By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
In an inspiring full-circle moment, Oluwajimi Adebakin, a 1980 alumnus of Joseph’s Secondary School, Agege, has donated N20 million to support entrepreneurship education at his alma mater.
The donation, made through the Samuel Olatunji Adebakin Foundation in honour of his late father, was unveiled during the school’s 2025 Founders’ Day celebration at Lagos Country Club.
Adebakin, who once struggled to gain admission into the school, shared his journey from a “failure” to a successful accountant and logistics entrepreneur.
“I came here with my mother begging for admission. Today, I’m the luckiest man on earth,” he told attendees in a heartfelt keynote.
The fund will revive the school’s original vision as a commercial institution focused on innovation and self-reliance.
Alumni President, Mrs. Toyin Ukana-Bisiriyu, described the gift as “transformative,” saying it will empower students with entrepreneurial skills and practical support.
The event also featured a lecture by Prof. Pius Adejoh of the University of Lagos, who emphasized the importance of networking and social capital in personal and professional success.
Founded in 1962, Joseph’s Secondary has produced many distinguished Nigerians, including former Lagos Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who was among the alumni honoured at the event.
