King’s College Lagos is marking its 117th anniversary with a week of activities focused on its heritage, community and future.
The King’s College anniversary also highlights how alumni support is contributing to teaching, learning, infrastructure and student welfare.
The 2026 King’s Week began on Sunday and will conclude on September 20. It carries the theme “Owning Our Future, Advancing the King’s College Lagos Legacy.”
Sir Gbolahan Olayomi, Chairman of the 2026 King’s Week Planning Committee, is leading the celebrations. The programme brings together old boys, students, teachers, parents and other members of the school community.
King’s College Anniversary Celebrates A Long School Heritage
King’s College was founded on September 20, 1909, and remains one of Nigeria’s historic secondary schools.
The anniversary gives members of the school community an opportunity to reflect on its development. It also creates a platform to consider how the institution can continue supporting students and teachers.
Olayomi said the celebration is about more than marking another year. It allows different generations of the King’s College community to recognise past achievements while contributing to the school’s future.
The 2026 programme includes 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 will take place on Saturday at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos. Pastor Ituah Ighodalo will deliver the keynote address.
Dr Luke Osinowo, William Uko III and Dr Emeka Azinge are also expected to speak at the event.
Alumni Support Strengthens Teaching And Learning
Alongside the anniversary events, the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) has highlighted several projects supporting the school.
One major intervention is the construction of an NBA-standard basketball court. The project was facilitated by old boys and adds another sports facility for students.
Meanwhile, Olayomi said his class set had invested tens of millions of naira in digitalising teaching and learning. Another class set is supporting the upgrading of 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. Old boys use the event to inspect school facilities and identify areas where additional support may be needed.
Such initiatives can have a direct impact on students. Better learning technology, improved facilities and stronger welfare provision can help create a more supportive school environment.
Students Gain From Skills And Sustainability Programmes
KCOBA has also highlighted initiatives focused on student development beyond traditional classroom learning.
During the previous year, 100 students received training and certification in sustainability and climate action. The programme was delivered through a partnership involving old boys and non-profit organisations.
This type of learning can give students an opportunity to understand environmental challenges and develop skills that extend beyond their academic subjects.
Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Education, through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), donated five interactive flat-panel displays to the college.
The displays are intended to support classroom teaching and learning. Digital tools can also give teachers additional ways to present lessons and engage students.
For school leaders and education stakeholders, the combination of infrastructure investment, technology and student development offers a useful example of how alumni partnerships can support schools.
King’s Week Looks Towards The Next Generation
The 117th King’s College anniversary brings together several generations of the school community. However, its focus also extends beyond celebrating the institution’s history.
The theme, “Owning Our Future, Advancing the King’s College Lagos Legacy,” places students and the school’s future at the centre of the week.
For parents and educators, the anniversary also highlights the wider role that alumni communities can play in supporting schools. Financial contributions, mentoring, skills programmes and infrastructure projects can complement the work of teachers and school leaders.
As King’s Week continues through September 20, the celebrations will provide an opportunity to recognise the school’s heritage while considering what students need from the institution in the years ahead.
