Education

St. Gregory’s College, Lagos: A Legacy of Catholic Education in Nigeria

Published

6 hours ago

September 10, 2025

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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Education

FG releases approved subjects for basic, senior secondary education

Published

18 hours ago

September 9, 2025

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The Federal Government has released the authentic and approved subject offerings for Nigeria’s newly revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, warning stakeholders against fake versions in circulation.

In a press release on Monday, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council said: “We fervently call on all critical stakeholders to disregard any other fake and unauthentic list that is at variance with the authentic and approved list provided above.”

The reforms, undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) under its National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI), are designed to reduce overload and ensure “positive learning outcomes” for pupils across the country.

The Executive Secretary of NERDC, Professor Salisu Shehu, signed the notice on 8th September 2025, confirming that implementation will begin at the start of each 3-year education circle (Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1, and SS1).

The NERDC cautioned against misinformation, declaring: “nationwide sensitization and teacher capacity building have been slated to commence immediately for effective implementation.”

The Council assured that the reforms mark a new phase in Nigeria’s education sector, ensuring relevance, flexibility, and skill acquisition from the earliest stages of learning.

PRIMARY SCHOOL SUBJECTS
Primary 1–3

Minimum: 9 subjects | Maximum: 10 subjects

English Studies

Mathematics

Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)

Basic Science

Physical & Health Education

Christian Religious Studies (CRS) for Christian pupils / Islamic Studies (IS) for Muslim pupils

Nigerian History

Social and Citizenship Studies

Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)

Arabic Language (Optional)

Primary 4–6

Minimum: 11 subjects | Maximum: 12 or 13 subjects

English Studies

Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)

Basic Science and Technology

Physical & Health Education

Basic Digital Literacy

CRS (For Christian Pupils Only) / IS (For Muslim Pupils Only)

Nigerian History

Social and Citizenship Studies

Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)

Pre-vocational Studies

French (Optional)

Arabic Language (Optional)

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (JSS 1–3)

Minimum: 12 subjects | Maximum: 13 or 14 subjects

English Studies

Mathematics

Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)

Intermediate Science

Physical & Health Education

Digital Technologies

CRS (For Christian Pupils Only) / IS (For Muslim Pupils Only)

Nigerian History

Social and Citizenship Studies

Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)

Trade Subjects (Choose one):

Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance

Fashion Design & Garment Making

Livestock Farming

Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs

Horticulture & Crop Production

Business Studies

French (Optional)

Arabic Language (Optional)

SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
5 Core and Compulsory Subjects

English Language

General Mathematics

One Trade Subject

Citizenship and Heritage Studies

Digital Technologies

Science

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Agriculture

Further Mathematics

Physical Education

Health Education

Foods & Nutrition

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Education

Osun offers residents, students free Wi-Fi

Published

2 days ago

September 8, 2025

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The Osun State Government launched Imole Wi-Fi, a free public internet service designed to expand digital access for residents, students, businesses and communities across the state.

The Government disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information and Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi.

According to Alimi, Imole Wi-Fi is intended to facilitate digital access and increase opportunities across various sectors throughout the state.

The initial connection will be available in government buildings, including the Osun State Library, Alphastart Hub, Osun Mall, Salvation Army Middle School, Osogbo Grammar School and sites within the Ministry of Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy.

The Commissioner added that the service is part of the administration’s push to deepen digital inclusion and stimulate growth in education, health, agriculture and commerce.

“Imole Wi-Fi is a gateway to opportunity. With this public digital infrastructure, we are cutting barriers, connecting people, and driving growth across every sector of Osun’s economy,” Governor Ademola Adeleke said, announcing the rollout.

The Special Adviser overseeing the initiative, Azeez Badmus, described the launch as an initial phase that will be expanded.

“This is just the first step. As we expand Imole Wi-Fi, more government services and sector-specific tools will follow, ensuring that every resident benefits from Osun’s digital future,” he said.

The statement added that Imole Wi-Fi is expected to be rolled out to additional locations over time.

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Education

WAEC mandates 250 computers, CCTV for schools participating in CBT

Published

5 days ago

September 5, 2025

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The West African Examinations Council has outlined key facilities schools must provide ahead of the full migration of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination to computer-based testing by 2026.

Head of Examinations, WAEC, Mr Lucky Njoagwuani, disclosed this on Thursday during a sensitisation programme in Port Harcourt.

According to him, schools must put in place a minimum of 250 functional laptops with 10 per cent backups, a robust computer server capable of supporting 250 systems simultaneously, and a Local Area Network setup.

Other mandatory requirements include functional air conditioners and lighting, uninterrupted electricity supply, a backup generator with at least 40kVA capacity, CCTV cameras, and a holding room or reception facility for candidates.

Njoagwuani noted that the move to CBT would cut logistics costs, improve exam security, and widen accessibility.

“We started with the fourth series of our private candidate exam about two years ago, and it was successful. This year’s private candidate exam, second series, is fully computer-based with no option for pen and paper. Invariably, next year’s school candidate exam will be fully computer-based as well,” he said.

The Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Mr Adeniran-Amusan Akim, urged schools to begin upgrading their ICT centres in line with WAEC standards, stressing that the CBT system “is here to stay.”

He added that schools unable to meet the requirements would be assigned to designated centres.

“WAEC will not lower the standards. Any school that wants to host the exams within its premises must provide the required equipment and infrastructure,” Akim stated.

Also speaking, the Rivers State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Mr Sunday Jaja, encouraged school owners to leverage funding opportunities from the Bank of Industry and the Federal Government’s MSME intervention fund to finance the transition.

“Technology is playing a vital role in modern education. This initiative will enable schools to stay abreast of current trends and prepare students for the digital age,” Jaja said.

The sensitisation event was jointly organised by Teadro Systems Ltd, NAPPS, and partners, including the Bank of Industry, HP, Lenovo, and Canon.

The highlight was the donation of ICT gadgets, including computers, printers, and tablets, to schools through a raffle draw.

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