In the history of education in Lagos, some names endure because they are tied not just to buildings, but to opportunities that changed lives. Eva Adelaja belongs to that class of people. Her name remains closely associated with one of Bariga’s most recognised girls’ secondary schools, a school whose origins reflect vision, persistence, and a deep commitment to the education of girls at a time when such opportunities were still limited in many parts of the city.
A Vision for Girls’ Education in Bariga
Eva Adelaja believed strongly in providing sound education for girls. She saw clearly that there was no girls only secondary school in her locality and resolved to change that reality. In doing so, she helped create a space where young girls could receive formal education within their own community, rather than travel long distances in search of schooling.
In 1964, that vision took form with the establishment of Girls Secondary Grammar School in Bariga. The school emerged at a time when Lagos was expanding rapidly, and new communities needed institutions that could support the educational growth of their children. The founding of a girls’ secondary school in Bariga was therefore both timely and impactful, responding directly to the needs of families in the area.
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Bariga, Gbagada, and a School Known by Many Names
The school became widely known across its surrounding communities, carrying both formal and popular identities. It was officially recognised as Girls Secondary Grammar School, Bariga, while also becoming popularly known as Gbagada Girls, reflecting how closely it was tied to the broader neighbourhood.
This dual identity is part of the school’s history. It shows how institutions grow beyond their official titles and become embedded in the everyday life of the communities they serve. For many families, the name of the school was not just a label, but a symbol of opportunity and aspiration for their daughters.
The Adelaja Family and a Broader Educational Influence
Eva Adelaja’s contribution to education becomes even more significant when viewed alongside that of her husband, Archdeacon Benaiah Adeleke Adelaja. He was a respected educational leader who served as principal of CMS Grammar School, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most important secondary schools.
During his tenure, CMS Grammar School moved to its present site in Bariga in 1958, marking an important moment in the educational development of the area. His leadership helped shape the institution during a period of growth, connecting the Adelaja name to one of the most established schools in Lagos.
Together, the Adelajas represent a powerful educational legacy. While Benaiah Adelaja strengthened an already prominent boys’ school, Eva Adelaja created a new path for girls’ education in the same community. Their combined contributions helped position Bariga as an important centre of learning.
From Private Initiative to Public Institution
The girls’ school founded by Eva Adelaja began as a private initiative, driven by personal vision and community need. Over time, it became part of the wider educational structure of Lagos State.
By 1969, the school had become grant aided by the government, and in 1974, it was fully taken over as part of the public school system. This transition reflected a broader trend in Nigeria, where privately founded schools were gradually integrated into government educational frameworks to expand access and standardise learning across regions.
Despite this transition, the identity of the school remained closely tied to its founding purpose. The original vision of providing quality education for girls continued to shape its character and reputation.
A Name That Became a Legacy
As the years passed, the school came to bear the name of its founder, becoming Eva Adelaja Girls’ Secondary Grammar School. This recognition reflects the lasting impact of her contribution and the respect she earned within the educational community.
Naming the school after her was more than a ceremonial act. It was an acknowledgement that her efforts had created something enduring, an institution that would continue to educate generations long after its founding.
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A Lasting Place in Lagos Educational History
The story of Eva Adelaja and the girls’ school in Bariga is a reminder that lasting change often begins with a simple but powerful idea. By identifying a gap in her community and acting to fill it, she helped transform the educational landscape for girls in the area.
Her work, alongside the leadership of Benaiah Adelaja, forms part of a broader narrative of educational growth in Lagos. It is a story of commitment, partnership, and the belief that education can shape both individuals and communities.
Today, the legacy of that vision continues to live on in the classrooms, alumni, and ongoing influence of the school she founded.
Author’s Note
True legacy is not measured by recognition alone, but by the lives that are changed over time. Eva Adelaja’s story shows how one decision to act on a community need can grow into something lasting and meaningful. Through her work, and alongside her husband’s contribution to education, Bariga gained institutions that shaped generations, proving that purposeful effort can leave a mark that endures far beyond its beginning.
References
EAGSGS Old Girls Association UK, History
EAGSGS Old Girls Association UK, Home
Business Post Nigeria, Eva Adelaja Girls’ at 60: Family Unveils Ben and Eva Adelaja Prize
Business Post Nigeria, Eva Adelaja Girls’ Plans Big for 60th Anniversary
Brief History of C. M. S. Grammar School
