Kinderland Ibadan Turns 40, Alumni Donate ICT Classroom

E.M. 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 programme commemorating four decades of foundational education and community impact.

The anniversary, which concluded at the weekend, provided an opportunity to reflect on the vision of Pastor Mrs Remi Alade, whose commitment to education helped establish an institution that has shaped generations of pupils who have grown into professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, parents and contributors to society across Nigeria and beyond.

A significant highlight of the celebration 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, a Nollywood actor and filmmaker. They were joined by other KOPA members from diverse professional backgrounds, underscoring the school's remarkable success in producing well-rounded individuals who have excelled in various fields.

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," he said. His words captured the essence of the reunion, which was as much a celebration of the school's legacy as it was a testament to the lasting bonds formed within its walls.

Central to that legacy is the school's enduring motto: "I am. I ought. I can. I will." The philosophy, which has guided generations of pupils through their formative years, emphasises self-awareness, responsibility, capability and determination. Many former students said the anniversary was a celebration of the values instilled in them during their earliest years of education, values that have continued to find expression in their lives and professional careers.

The anniversary activities commenced on Thursday, September 24, followed by an inter-house sports competition on Friday, September 26, which brought together current pupils in a spirited display of athleticism and camaraderie. The celebrations continued on Sunday, September 27, when former pupils gathered for the KOPA reunion buffet, an emotional homecoming that allowed old friends to reconnect and reminisce about their shared experiences.

One of the most significant outcomes of the anniversary was the KOPA Give Back to School Project, through which the association provided the school with a new, well-equipped ICT classroom designed to strengthen pupils' access to technology and contemporary learning resources. The project represents a tangible investment in the future of the school and its current pupils, ensuring that they benefit from the same strong educational foundation that previous generations enjoyed, while also preparing them for a world increasingly shaped by digital technology.

The association stated that the ICT classroom 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. It expressed hope to continue supporting the project as a way of celebrating the past while investing in the future.

The donation of the ICT classroom is particularly significant given the growing importance of digital literacy in Nigeria's educational landscape. Access to computers and technology remains a challenge for many schools across the country, and the KOPA initiative demonstrates how alumni associations can play a vital role in bridging the gap. By equipping pupils with modern technological tools, the association is not only honouring the legacy of their alma mater but also contributing to the development of a generation better prepared for the demands of the 21st-century economy.

The anniversary celebrations ended with gratitude for the school's journey and optimism about its future. For Pastor Mrs Remi Alade, whose vision gave birth to E.M. Kinderland four decades ago, the anniversary must have been a moment of profound pride, seeing the children she once taught return as accomplished adults, ready to give back to the institution that shaped them.

As one old student aptly put it, "Forty years is not merely an anniversary. It is a legacy spanning generations." That legacy is now poised to continue, strengthened by the commitment of the old pupils to ensure that the school remains a beacon of foundational education in Ibadan for many more decades to come. The ICT classroom stands not just as a building, but as a symbol of the enduring bond between the school and its alumni, a bond built on shared memories, common values and a collective determination to invest in the next generation.