The alumni of St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, in Diaspora have held their 2025 Biennial Convention of Charleans in Texas, USA, the alumni said in a release made available to AMILOADED.
The alumni said the gathering brought together former students of the Catholic secondary school, many of whom are now accomplished professionals in different fields of endeavour.
According to the release, St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, was established in 1960 by the Catholic community of Oyo Diocese under the leadership of Rt. Rev. McCoy. The school became known for excellence in learning, discipline, character, and sports, attracting students from across the region.
The alumni recalled that the early staff included Mr. R.I. McFarlane, Mrs. McFarlane, Rev. Fr. F.B. Gaffeney, Rev. Fr. Snape, Mr. Ashcroft, Mr. J.C. Matthews, Mr. J.O. Brien, and the late Rev. Brother N. Nichodemus, among others. They affirmed that the solid foundation laid by these pioneers produced generations of achievers.
In the release, the alumni said members travelled from far and wide to Texas with a focus on contributing to the growth of their alma mater and supporting education in Nigeria.
The alumni stated that the 2025 Biennial Convention featured networking, a general meeting, picnics, children’s events, excursions, and a gala night. It also witnessed the handover of leadership from the outgoing executive to a newly elected cabinet.
According to the release, the outgoing Executive Committee led by Engineer Yẹmi Ajijọlaiya, inaugurated in 2016, remained in office for nine years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The alumni said the administration rehabilitated the historic Afọlalu building, furnished it with chairs and tables, paid WAEC and NECO fees for students, and supported teachers and learners with food items during the pandemic.
In his remarks, Ajijọlaiya welcomed members with joy, saying the convention was a reunion of brothers bonded by the noble heritage of St. Charles Grammar School.
The alumni added that participants echoed the school’s motto Humilitas (humility), while Ajijọlaiya urged the new executive to foster unity, collaborate with the school in Nigeria, and mentor younger Charleans.
The alumni disclosed that the convention attracted Charleans across generations, including the association’s first president and 1965 set member, Dr. Lateef Opawoye, as well as Adewale Raji (’75 set), Prince Bukoye Adenle (’72 set), Musibau Arogundade, Paddy Olofindayo, and Adeyemi Adetoye.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected president, Charlean Mudashiru Adeosun, pledged to build on the legacies of his predecessors. Other members of the new executive include Charleans Adesoji Ọdẹrinde (Vice President, Americas), Oyekanmi Loremikan (Vice President, Europe & Others), Kazeem Adetunji (General Secretary), Kayode Ajayi (Treasurer), and Kayode Fagbemi (Public Relations).