Olivet Baptist High School

History

The profile of Olivet witnessed a remarkable rise in the 60s when the school was noted for all-round excellence in academics and sports, the school had facilities for O'level and A'level (HSC) candidates at that time. The A'level program was abolished in 1989. The school was one of the few schools in Nigeria outside Lagos equipped with hostel facilities, staff quarters, excellent laboratories (sciences, home economics/food & nutrition, fine arts, music), workshops (metal work, wood work, technical drawing - mechanical/building), agricultural center with poultry/fish pond and sports facilities. As a result, Olivet Heights was a domineering force in the western part of Nigeria in inter-school academic competitions/projects as well as sports: soccer, basketball, hockey, handball and athletics. Also available in the school were facilities for Lawn Tennis, Cricket, Squash, Badminton, Volleyball, Chess and Table Tennis. Most of the facilities witnessed a steady decay from the 90s.

Organization of School Houses

Olivet Heights is a predominantly residential high school. The hostel structure was organized into four "houses" named after two indigenous and two American Baptist pastors - Atanda, Odetayo, Locket, and Pinnock. In addition to the residential arrangement for boarding students, non-residential students were also assigned to the 4 Houses for annual inter-house (intramural) quiz, debates & sports competitions which are used to unearth promising talents for regional and national competitions. In recent years, two new houses were added - Homer Brown and JBP Lafinhan - in honor of the last American (missionary) Principal and the first Nigerian Principal.

Principals

Mrs. J. C. Powell, 1946

Deacon T. A. Okanla, Headmaster 1945-1952

Rev. Carl F. Whirley, 1948

Rev. W. Joel Fergeson, 1948-1951

Rev. J. B. Durham, Acting Principal 1951

Rev. M. L. Garrett, Acting Principal 1952-1953

Mr. E. A. Iyanda, Acting Principal 1955-1957

Rev. Homer A. Brown, 1957-1962

Rev. J. B. P. Lafinhan, 1962-1972

Chief R. F. Fasoranti, 1973-1975

Chief S. O. Omitade, 1975-1977

Chief J. I. Popoola, 1977-1982

Mr. I. A. Adisa, 1982-1989

Mr. A. A. Adeniran, 1990-1994

Mr. A. A. Adeniji, 1994-2000

Mr. S. O. Okegbenle, 2000-2002

Mrs. F. M. Taiwo, 2002-?

Alumni

The school has a versatile alumni association. The association has been particularly helpful in providing facilities for the current students of the school. A massive perimeter fence and a well-equipped health center were built in 1985 to mark the school's 40th anniversary, while a memorable 60th anniversary in 2005 was marked with an overhaul of the physical structures of the school.

Alumni websites & related:

Official website: http://www.olivetheightsnosa.com/

North America: http://www.obhsoyo-na.org

http://tundecanhelp.com/olivetheightsoyoreunion2013/

http://www.geocities.ws/edeninitiative/home.html (Last updated 2004)

Motto

Cum Christo Progredere (Forward with Christ)

Anthem

1.

The foresight of God's own People A new school created Where the truth of God And all academic knowledge Shall future noble men And heroes of our land make As the motto re-echoes Cum Christo Progredere

2.

By the highway stands the school Clearly visible to passers by Breaking, Moulding, Preparing, for the future Olivet Heights my school, oh my school

3.

My school Olivet, (Olivet) My school Olivet, (Olivet) My school Olivet May the Lord bless thee Olivet Heights (Olivet Heights) Olivet Heights (Olivet Heights) O L I V E T !!! Music: By Revd. E. A. Akinleye Words: By Revd. E. A. Akinleye, Mr. Gbadebo Omoni and Dr. Ayo Ojo