Established 1963 Principal Dr. M. B. Malik Motto Integrity and Service Staff 148 | Opened 13 October, 1963 Gender Coeducational Classroom 48 Average class size 35 | |
School type Secondary, Day & Boarding Classes JS1 - SS3 & Advanced Level Classes Address Educational Zone, Ibadan, Nigeria | ||
The International School Ibadan (ISI) is located on the Campus of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria's oldest university.
Contents
History
The school was founded by German-British educator Kurt Hahn on 13 October 1963 with funding received from the USAID, Ford Foundation and donation of landspace by the then Nigerian Western Regional government. Most of the pioneer teaching staff were British expatriate educators from Gordonstoun in Scotland. The school is a co-educational Boarding and Day School admitting pupils aged 9 to 19. It was primarily established to meet the need of finding a school with a world class standard comparable to schools in Europe and Northern America for children of expatriates, living and working in Nigeria. It opened its doors to pupils of both expatriates of diverse nationalities and highly placed Nigerians. The social setting that ISI provided attracted more patronage from people of all races.
The first Principal was David S. Snell (1963–1965) of blessed memory; followed by John Gillespie(1965–1968). The longest serving Principal was an Anglican clergy, Archdeacon J.A.Iluyomade (1969–1985) of blessed memory. He was also the first indigenous head of the school. After him was Rev. (Dr.) Dapo Ajayi (1986–1988) also of blessed memory, then Dapo Fajembola (1990–1991) also of blessed memory. Thereafter came the first female Principal, Esther Adetola Smith (1991–2004). After her was R.O. Akintilebo (2006–2007). The present Principal is Dr. M.B Malik (2007– ).
ISI is well known for socials, extra-curricular activities like the international soiree (an event which comes up once every two years). The International soiree is an evening where all the nationalities represented among staff and students display the food, clothing and other material aspects of culture for sale with the objective of raising money for the less privileged. The Charity walk is another event that students use to raise money for the less privileged. Service to mankind is embedded in the culture of ISI. This tradition continues till this day. The school song goes thus:
"These things shall be!
a new generation,
in every land,
of boys and girls shall stand,
for brotherhood of man,
through service to mankind,
and love for truth and peace,
from ISI with one acclaim we pledge,
our faith in these....ISI!"
Academically, it originally followed the British system of five years to preparation for Ordinary Level (General Certificate of Education) and West African School Certificate Examinations; with another two years in the sixth form to prepare for Advanced level (General Certificate of Education) and Higher School Certificate examinations. As a result of the introduction of the 6-3-3-4 Nigerian educational system introduced in the late eighties, it runs the mandatory six years of secondary school education, in addition to preparing students for international exams like the annual IGCSE 'O' Levels and Cambridge 'A' level exams. It also for many years has offered preparation for the International Baccalaureate. Although it now follows the 6-3-3-4 system of Nigerian education, many of the students continue to prepare for international exams. The Cambridge 'A' Level programme was recently resuscitated in September 2011.
The School celebrated its golden jubilee in October 2013, with a fund-raising for the building of the much needed school hall. The hall is yet to be realised, mainly due to insufficient funds.
Alumni
ISI has produced notable alumni including