REUNION, CELEBRATION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, LOYALTY AS PRESTON INT’L SCHOOL MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
…Events Climaxed With Awards Of Recognition For Pioneer Staff, Long-Serving Staff, Partners, Others
…We’re Stepping Into The Future As Highflyers In Education Sector In Nigeria And Beyond – Director Toyin Ajayi
The activities marking the 20th anniversary of Preston International School in Akure has ended with a get-together and awards ceremony.
The event held in the school premises on Akure-Owo expressway attracted traditional rulers, top government officials, legal and medical giants as well as parents friends of the institution from far and near.
The celebration featured musical presentations from the archives, performance by the Preston International Nursery and Primary School Cultural Troupe as well as performance by De-Emeralds Choir led by Gbenga Obagbemi and Deji Adesuyi.
A slide shows narrating the pictorial success stories of the school from the site work to the resumption of the first set of students on September 16th, 2026 to the various results witnessed after 20 years of existence.
A drama sketch tagged “From Vision To Victory” tells the story of how the concept of Preston International School was initiated by the Director, Dr Toyin Ajayi and his wife, Mrs Funmi Ajayi in Rochester, United Kingdom.
The drama sketch did not leave out all those who played significant roles in the beginning including Engr Dapo Famewo and the first staff member, Funmi Okeya (now Funmi Adetola as well as the bricklayer, Waliu Azzez.
It was indeed a display of a vision that has become a reference point in the education sector in Nigeria and beyond.
High points of the celebration include presentation of awards to the Engr that supervised the projects from the onset, Dapo Famewo and his wife, the bricklayer Waliu Azzez who laid the first block and still lay for the realisation of the physical structures of the school.
Also honoured was the first staff member Funmi Okeya (now Funmi Adetola) who was interfacing between those on ground and the Directors based in the UK.
The event also witnessed awards of honour on the longest-serving staff member, Mrs Mary Adebisi as well as other members of staff for their commitment, loyalty and support for the progress of the school.
Addressing the gathering, the Director of the School, Dr Toyin Ajayi described the anniversary as a moment to celebrate the journey “From Vision to Victory”.
Dr. Ajayi recounted the early days of the institution, describing the pioneer students as co-visioners who became part of the dream and journey that has now lasted two decades.
She paid tribute to the people who believed in the vision at a time when the school had little more than a promise and a dream, particularly the pioneering parents who stood by the institution during its formative years.
“We are happy to see some of those parents who started with us. They stood even when all we had were promises,” he said, while appreciating parents, including former parents, for their continued belief and support.
The founder also acknowledged the enduring support of Prof. Femi Adeoluwa and his wife, Dr. Bola Adeoluwa and the family for their support.
He also acknowledged the first staff member of the institution, Mrs. Funmi Adetola whose roles formed part of the school’s early history and development.
According to Dr. Ajayi, every worker in Preston represents an important part of the foundation upon which the institution has been built. “Every worker here is a pillar of this foundation,” he said.
Cutting of the anniversary cake was coordinated by Dr(Mrs) Fakunle as the entire gathering spelled P-R-E-S-T-O-N to the admiration of the Directors and the entire guests.
The 20th anniversary celebration had earlier featured a series of activities designed to commemorate the institution’s history, achievements and future aspirations.
The anniversary programme included a Grand Opening Assembly and the unveiling of the Preston Legacy Exhibition, which provided an opportunity to reflect on the school’s evolution, milestones and the people who have contributed to its story.
