Accolades as Aquinas College Akure Hosts the 74th Annual Inter-House Sports Competition, Showcasing Emerging Stars in Sports
The prestigious St. Thomas Aquinas College Akure held its 74th Annual Inter-House Sports Competition on Friday, March 7th, 2025, as distinguished Nigerians gathered to honour their beloved alma mater.
The event, held at the school’s Sports Stadium, saw students display their athletic prowess in a variety of sports activities, with NATO officials present to scout emerging talents for national competitions.
In his welcome address, the Principal, Mr. Jimbola Adebisi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the success achieved under his leadership. He emphasized that the event, chaired by Mr. Lanre Taiwo and Arch. Anthony Dele Ojo, held special significance as it coincided with the convention of the esteemed ACAOSA (Old Students Association) and marked his retirement from the Teaching Service Commission.
Mr. Adebisi highlighted the vital role of sports in educational development, noting its unifying power in society, promoting healthy living, and offering opportunities for personal livelihood. He reiterated that St. Thomas Aquinas College would continue to lead in both sporting and academic excellence. He proudly shared that out of seven invitations this year, the school’s representatives from CAC secured first place in six events and second place in one.
He also spoke about the school’s success in intellectual competitions such as debates, quizzes, project exhibitions, and external exams like WASSCE and NECO, where ACA students secured first place in eight events, second in three, and third in one.
Mr. Adebisi further announced that many students had gained admission into various prestigious tertiary institutions. He extended his appreciation to the school’s management committee, PTA, and distinguished guests for their unwavering support, as well as to ACAOSA members, both home and abroad, for their continued contributions to the school’s growth. He also acknowledged the NATO officials for attending the event, encouraging all participants to compete in the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship.
Rev’d Father Joseph Ajayi, Principal of the Catholic Section of the school, emphasized the positive impact of sports on students, fostering focus, memory retention, and overall personal development. He expressed optimism that as the school transitions towards full mission ownership, crowd management would be more efficient to accommodate the school’s growing activities.
In his address, Hon. Justice Olateru Olagbegi, Worldwide President of ACAOSA, thanked God for the day’s success and reflected on the biblical injunction to give thanks in all things. He shared that under his leadership, ACAOSA had been instrumental in enhancing the school’s infrastructure, with over 24 projects completed to mark the school’s 70th anniversary. These included a school clinic, upgraded gates, an ultra-modern pavilion, and more. Justice Olagbegi assured the audience that even after his tenure as ACAOSA President ends on March 24-29, the association would continue to support the school’s growth.
The Chairman of the occasion, Yemi Ojo Dele Anthony, made a generous donation to the school and promised ongoing support. Prince Francis Adeniyi Adegbehingbe, a former student, reminisced about his time at the school and encouraged current students to strive for excellence.
In a show of support, some old students donated sports equipment for the school’s use, further strengthening the sense of community.
The relay races saw fierce competition: In the female category, Akure Secondary Commercial School secured first place, St. Michael Catholic High School Akure placed second, and Adegbola Memorial Grammar School Akure came third. In the male category, Oyemekun Grammar School Akure triumphed in first place, St. Michael Catholic High School Akure came second, and Eji-Oba High School Oba-Ile finished third.
As the event concluded, trophies were awarded to outstanding individuals and houses. St. Eugene (Red) House emerged as the overall winner, followed by St. Thomas (White) House in second place, St. Michael (Yellow) House in third, St. Francis (Blue) House in fourth, and St. John (Green) House in fifth.