TAYO Fatunla: Nigeria’s Oldest Institution At 170

*Established in 1855, Lagos Baptist Academy has grown from its origins into a prominent educational institution. The founders laid the groundwork for the academic and personal development of countless students, profoundly influencing the school’s legacy. Baptist Academy stands as one of Nigeria’s oldest schools, renowned for delivering consistent, high-quality education since its inception by American Baptist missionaries.

Teachers at the Academy have dedicated themselves to imparting both academic knowledge and core values, including integrity, discipline, and service. Graduates have gone on to excel in a variety of sectors, drawing on the skills and principles gained during their time at the Academy.

The school’s alumni contribute across the sciences, arts, and professional and community organisations worldwide, exemplifying the Academy’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. As the institution reflects on its history, it remains devoted to upholding the standards and values established by its pioneers, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence and responsible leadership.

The 170th Founders Day celebration acts as a moment for both reflection and motivation to continue advancing Lagos Baptist Academy’s influence for current and future students. To commemorate this milestone, images honouring key figures in the Academy’s history will be showcased both on campus and online.

These artworks, created by Tayo Fatunla—an acclaimed artist and alumnus—depict missionaries, visionaries, and educators associated with the school, marking this significant anniversary in October. Many of these figures were affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in the United States.

The anniversary events have been organised under the leadership of Dr Yemi Onifade, an alumnus and Chair of the 170th Founders Day Anniversary Planning Committee. The current President of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA), Olumide Ajomale, has reiterated the enduring importance of value-driven education at Baptist Academy, which proudly celebrates 170 years of excellence.

TAYO Fatunla whose work has been featured on MSN.com via EURweb.com is an award-winning British-Nigerian Comic Artist, Editorial Cartoonist, Writer, and Illustrator. He is recipient of the 2018 ECBACC Pioneer Lifetime Achievement Award for his illustrated OUR ROOTS creation and series – Famous people in Black History. TAYO Fatunla is a former cartoonist with some Nigeria news publications and was honoured as the Professional Creative Cartoonist of the year at the 2024 Annual Achievement Recognition Awards, presented by The Building Blocks Initiative in the United Kingdom. TAYO is the illustrator behind the pictorial Black history walk map on a lectern that guides the walk in Camberwell, South East London, U.K. https://www.instagram.com/tfatunla123