By Elizabeth Osayande

Elizabeth Osayande, a prominent journalist with Vanguard Media Limited and the founder of the Female Freelancers Network (FFN), recently joined alumni from her alma mater, State Grammar School, Surulere, to honour two esteemed teachers—Ms. Folasade Ajoke Coker and Mr Gbogboade Adebanjo Adeyemi—on their retirement from the Lagos State Teaching Commission.

State Grammar School is one of Lagos State’s foremost institutions for both hearing and hearing-impaired students, often referred to as a special school.

Ms Coker celebrated her 60th birthday alongside her retirement on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, while Mr Adebanjo held his thanksgiving and 35-year compulsory Pendown/ retirement ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Both events held at the Government College Lagos School Hall, Eric Moore, Lagos.

Both celebrations evoked nostalgic memories for the gathered alumni, who were represented by the State Grammar School Old Students Association (SGSOSA) such as 2002 Set: Amb. Duke Ifeakachukwu Amaliechi, Class of 2003, Evelyn Williams, and Alabo Michael—alongside pioneer students such as Pastor Mike Ohiri and Princess Depeju Ajose from the classes of 1986 and1988, respectively- Osayande nee Uwandu, a member of the Class of 2006 who served as Labour Prefect, also attended.

Other notable attendees included former principal Mrs Oludemi, Mr Kole Sam, and Mrs Ngozi Eneje among others

Ms Coker, who taught English and Literature-in-English at State Grammar School, attributed her rise to the position of Director/Principal at Community Senior High School, Surulere, to divine grace and providence.

Mr Adebanjo, known for his signature tiie & dye classes, similarly rose to the role of Director/Principal retiring at State Senior Grammar School (Special), Surulere after 35 years of dedicated service, during which he received numerous accolades, he credited his success to God’s benevolence and mercy.

During the celebrations, both celebrants were shown enormous love by both the old and current students of the schools they are retiring in.

Expressing delight, Mr. Adebanjo, in his appreciation note opined that: “Words are not enougthis nk you for thisam generous gift from the Global Old Students Association of State Grammar School. I am truly astonished, and I feel a wave of nostalgia as I reflect on my days as a young teacher at State Grammar School (Special) between 1996 and 2003, and at State Junior Grammar School (Special), Surulere from 2003 to 2016, before being appointed Principal from 2022 to 2026.

“I extend a heartfelt THANK YOU for your love and kind gesture. I do not take this for granted. I pray that God blesses you all abundantly, meets your needs, answers your prayers, perfects all that concerns you, and surpasses your expectations. I love you all, “Gbogboader Adebanjo (Retired).”