St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic boys’ secondary schools. Since its establishment in 1928, the school has maintained a reputation for academic rigor, discipline, and moral formation, nurturing generations of leaders and professionals who have shaped Nigeria’s social, political, and cultural landscape.
Founding and Early History
St. Gregory’s College was founded in 1928 by the Catholic Mission in Lagos, under the leadership of Archbishop Leo Hale Taylor, SMA, and Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier O’Rourke, SMA, both members of the Society of African Missions (SMA). The school was established during a period of rapid missionary expansion in colonial Lagos, where education was becoming a powerful tool for social advancement and Christian formation.
Named after Pope Gregory the Great (540–604 AD)—a reformer of the early Church and a champion of education—the school embodied the Catholic mission’s dual commitment to faith and learning. Its foundation reflected the Catholic Church’s determination to provide quality education in a colonial setting dominated by Protestant and government schools.
Location and Facilities
The college is located in Ikoyi–Obalende, Lagos State, less than a kilometer from Tafawa Balewa Square, one of Nigeria’s most symbolic colonial and post-independence landmarks. Designed as a boarding and day school, St. Gregory’s attracted students from across Nigeria and neighboring countries, offering a holistic education that combined intellectual development, moral training, and Catholic spirituality.
Catholic Identity and Mission
At the heart of St. Gregory’s lies its Catholic ethos. The daily life of students traditionally included Mass, catechism, and regular prayer, alongside classroom learning and sports. This integration of faith and academics is captured in its motto:
Pro Fide et Scientia — For Faith and Knowledge.
This motto remains a guiding principle, reminding students that their pursuit of excellence must always be grounded in moral values and service.
Academic and Extracurricular Life
Since its inception, St. Gregory’s College has been known for rigorous academics, excelling in sciences, arts, and humanities. Many graduates pursued higher education both in Nigeria and abroad, becoming pioneers in law, medicine, engineering, politics, business, and the clergy.
The school is also celebrated for its sporting tradition, particularly in football and athletics, producing athletes who represented Nigeria at national and international levels. Music, debate, and drama thrived in the school, nurturing talents that later contributed to Nigeria’s cultural renaissance.
Notable Alumni
Over nearly a century, St. Gregory’s College has produced an impressive list of alumni across diverse fields. Among them are:
Chief Anthony Enahoro – nationalist, politician, and journalist who moved the first motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1953.
Chief Ernest Shonekan – interim Head of State of Nigeria in 1993 and business leader.
Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie – Archbishop of Lagos and one of the most influential Catholic leaders in Nigeria.
Chris Okotie – pastor, lawyer, and former pop musician.
King Sunny Adé – world-renowned juju musician and cultural icon.
Justice Augustine Nnamani – former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Numerous prominent business executives, judges, academics, and public servants.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
As St. Gregory’s approaches its centenary in 2028, it stands as a living testament to the enduring role of Catholic missionary education in Nigeria. Its alumni network spans the globe, and its legacy of discipline, intellectual achievement, and Catholic values continues to inspire new generations.
The school’s impact extends far beyond its classrooms. It has been integral to Nigeria’s educational history, shaping the country’s leadership class and preserving a tradition of excellence that blends faith, culture, and modern education.
Sources
Fafunwa, A. Babs. History of Education in Nigeria. George Allen & Unwin, 1974.
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