King’s College, Lagos, has commenced activities to mark its 117th anniversary, with Sir Gbolahan Olayomi, Chairman of the 2026 King’s Week Planning Committee, leading the week-long celebration of the institution’s heritage, achievements and future.
The 2026 King’s Week, which began on Sunday and will end on September 20, is themed “Owning Our Future, Advancing the King’s College Lagos Legacy.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Olayomi said the anniversary provides an opportunity for generations of old boys, students, teachers, parents and other members of the King’s College community to reflect on the institution’s history while contributing to its future.
King’s College was founded on September 20, 1909, and has remained one of Nigeria’s historic secondary schools.
Olayomi said King’s Week brings members of the King’s College family together to celebrate the institution’s heritage, recognise achievements and support its continued development.
The 2026 celebration features a series of activities, including a virtual conference, Jumat service, Variety Night, Founders’ Day Lecture, Alumni Dinner Ball, thanksgiving service and the association’s annual general meeting.
The Founders’ Day Lecture is scheduled to hold on Saturday at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos, with Pastor Ituah Ighodalo as keynote speaker.
Other speakers expected at the lecture include Dr Luke Osinowo, William Uko III and Dr Emeka Azinge.
As part of the anniversary activities, the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) highlighted several interventions by its members to support infrastructure, teaching and learning, and student welfare.
Olayomi disclosed that old boys had facilitated the construction of an NBA-standard basketball court at the school.
He added that his class set had invested tens of millions of naira in the digitalisation of teaching and learning, while another class set was upgrading the school’s medical facilities.
“These are investments that ran into hundreds of millions of naira in the space of 365 days,” he said.
The association also organises the annual King’s College Walk, which brings old boys together to inspect facilities and identify areas where they can support the institution.
On human capital development, KCOBA said 100 students were trained and certified in sustainability and climate action in the previous year through a partnership involving old boys and non-profit organisations.
The Federal Ministry of Education, through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has also donated five interactive flat-panel displays to the college to improve teaching and learning.
According to the association, the various initiatives reflect its commitment to preserving the heritage of King’s College while ensuring that students are equipped for the future.
With activities continuing throughout the week, the 117th anniversary celebration is expected to bring generations of the King’s College community together to honour the institution’s history and advance its legacy.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.