About Us
Discover the rich heritage and enduring mission of the MBHS National Alumni Association.
A Legacy Since 1878
The birth of the school, then Wesleyan Boys' High School, was conceived in 1868 at the Olowogbowo Church by a group of educated Methodists who felt strongly that Methodist youths needed a school for higher education to preserve their identity, apart from the CMS Grammar School, the only secondary school then in Lagos. After series of meetings between 1868 and January 1874, a Memorial was resolved to be sent to the Gold-Coast District and the Wesleyan Missionary Society, England, proposing a “Native Training Institution and Grammar School”. The petition received a favourable reply in April 1875.
The foundation stone was laid on 16th December 1875 by Governor Captain George Camine Straham, CMG; the building was completed in June 1877 and described as “beautifully furnished with educational appliances of the most modern description”. The opening ceremony was performed on 14th March 1878 by Governor John D.A. Dumaresq, CMG, while Bishop Ajayi Crowther gave the blessing. The first staff were Rev. W. Terry Coppin (Principal) and Messrs. W.B. Euba and J.H. Samuel, both of whom later entered the Ministry and became Principals of the school. Scholars were admitted in April 1878 with only 12 names on the roll, plus 6 Mission agents in training; by year end there were 23 boys and 7 agents, growing to 150 students by 1910.
The original motto, “Nunquam non paratus”, and school colours of white and gold were both changed during Rev. Euba's tenure as Principal to the present motto “Non Sibi Sed Aliis”, Not for us but for others, and to chocolate, blue and gold. The school once operated a boarding system with a School Chapel and a hall (78ft × 42ft) constructed in 1916 near the Broad Street entrance. In 1919, the school was divided into four houses (Didsbury, Handsworth, Kingswood and Westminster), with annual sports meetings commencing in 1921.
In 1983, the school relocated to its present site at No. 11 Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, a 5.77-hectare (~15 acre) allocation registered strictly for educational purpose (C of O No. 25, Page 25, Vol. 1983, dated 25th October 1983), facilitated by Distinguished Old Boy Chief Tunde Fanimokun, then aged 39, as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands under the Jakande Administration.
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, as long as you can.”
- John Wesley, Founder of the Methodist Church
148+
Years of Excellence
Key Milestones
Important moments in our school and alumni history.
Vision Conceived
Educated Methodists at Olowogbowo Church proposed a school for higher education of Methodist youths in Lagos, to preserve their Methodist identity and provide an alternative to the CMS Grammar School.
Petition Drafted
On 22nd January 1874, it was resolved to send a Memorial to the Gold-Coast District and the Wesleyan Missionary Society, England, proposing a 'Native Training Institution and Grammar School'. The petition received a favourable reply in April 1875.
Foundation Stone Laid
On 16th December 1875, His Excellency Governor Captain George Camine Straham, CMG, laid the foundation stone. The school building was completed in June 1877, described as 'beautifully furnished with educational appliances of the most modern description'.
School Opens
Opening ceremony on 14th March 1878 by Governor John D.A. Dumaresq, CMG; Bishop Ajayi Crowther gave the blessing. Scholars were admitted in April 1878: 12 names on the roll plus 6 Mission agents in training. By year end: 23 boys and 7 agents.
First Prize Giving Day
Dr. O. Obasa (formerly George Smith), Senior Foundation Student, topped the list of prize recipients from His Excellency Governor Moloney in December 1879.
Societies Established
A Debating Society and a Field Club were established between 1886 and 1888, the Field Club formed to correlate English and Yoruba names of flowers, birds, and animals.
First Magazine & Examinations
'The Grapnel', the school's first hand-written magazine, was issued bi-monthly from 1891. That same year, Rev. W.B. Euba introduced the College of Preceptors Examination: 47 certificates awarded in three years, the highest on the West African Coast.
'The High Schoolian' Published
Successor magazine 'The High Schoolian' appeared in 1896, running for about two years.
Mission Training Ends
With the opening of Wesley College, Ibadan in 1905, the training of Mission agents was no longer carried out at the school.
150 Students Enrolled
By 1910 the school had a total of 150 students with the Principal and eight masters.
School Hall & Boy Scouts
The school hall measuring 78ft × 42ft near the Broad Street entrance was constructed in 1916. The Boy Scout troop was commenced in May 1916 by Rev. L.C. Mead.
Enrolment Reaches 1,479
By 1917, enrolment had risen to 1,479 students, a measure of the school's rapid growth in stature and influence across Lagos and beyond.
Four Houses Established
The school was divided into Didsbury, Handsworth, Kingswood and Westminster houses. F. B. Mulford, Esq. presented shields for Cricket and Football; Mr. Justice Pennington presented a silver cup for Athletics. Annual house sports meetings began in 1921.
Old Boys' Association Formed
An Old Boys' Association was formed in 1923/24; it soon became dormant but was revived ahead of the Jubilee celebrations in 1928. Dr. Orisadipe Obasa, Foundation Scholar of 1878, became its first President.
Golden Jubilee
At the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Missionary Secretary of the Methodist Church reaffirmed the school's purpose: to fashion young men into the likeness of Christ and to establish a standard of manhood worthy of emulation by all.
Centenary Celebrations
By the time of its centenary celebrations in 1978, nearly 7,000 students had passed through the school's gates — among them statesmen, jurists, physicians, soldiers, engineers and captains of industry.
Relocation to Victoria Island
C of O (No. 25, Page 25, Vol. 1983) granted on 25th October 1983 for 5.77 hectares (~15 acres) at 11 Sinari Daranijo Street, Victoria Island, strictly for educational purpose, facilitated by Distinguished Old Boy Chief Tunde Fanimokun, then Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands under the Jakande Administration.
145th Founder's Day
The 145th Founder's Day and Thanksgiving Service was held on 14th March 2023, with a funds-raising event for the refurbishment of the Centenary Hall, led by Chief Tunde Fanimokun as Chief Launcher and Prof. Bandele Sogbesan as Speaker.
The Old Boys' Association
The institutional embodiment of a remarkable heritage.
The roots of the Methodist Boys' High School Old Boys' Association can be traced to the earliest generations of graduates who recognised the importance of maintaining lifelong fellowship, preserving the traditions of their alma mater, and contributing to its continued growth and development. Foremost among these pioneers was Dr. Orisadipe Obasa, Foundation Scholar of the school in 1878, a distinguished physician, nationalist, and co-founder of the People's Union, Nigeria's first indigenous political association. Dr. Obasa became the first President of the Old Boys' Association and helped establish a tradition of alumni leadership, public service, and institutional support that continues to define the Association to this day.
From its earliest years, the Association was conceived as far more than a social or alumni network. It evolved into an association of men bound together by shared experiences, enduring friendships, common values, and a collective commitment to advancing the interests of both their alma mater and the wider society. Through successive generations, it has served as a vehicle for mentorship, philanthropy, educational advancement, and community development, uniting Old Boys across generations, professions, and geographical boundaries.
Today, the Association continues to serve as the principal guardian of the school's heritage. Through infrastructure projects, scholarships, welfare initiatives, mentorship programmes, advocacy, and strategic engagement with stakeholders, it remains central to the continued growth and development of the school — a global network of distinguished professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders, and a living bridge between the school's distinguished past and its promising future.
“More than a slogan, the words Non Sibi Sed Aliis, Not for Us, but for Others, have shaped the character of generations of Methodist Boys and continue to define the ethos of the Association.”
The Old Boys Who Built a Nation
Distinguished Old Boys in every sphere of human endeavour.
The Association proudly counts among its members Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, GCFR, the Owelle of Onitsha, Nigeria's first indigenous Governor-General and later its first President. Yet Dr. Azikiwe represents only one chapter in a much broader story. From statesmen, diplomats, jurists, and military leaders to renowned physicians, academics, engineers, entrepreneurs, captains of industry, traditional rulers, and sportsmen, Old Boys of MBHS have played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria's political, economic, social, educational, and cultural development.
The distinguished individuals featured above represent only a portion of the remarkable contributions made by Old Boys over nearly a century and a half. Their achievements stand as a testament to the values, discipline, and pursuit of excellence instilled by Methodist Boys' High School since its founding in 1878.
Our Mission
Guided by our motto “Non Sibi Sed Aliis”, Not for us but for others, we unite Old Boys of Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos in fellowship, promote the welfare and development of the school, support current students, and uphold the traditions that have made MBHS a symbol of excellence since 1878.
Our Vision
To be the foremost alumni network in Nigeria and beyond, a vibrant community of accomplished individuals who leverage their collective success to support the school, mentor the next generation, and make meaningful contributions to society.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do.
Excellence
Striving for the highest standards in all endeavors.
Integrity
Upholding honesty and moral principles at all times.
Brotherhood
Fostering lifelong bonds among Old Boys worldwide.
Service: Non Sibi Sed Aliis
Not for us but for others, giving back to school and society.
Association Objectives
What we strive to achieve as an organization.
Promote and foster unity among Old Boys of Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos
Support the development, welfare and heritage of the school
Provide scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students
Organize social, educational, and professional networking events
Preserve the school's history, traditions and the four-house legacy (Didsbury, Handsworth, Kingswood, Westminster)
Facilitate mentorship programs for current students and young alumni
Safeguard the Victoria Island school land for its dedicated educational purpose