Oduduwa College in Ile‑Ife, Osun State is one of the earliest secondary schools in Nigeria and widely recognised as the first privately owned secondary school in the country. The institution was established on 22 January 1932 by Oba Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the Ooni of Ife, who believed that formal education was crucial to individual and community progress within colonial Nigeria’s constrained educational landscape. The school was founded at Ajamapo in Ile‑Ife and marked a significant milestone in indigenous educational initiative during British colonial rule.
During the early twentieth century, secondary education in Nigeria was limited and largely provided by Christian mission societies or the colonial government. Many communities sought to expand access to secondary education for their young people, prompting local leaders to found schools where none existed. Oduduwa College was a response to this need within the Yoruba region.
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Founding Leadership
Oba Sir Adesoji Aderemi served as the 49th Ooni of Ife from 2 September 1930 until his death in 1980. He is widely described in historical accounts as an advocate of modern education, with the establishment of Oduduwa College among his earliest major initiatives as monarch. Aderemi believed that education would provide opportunities for socioeconomic advancement for his subjects and support the development of Yoruba society under colonial rule.
The first principal of Oduduwa College was Reverend M. S. Cole, an Anglican priest. According to contemporary accounts, Rev. Cole was persuaded by the Ooni to remain in Ile‑Ife and lead the new institution after initially intending to establish a school in another community. Under his leadership, the college laid foundations in academic instruction and school discipline.
Oduduwa College was established shortly before other prominent private secondary schools, including Aggrey Memorial College in Arochukwu, founded in 1932 by Alvan Ikoku. This underlines its pioneering status within the broader history of private education in Nigeria.
Educational Development and Alumni
In its early years, Oduduwa College provided secondary education to students from Ile‑Ife and surrounding areas. While detailed curricula remain less documented in online historical sources, the school prepared students for secondary certification and future professional or academic pursuits. Over time, the college became known for its commitment to academic instruction in the context of evolving educational standards in Nigeria.
One of the most well‑known alumni is Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, who later became the 50th Ooni of Ife. Sijuwade attended Oduduwa College before continuing his education abroad, reflecting the influence the institution had on forming leaders who contributed to public life in Nigeria.
Alumni engagement remains an active part of the school’s life. For example, former students have funded laboratory equipment and infrastructure projects as part of 90th anniversary celebrations, reinforcing connections between past pupils and the school’s ongoing development.
Historical and Colonial Context
The founding of Oduduwa College took place within the broader framework of British colonial governance, which provided limited secondary educational opportunities. Most secondary schools during this period were established by missionary societies or under direct government initiative. Indigenous leaders such as Oba Aderemi therefore took the lead in creating alternatives that met the needs of their communities.
Oduduwa College was established months before the official opening of Yaba Higher College in Lagos in 1934, the first tertiary institution in Nigeria, which offered vocational and professional training. The existence of Oduduwa College ensured that secondary‑level education was available concurrently with developments in higher education.
Although Oduduwa College was founded without official colonial sanction, its establishment was part of wider efforts by Nigerian leaders to expand educational access, equip students for societal contributions and prepare future generations for evolving political and economic roles.
Legacy and Continuity
Oduduwa College continues to function as a secondary school in Ile‑Ife, maintaining its foundational role in Nigerian education. Its longevity underscores the success of early indigenous educational initiatives in creating institutions that endure across generations. Alumni activities continue to shape the school’s trajectory, from infrastructure investments to community programmes that promote moral and academic values.
The school’s legacy lies not only in its historical status as Nigeria’s first private secondary institution but also in its contribution to the social and intellectual development of students who have served in various capacities within Nigerian society. This enduring impact highlights the importance of local leadership in the development of education during and after the colonial era.
Oduduwa College in Ile‑Ife represents a pioneering chapter in the history of Nigerian education. Founded on 22 January 1932 by Oba Sir Adesoji Aderemi and guided initially by Reverend M. S. Cole, the school expanded access to secondary education at a time when such opportunities were scarce. Its continued operation and active alumni support demonstrate its lasting influence. The accuracy of this account is based on documented historical sources that verify the key events, dates and persons involved in the school’s history.
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Author’s Note
Oduduwa College is a historically significant institution in Nigeria’s educational development, founded in 1932 as the first privately owned secondary school. Its enduring legacy reflects early indigenous leadership that broadened educational access and nurtured leaders who contributed to society across generations.
References
“Oba Adesoji Aderemi: The Legendary Governor-King.” THISDAY Live.
A detailed historical account of Oba Aderemi’s life, educational vision, and establishment of Oduduwa College in 1932.
Owolabi, K. A. History of Secondary Education in Nigeria. David Publishing.
Confirms Oduduwa College as the first privately owned secondary school in Nigeria, established in Ile-Ife in January 1932.
