Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State, will celebrate its 70th Founder’s Day with a week-long programme honouring former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the school’s founders, the late educationist Dr Tai Solarin and his wife, Sheila.
Organised by the Mayflower Old Students Association (MOSA), the anniversary commemorates the vision that gave birth to the school in May 1956. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, MOSA’s national president said the Solarins established Mayflower to advance a liberal, values-driven education distinct from conventional models of the time.
As part of the celebrations, Tai Solarin and Sheila will receive posthumous Special Recognition and MOSA’s highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of MOSA (GCOM). Other honourees include five past MOSA presidents, distinguished alumni and friends of the association, who will receive the MOSA Merit Award (MMA) and Special Recognition awards.
Reflecting on the founders’ legacy, the MOSA president recalled Solarin’s 1955 application to the Ministry of Education to open a new school in Ikenne—an effort that blossomed into an institution that has produced professionals across engineering, medicine, finance and other fields. He said the 70th anniversary is a fitting tribute to founders whose discipline and principles made the school a benchmark for excellence.
Activities lined up include the ceremonial sounding of the 70th anniversary bell, rung 70 times to mark the milestone, and the distribution of commemorative notebooks to all 2,700 students. Senior students received three 60-leaf notebooks, while junior students received three 40-leaf notebooks.
The programme also features sporting events, prize presentations for academic excellence and exemplary conduct, the commissioning of the main school entrance bearing the school emblem, and a closing 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Speaking for the Solarin family, Corin Solarin described Mayflower as a unique institution shaped by strong traditions. She praised her father’s emphasis on discipline and skills-based learning, noting that these values prepared students for life beyond the classroom.
