Aquinas College Akure Honours 35 Distinguished Alumni at 75th Anniversary Grand Finale

St. Thomas Aquinas College, Akure, one of Nigeria's foremost Catholic secondary institutions, has marked its diamond jubilee in grand style, with the Aquinas College Akure Old Students' Association honouring 35 of its most distinguished graduates during the grand finale of a week-long anniversary celebration that reaffirmed the enduring bond between the institution and generations of its alumni.

The Aquinas College Akure Old Students' Association honoured 35 old students for their outstanding contributions to humanity, the college, and the alumni association. The award recipients were recognised during the grand finale of activities marking the school's 75th anniversary.

St. Thomas Aquinas College, named after a patron saint, St. Thomas of Aquinas, was established in January 1951, starting precisely on the 27th of January of that year with a class of 34 boys. The college was founded by the Catholic Diocese of Ondo under the leadership of the Most Rev. Thomas Hughes.

Recipients of the awards included the former Vice President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Dr. Oyedokun Abiodun; Worldwide President of ACAOSA, Sola Adewumi; Chairman of the 75th Anniversary Central Planning Committee, Professor Segun Ojo; Co-Chairman of the committee, Colonel Wilson Alade (retd); and Felix Fadeni.

Also honoured were Major General Adeyemi Adetayo (retd), David Fapohunda, Oluwalade Temiloluwa, Damilola Atolusi, Dr. Olaide Afelumo, Francis Oladunmoye, Charles Osuntuyi, Dr. Akinwunmi Odumankinde, and football coach Adeoye Gbangba.

One of the awardees, Abiodun, called for stronger collaboration between the alumni association and the college's management to accelerate its development. "I believe that investing in the next generation of Aquinas boys is the most meaningful way we can give back to the institution that shaped us into who we are today," he said.

The week-long anniversary celebration featured the inauguration of legacy projects, essay writing and history quiz competitions, an inter-school debate, career talk and mentorship sessions, alumni engagement programmes, and a novelty football match.

The historic Aquinas College, Akure, came alive with colourful celebrations as its Old Students' Association commemorated the institution's 75th anniversary with the donation of numerous developmental projects, educational support programmes, sporting activities, quiz competitions, career talks, and other impactful initiatives. The week-long celebration showcased the enduring bond between the prestigious institution and its alumni, while reaffirming their commitment to preserving the school's enviable legacy for generations to come.

Speaking at the school's Sports Pavilion, the Global President of ACAOSA, Otunba Sola Adewumi, described the anniversary as a unique opportunity to reunite old students from across the globe and inspire them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of their alma mater.

Adewumi described the milestone as "a celebration of seven and a half decades of academic excellence, character formation, integrity, leadership, and outstanding contributions to society by generations of Aquinarians across the world." He used the occasion to pay tribute to the founding fathers of the institution, as well as past and present administrators, teachers, staff, and all alumni whose sacrifices and commitment have sustained the legacy and values of Aquinas College over the decades.

The Aquinas College Akure Old Students' Association is the alumni body of Aquinas College, Akure, comprising proud graduates who remain deeply connected to the values, vision, and legacy of their alma mater. Over the decades, ACAOSA has evolved into a formidable and united force of professionals, leaders, and patriots dedicated to giving back to the institution that laid the foundation for their lives.

The 75th anniversary celebration of Aquinas College, Akure, ultimately stood as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of unity, gratitude, and service that defines the institution. Through generous donations, impactful educational programmes, sporting excellence, and renewed alumni engagement, the celebration not only honoured the school's rich heritage but also laid a stronger foundation for its future. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the legacy of excellence established over the past seven and a half decades would continue to flourish, inspiring present and future students to uphold the cherished ideals of Aquinas College.