Brief History of St. Patrick's Grammar School, Bashorun Ibadan.
The Catholic Influence
Over the years, the Catholic Church has established itself as a key player in shaping the educational landscape of Nigeria. Its commitment to developing robust institutional frameworks has led to a reputation for Catholic-founded schools as pioneers in societal reform through educational initiatives. Consequently, abandoned projects are rarely seen within Catholic institutions across Nigeria. St. Patrick's Grammar School, Bashorun Ibadan, is a prime example of this trend.
Origins of St. Patrick's College
Initially founded as St. Patrick's College, Ibadan, the school began its journey in 1962 at St. Cyprian Primary School. Entrance examinations were conducted at St. Theresa's College until 1965, with the first cohort of Form One students starting in 1969. The institution's name was changed to St. Patrick's Grammar School in 1967, coinciding with the first group of students taking the West African Certificate Examination. According to Chief Charles Adogah, one of the school's former students, Revd. Father D.M. O'Connor, who was the principal until 1968, aimed to distinguish the school from other institutions bearing the same name across Nigeria. Despite the name change, many students still affectionately refer to the school as SPACO, an acronym for St. Patrick's College. By 1965, the school had already moved to its permanent site at Orita Bashorun, Ibadan.
Unique Characteristics of the School
St. Patrick's Grammar School Bashorun Ibadan remains distinctive for several reasons. Nestled in a valley that separates it from the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, the school's terrain was favorable, and the only paved road leading to it ended at the school's entrance. Water and electricity supply were consistent but also terminated at the entrance gate. The school boasted a standard football field, which was unfortunately partially destroyed by the Asejire water dam project in 1968. In the 1960s, the surrounding area was largely undeveloped, with Islamic High School and Isabatudeen located miles away. St. Patrick's was renowned for its cleanliness and well-regarded school uniform, which was the envy of students from other institutions. Senior students wore trousers, while junior students wore knickers. An attempt in 1969 to mandate short knickers for all students was met with resistance from that year's cohort, resulting in the privilege being limited to them. Today, senior students wear trousers, while junior students don short knickers.
Science Laboratories
The science laboratories at St. Patrick's were notably well-equipped. It was rumored that Revd. Father Burke, who briefly filled in for Father D.M. O'Connor during his leave in 1966, significantly exceeded the budget for science equipment. During Father O'Connor's tenure, leaning against the walls that he painted annually was strictly prohibited for both staff and students.
Academic Excellence
St. Patrick's Grammar School Bashorun Ibadan is celebrated for its high academic standards. Students could easily assess their class performance, and examination malpractices were virtually nonexistent. A notable figure was Peter, the only typist at the time, who later had assistance from a lady. He was responsible for all examination question papers and was known for his intimidating demeanor, which instilled fear among students. During examinations, students were seated apart, with each occupying their own chair and locker, preventing any form of cheating.
Discipline as a Core Value
During this period, receipts for school fee payments were not issued, yet no student could falsely claim to have paid. Discipline was paramount, and silence was so profound during study periods that one could hear a pin drop. The dedicated teachers consistently gave their best to students, and a form of democracy was practiced through a student representative council, where each class had representatives and an elected chairman, typically the senior prefect. Information was disseminated via three notice boards, with one reserved for the principal, another for staff and prefects, and the third for general contributions to improve school administration. The principal reviewed all contributions weekly, marking grammatical errors in red, and students were teased if they attempted to self-promote unjustly.
St. Patrick's Today
Today, St. Patrick's Grammar School Bashorun Ibadan is surrounded by various buildings in a well-developed area, with most streets now tarred. Petrol stations, hotels, and other businesses have emerged in the vicinity, transforming what was once a jungle into a city center. The enduring structures built by the early missionaries remain the most prominent in the school compound despite their age. The tennis court near the football field has been repurposed into staff offices. Although the school faced some deterioration in recent years, the active involvement of alumni has helped revitalize its appearance.
The vision of Bishop Richard Finn, the first proprietor, followed by Archbishop Felix Adeosin Alaba Job, has been realized through the school's remarkable growth. St. Patrick's Grammar School continues to play a vital role in nurturing the leaders of today and tomorrow in Nigeria.
Roll of Honor: Principals of St. Patrick's Grammar School
As of this report, St. Patrick's Grammar School has been led by 19 principals:
- Revd. Fr. J.M. Mc'Elgunn (Late) - Jan 1962 - June 1964
- Revd. Fr. J.O. O'Hea - June 1964 - Dec 1964
- Revd. Fr. Mc'Cabe - Jan 1965 - April 1965
- Revd. Fr. D.M. O'Connor - May 1965 - June 1968
- Mr. A.B. Adigun (Late) - July 1968 - Dec 1972
- Mr. J. Ola Omotomilola - Jan 1973 - Dec 1975
- Mr. J.B. Ajayi - Jan 1976 - Sept 1980
- Mr. T.O. Odesola (Late) - Sept 1980 - Oct 1984
- Mr. O.M. Laosun (Acting) - Oct 1984 - Jan 1985
- Mr. Paul Ade Famoyin - Jan 1985 - 1989
- Chief B. Dada - 1990 - 1991
- Mr. F.A.B. Adeoye - 1991 - 1993
- Revd. E.B. Mabadeje - 1994 - 1999
- Mr. C.K. Adeogun - 1999 - 2001
- Mr. A.O. Salako - 2000 - 2001
- Chief S.A. Ayangbayi - 1st June 2003 - 13th June 2003
- Mr. M.P. Akinola - 14th June 2003 - 11th Jan 2011
- Dr. Mrs. M.A. Oladapo - 12th January 2011 - 2013
- Mr. Akinkunmi Olusola - 2013 - Present