyed through an official letter received by its secretariat, means that admission into Eko Boys’ High School will, from the next admission cycle, be conducted in accordance with the prescribed screening and examination process for Model Colleges in the state.
The association said the new status would also provide a stronger platform for improving academic standards, infrastructure, STEM and ICT facilities, teaching resources, student welfare and overall institutional development.
EKOBA, however, stressed that the designation would not turn Eko Boys’ High School into a fee-paying institution, noting that tuition would remain free in line with the Lagos State Government’s policy on public education.
It said the continued free tuition would ensure that students from deserving families, irrespective of their economic circumstances, could continue to access quality secondary education at the institution.
The association described the development as particularly significant given the historical role of Eko Boys’ High School in Nigeria’s educational development.
Established on January 13, 1913, by Rev. William Benjamin Euba, the school is recognised for its pioneering role as Nigeria’s first indigenous non-denominational secondary school.
EKOBA said Rev. Euba established the institution with the vision of making secondary education accessible to young Nigerians irrespective of religion, ethnic background or social status.
“More than a century later, the elevation of EBHS to a Day Model College gives renewed expression to that founding mission of access, excellence and character development,” the association said.
The old boys expressed appreciation to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his administration’s role in the development, as well as the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite.
The association also acknowledged the contributions of directors and officials of the ministry, including the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Mrs. Mojisola Yusuff, and other staff members whose cooperation and engagement, it said, contributed to the development.
EKOBA further commended the Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Tunbosun Haruna Aruwe; Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon; and traditional, community and other stakeholders in Mushin for their support and commitment to the advancement of the school.
The association congratulated the EKOBA Board of Trustees, National Executive Council, General Council and Ekorians worldwide for their sustained commitment and constructive engagement towards securing the new status.
It said the development should be viewed as more than a mere change in the school’s designation.
“For a school founded in 1913 to open the doors of secondary education to all, this is more than a change of status. It is a renewal of the founding vision and the beginning of another chapter in the proud history of Eko Boys’ High School,” EKOBA said.
The association concluded with an expression of optimism that the new status would usher in a new era of academic excellence and institutional growth for the historic school.
“EBHS is rising again,” it declared.