Baptist Academy Lagos, a Baptist Secondary school located in Obanikoro, marks its 170th anniversary of establishment in October 2025. Established in 1855 by American Baptist missionaries, Baptist Academy is among Nigeria’s oldest educational institutions and has provided education since its inception. The school acknowledges its history and recognizes individuals who have contributed to its development.

Since its founding, Baptist Academy has evolved into a well-established institution. The original founders set the foundation for academic and personal growth for many students, shaping the school’s trajectory.

Teachers at the Academy are responsible for delivering both academic instruction and teaching values such as integrity, discipline, and service. Alumni have pursued careers in various sectors, utilizing skills and principles acquired at the Academy.

Graduates contribute to fields including the sciences, arts, and both professional and community organizations, reflecting the Academy’s approach to comprehensive education. As the institution reviews its history, it continues to adhere to the standards and values put in place by its founders and aims to support future generations in their educational pursuits.

The 170th Founders Day celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s impact and consider how to further its development for current and future students.

To mark the anniversary in addition to other ongoing activities and events to commemorate the anniversary, images recognising key historical figures/pioneers, will be displayed on campus and online. These artworks, created by artist and alumnus Tayo Fatunla, depict missionaries, visionaries, and educators connected with the school with names like African America, Reverend Joseph Harden, Reverend Moses Ladejo Stone and Reverend Willam David to name a few illustrated and spotlighted. Many were associated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in the United States.

Anniversary activities have been coordinated under Dr Yemi Onifade, alumnus and Chair of the 170th Founders Day Anniversary Planning Committee. The current President of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA), Olumide Ajomale, emphasized the ongoing focus on value-based education at Baptist Academy as it reaches 170 years.

As part of the anniversary, BAOSA will recognize one hundred and seventy (170) alumni in the BAOSA Order of Excellence, celebrating former students for achievements in academics, professional contributions, national or global prominence, charitable work, and service to BAOSA at the Awards evening to hold on Sunday, 26th October 2025. (The Nation)