Kayode Ogunsola Unveils Vision for Command Secondary School Lagos Alumni Association
The newly sworn-in President of the Command Secondary School Lagos Old Students Association (CSSLOSA), Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola, has expressed strong optimism and a firm commitment to repositioning the institution through strategic alumni engagement, infrastructure development, and value-driven leadership. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Nigeria Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) Hall, featured the swearing-in of new executive members drawn from various graduating sets, with highlights including the presentation of certificates of return to the president and other committee members. The newly elected leadership is expected to serve a two-year tenure, and the event was marked by nostalgic moments and warm reunions as old students reconnected and shared memories of their time at Command Secondary School Lagos.
New Executive Committee and Leadership Transition
The new CSSLOSA executive committee comprises a diverse team: Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola (C88) as President; Hawa Iyamabo (C88) as Vice President; Mojisola Benson-Adeeko (C93) as General Secretary; Abimbola Eniola-Balogun (C94) as Assistant General Secretary; Demola Sanyaolu (C91) as Publicity/Social Secretary; Sarah Ogungbefun (C92) as Welfare Secretary; Helen Nwobodo (C93) as Financial Secretary; Adeola Baderin (C00) as Treasurer; Morenike Ojo (C01) as Legal Secretary; and Fatima Laraba Yusuf (C02) as Ex-Officio. In his valedictory speech, the immediate past president, Taiwo Ayedun, commended his executive members for their dedication, describing their contributions as a strong example of voluntary service that strengthened the association.
Ayedun added that Ogunsola’s emergence was based on proven performance rather than promises, while urging the new leadership to work collectively to advance the association. The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Air Commodore Babatunde Adekoya (retd), who spoke via Zoom, described the transition as a continuation of a shared legacy built over the years, acknowledging the achievements of the outgoing administration and urging members to support the new leadership with resources and guidance.
Ogunsola’s Vision and Strategic Plans
In an interview after being sworn in, Ogunsola expressed excitement about his new role, noting that his experience as General Secretary and President of his set, C88, from 2022 to 2024 prepared him for this national and global position. He emphasized that the confidence reposed in him by his peers played a significant role in his election victory. With plans underway to bring together alumni from across the world—including Australia, the United States, Africa, and Europe—to mark the upcoming Jubilee year when his set turns 50, Ogunsola highlighted this as a symbolic new dawn for the association.
Central to his administration’s agenda is the establishment of a $1 billion endowment fund aimed at long-term sustainability. While acknowledging it may not be achieved in one or two years, he stressed the need for a target to allocate resources to infrastructure, scholarships, welfare, and alumni operations. Other key initiatives include:
- Upgrading school infrastructure, such as hostels and dormitories.
- Expanding student capacity to accommodate more learners.
- Building an amphitheatre for modern learning environments.
- Developing an event centre to generate internal revenue for the school.
Ogunsola argued that these projects require alumni intervention, as the school cannot accomplish them alone, and emphasized that strong educational institutions are fundamental to national development.
Personal Reflections and Leadership Philosophy
Reflecting on his formative years at Command Secondary School, Ogunsola credited the army system for instilling discipline and shaping his character. He shared that joining at age 10 ingrained habits like waking up early, which he maintains today, and transformed him from a soft person into an independent, confident, and goal-oriented individual. He believes these traits are building blocks for success and plans to leverage them in his leadership role.
To strengthen ties between past and present students, Ogunsola stressed the importance of structure and unity, calling for a coordinated approach where thousands of alumni can pool resources and expertise. He revealed plans to decentralize operations by creating centres of excellence—groups focused on areas like infrastructure, healthcare, and welfare—to share responsibilities among professionals within the alumni network, ensuring effective management of an association with 20,000 to 30,000 members.
Support from Vice President and Broader Goals
In her remarks, Vice President Hawa Iyamabo emphasized that the viability and growth of the national alumni are the foremost priorities of the new executive committee. She pledged to support the President within her capacity as VP and praised the commendable efforts of past executive committees that have enhanced and sustained the steady progress of the alumni. Iyamabo outlined her vision for a more unified and values-driven alumni body that reflects the camaraderie and culture of respect, discipline, and integrity, bridging across generations and geographical locations.
She called on all Command Ipaja Lagos Alumni who have yet to sign up to return to their alumni community, reinforcing the idea that COMLAG is not just where they came from but who they are. The Commandant of the school, Lt Col Oluwafemi Olugbende, also praised the association for its continued support and called for stronger collaboration among alumni bodies to harness more success and achievements for command secondary schools.
Ogunsola’s Professional Background and Future Outlook
Beyond his new role, Ogunsola brings a wealth of leadership and professional experience to the position. He is a former Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), UK Chapter, and previously served as General Manager and Deputy Director for Business Development and Investment (Finance) at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, an Executive MBA from Cranfield University School of Management, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Information Systems Design from the University of Westminster, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Europe.
With a bold vision, structured approach, and a deep sense of responsibility, Ogunsola’s leadership signals a renewed push to elevate Command Secondary School Lagos through collective alumni action, aiming to rebuild the institution and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
