Forty years in, Isolo High class of ’86 keeps the Bond Alive By Binta Haroon 

Forty years in, Isolo High class of ’86 keeps the Bond Alive

By Binta Haroon 

For a few unforgettable hours, grey hairs replaced school uniforms, successful careers took a back seat and former students became classmates once again as the Isolo High School Class of 1986 gathered to relive memories, celebrate achievements and honour a friendship that has endured for four decades.

Organised by the Isolo High School Old Students Association (Class of 1986), the event brought together alumni from across Nigeria and the diaspora, alongside retired teachers, school administrators, traditional leaders and current students in a gathering that blended nostalgia with a renewed commitment to their alma mater.

For many of those present, the occasion was far more than a reunion.

It was a journey back to the classrooms, playgrounds and corridors that shaped their lives four decades ago.

In his remarks, the Principal of Isolo Junior High School, Mr Bello Ismailia Adisa, expressed profound appreciation to the Class of ’86 for what he described as the group’s enduring impact on the institution.

He noted that the anniversary celebration and the alumni’s various interventions had inspired current students, who showcased innovative projects under the theme, “Inspiring Youths Through Education.”

Adisa encouraged the younger generation to emulate the exemplary conduct and achievements of the 1986 set while praying for greater success and blessings for the alumni.

Beyond the festivities, the celebration underscored the association’s growing influence in education and community development.

During an earlier visit to the school, members of the Class of ’86 presented cash awards to outstanding students who excelled academically in different subjects, a gesture aimed at promoting excellence and rewarding diligence.

The alumni also paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Isolo, where discussions focused on community development and strengthening the relationship between the school, its old students and the host community.

One of the major highlights of the anniversary was the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals who have contributed significantly to the growth of Isolo High School and the advancement of the old students’ association.

The awards recognised years of dedication, mentorship, sacrifice and service that have helped sustain the school’s legacy and the association’s remarkable progress.

One of the most emotional moments came when former Chemistry teacher, Mr Hope Ubani, stepped onto the stage.

Popularly remembered by generations of students as “the man with the cane,” Ubani, who taught at the school between 1983 and 1993, received a thunderous ovation as former students recalled his strict but caring approach to discipline.

“I was always with the cane, but I never injured anyone,” he said with a smile.

“I used it to ensure my students did the right thing and received a proper education.”

Looking across the hall at faces aged by time but brightened by recognition and affection, the veteran teacher expressed pride in the accomplishments of his former students.

“Many of them are occupying important positions today, and I thank God for that,” he said.

Ubani also commended the unity among members of the alumni association, noting that successful schools around the world thrive because their graduates remain connected long after leaving school.

“They come together, encourage one another, support one another and give back to their alma mater. That is why I am delighted to be here today,” he added.

The reunion was equally emotional for another retired teacher, Comrade Komolafe Ayodele Joel, a former teacher and executive member of the State Teachers’ Pensioners Association.

Battling health challenges and largely confined indoors for the past five years, Komolafe said he could not ignore the invitation from his former students.

“For the past five years, I have hardly gone out because of my health.

But when I received the invitation, I told my child to bring me here. I simply had to see them,” he said.

Visibly moved by the occasion, he described the gathering as the fulfilment of a promise he made decades earlier while teaching in the classroom.

“I always told them that a day would come when we would sit together and share a meal.

Today, that prophecy has come to pass.”

He urged current students to remain focused, disciplined, hardworking and respectful to their teachers, stressing that discipline remains a critical foundation for academic success.

At the centre of the celebration was the Global President of the association, Prince Adekunle Adeola Olonaola, whose remarks reflected both gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility.

Tracing the origins of the association to informal gatherings held nearly three decades ago, he recalled how a handful of former classmates would occasionally meet to share meals and memories.

“Today, what started as a simple gathering has evolved into a formidable association,” he said.

Adeola paid glowing tribute to former association leader, Mrs Abidemi Akinola, for laying a solid foundation and providing unwavering support to the organisation over the years.

Amid the celebrations, however, there was also a solemn moment.

Drawing inspiration from a popular Fuji music lyric about remembering both the living and the departed, he called for a minute’s silence in honour of deceased classmates, including Ms Elizabeth Uzoro, whose passing occurred only days before the reunion.

As the hall stood in silence, the reality of life’s fragility underscored the significance of the gathering.

“We give God all the glory for preserving our lives,” he said. “Standing here today is purely by His grace.”

The Global President described the reunion as one of the happiest moments of his life.

“The only experience I can compare it to is the birth of my first child after years of waiting,” he revealed.

“That is the level of joy I feel today.”
Beyond celebration, the association reaffirmed its commitment to the future of Isolo High School.

According to Adeola, members recently visited the school to motivate students and challenge the growing perception among some young people that education no longer guarantees success.
“Some children now believe education is a scam,” he said. “We went there to show them that education works.”

He explained that accomplished alumni shared their personal journeys with students, demonstrating how education, hard work and perseverance, not shortcuts, had enabled them to build successful careers across the world.

The association also announced plans to sponsor academic awards and provide financial incentives for outstanding students.

The roots of the association’s remarkable growth were recounted by its pioneer Global President, Mrs Funmilayo Oyewole, Chief Executive Officer of AB Clothing Global Venture.

In an interview, she recalled how loneliness and nostalgia inspired her to reconnect with former classmates many years ago.

“One day, I was at home and suddenly remembered all my friends,” she said.

“I felt sad that I could no longer reach any of them, so I decided to do something about it.”

That simple decision sparked a series of phone calls and networking efforts that eventually grew into one of the school’s most vibrant alumni associations.

Today, the association serves not only as a social network but also as a support system for members who increasingly recognise the importance of staying connected.

“We are getting older and we need one another,” Oyewole said. “There is joy and fulfilment in coming together.”

As music filled the venue and old friends exchanged stories spanning four decades, one message resonated throughout the celebration: unity remains the greatest achievement of the Class of ’86.

The alumni are now collaborating with other graduating sets to establish a stronger umbrella body capable of pooling resources and addressing the numerous challenges facing their alma mater.

For many observers, the event demonstrated the enduring power of education, not only in producing successful careers but also in creating lifelong bonds that withstand the test of time.

Forty years after leaving the classrooms of Isolo High School, the Class of 1986 returned not merely as former students but as living proof that friendship, discipline, service and education can leave a legacy that endures across generations.

And as the celebration drew to a close, the smiles on the faces of teachers, traditional leaders, students and former classmates told a story beyond words: some lessons never fade, and some school ties never break.