In commemoration of its 70th anniversary, Corona Schools Trust Council has hosted a black-tie gala in Lagos that brought together alumni, dignitaries, faculty, and friends in a colourful celebration of seven decades of educational excellence and legacy.
Despite a downpour earlier in the day, the atmosphere remained festive, as guests turned out in full black-tie elegance for the high-profile reunion. Attendees represented Corona Schools’ various branches, including Apapa (now Corona College of Education), Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Gbagada (formerly Ebute Metta/Yaba), Agbara, and Lekki.
The evening featured live performances, fine dining, memory-sharing, and fundraising, while also unveiling future-focused projects. Guests were treated to a lavish culinary experience and live music by the Magnifico Band and DJ Cheflon, with the event hosted by veteran actor Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey and broadcaster Toun Aderele.
The event, held at Jewel Aeida, Lekki, was attended by prominent alumni including former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Yemi Cardoso, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, Sahara Group CEO Dr. Tony Cole, Managing Director of NELFUND Mr. Akin Sawyerr, and health care executive Dr. Yemisi Odubayo, among others.
The formal segment of the night included a tribute to departed alumni and a rousing rendition of the Corona school anthem by the Corona School Choir. Younger pupils from Ikoyi also performed nostalgic school songs, earning applause from the crowd.
President of the Alumni Association, Prince Adebayo Ademiluyi, in his welcome remarks, noted that the event was both a celebration of the past and a reaffirmation of the future, while chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Roland Abiola Odukomaiya, described the gala as “a tribute to a legacy built on excellence, resilience, and impact.”
Also speaking at the event, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, joked about the friendly rivalry among branches, declaring Yaba “the first and best,” a sentiment that drew laughter and applause from guests. His remarks, along with those from other alumni, highlighted Corona’s role in instilling values and shaping leaders across generations.
One of the highlights of the night was the unveiling of a proposed Tech Hub project by the Trust Council, which is expected to prepare Corona students for the digital future. The council’s chairperson, Justice Bukunola Adebiyi, described the initiative as “a commitment to evolving education in a changing world.”
Fundraising efforts on the night generated over ₦200 million for the tech project and an accompanying scholarship endowment fund. A live auction featuring artwork by renowned artist Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya also helped raise funds. Leading the effort was alumna Caroline Olaseinde, who chaired the fundraising committee.
The evening concluded with recognition of the gala’s organising team, led by co-chair Sola Alamutu, who received a standing ovation from the audience. “This night is a testament to what passion and unity can achieve,” she said.
The event was streamed live for alumni around the world and featured interactive experiences such as photo booths, memory displays, and a commemorative souvenir brochure showcasing profiles and stories from the school’s seven-decade history.
Corona Schools was founded in 1955 with the establishment of its first branch in Ikoyi. Over the years, it has expanded into a network of institutions providing top-tier education to generations of Nigerian leaders, professionals, and change-makers.
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