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THE HISTORY OF THE METHODIST BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION, LAGOS

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Years of Excellence

Foreword

The history of the Methodist Boys' High School Old Boys' Association ("MBHS OBA") cannot be told without first recounting the extraordinary story of Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos, one of Nigeria's oldest and most distinguished secondary schools. Established in 1878 as the second secondary school in Nigeria, the institution has, for nearly one hundred and fifty years, stood as a beacon of scholarship, character formation, leadership, and service. Through successive generations, its students and alumni have occupied the highest offices in the land, shaped national institutions, advanced medicine and science, built cities and infrastructure, defended the nation, pioneered industries, and inspired countless Nigerians through lives of achievement and service.

The Old Boys' Association exists as the institutional embodiment of this remarkable heritage. It serves as the custodian of the school’s traditions, values, and collective memory, while providing a platform through which generations of Old Boys remain connected to their alma mater. At the heart of this enduring bond lies the school’s timeless motto:

Non Sibi Sed Aliis - Not For Us, But For Others.

More than a slogan, these words have shaped the character of generations of Methodist Boys and continue to define the ethos of the Association. They embody a philosophy of selflessness, leadership, integrity, and service that has guided Old Boys in every sphere of endeavour.

The Foundation of a National Institution

When Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos, was established in 1878, Nigeria as we know it today did not yet exist. The territories that would eventually form the modern Nigerian state possessed very few educational institutions capable of producing the skilled manpower required for governance, commerce, education, and social development. The establishment of the school, therefore, represented a visionary investment in the future of a nation yet to be born.

The school grew rapidly in both stature and influence. By 1917, enrolment had risen to 1,479 students, and by the time of its centenary celebrations in 1978, nearly 7,000 students had passed through its gates. Yet the School never measured success merely by numbers. From its inception, its mission was to produce men of character, learning, discipline, and public spirit—men equipped not only for personal advancement but also for service to society.

This philosophy was eloquently reaffirmed during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1928, when the Missionary Secretary of the Methodist Church observed that the purpose of the school was to fashion young men into the likeness of Christ and to establish a standard of manhood worthy of emulation by all. The emphasis on moral character, intellectual excellence, and service to others became a defining feature of the Methodist Boys' High School experience.

The Old Boys' Association inherited this noble mission and has remained its principal custodian. Since its formation, the Association has served not merely as an alumni body, but as a community of men united by shared values, lifelong friendships, and a collective commitment to preserving the legacy of the school while supporting its continued growth and development.

Today, the MBHS OBA stands as a living bridge between the school’s distinguished past and its promising future, ensuring that the ideals upon which Methodist Boys' High School was founded continue to inspire and guide future generations of students and Old Boys alike.

Birth of the Old Boys' Association

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. Having benefited from the unique values and educational foundation provided by the school, these pioneering Old Boys sought to create an enduring platform through which former students could remain connected to one another and to the institution that had shaped their lives.

Among the foremost of 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 later 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, the Association has served as a vehicle for mentorship, philanthropy, educational advancement, and community development, reflecting the ideals upon which the school itself was founded.

The enduring strength of the Association lies in its ability to unite Old Boys across generations, professions, and geographical boundaries while preserving a common identity rooted in the traditions and values of Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos.

THE OLD BOYS WHO BUILT A NATION

Political Leadership and Nation Building

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. Dr. Azikiwe's contributions to Nigerian nationalism, independence, institution-building, and economic development remain unparalleled. He established the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, founded indigenous banking institutions, championed industrialisation, and helped lay the foundations of modern Nigeria. His life remains one of the most enduring examples of the MBHS spirit in action.

Yet Dr. Azikiwe represents only one chapter in a much broader story. Over the decades, Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos, has produced an extraordinary array of distinguished Old Boys who have excelled in virtually every sphere of human endeavour. From statesmen, diplomats, legislators, jurists, and military leaders to renowned physicians, academics, engineers, entrepreneurs, captains of industry, traditional rulers, sportsmen, and public servants, Old Boys of MBHS have played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria's political, economic, social, educational, and cultural development.

Their collective achievements reflect the enduring values instilled by the school and sustained by the Old Boys' Association: integrity, discipline, scholarship, leadership, and service. Together, they have left an indelible mark on the nation and continue to serve as inspiring examples to present and future generations of Methodist Boys' High School students.

The Culture That Produced Greatness

Beyond academic excellence, MBHS cultivated a unique atmosphere of discipline, fellowship, humour, understanding, and mentorship. Teachers and students enjoyed close relationships, and the environment encouraged the development of confident, well-rounded young men. This culture explains why generations of old boys continue to speak of their school years with affection and pride.

The Modern Old Boys' Association

The MBHS OBA 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, the Association remains central to the continued growth and development of the school.

The Association has evolved into a global network of distinguished professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders united by a shared commitment to the values of MBHS Lagos.

Conclusion

The history of the Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos Old Boys' Association is, above all, a story of service. It is the story of generations of men who embraced the school’s enduring motto, Non Sibi Sed Aliis (Not for Us, but for Others), and translated its ideals into leadership, scholarship, professional excellence, and nation-building.

Few alumni associations in Africa can point to a legacy as rich, diverse, and impactful. From the Presidency of Nigeria to the Supreme Court, from medicine to engineering, from academia to business, from military leadership to diplomacy, and from public service to entrepreneurship, the influence of MBHS Old Boys is deeply woven into the fabric of Nigerian society and extends far beyond its shores.

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.

As the Association looks to the future, it remains committed to preserving and celebrating this proud heritage while inspiring new generations of students and alumni to uphold the traditions of excellence, integrity, leadership, and selfless service that have defined Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos for almost 150 years.

Non Sibi Sed Aliis.

Mr Sola Dosunmu

President, Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos Old Boys' Association. (2025 - Present)