The management of Homat Group of Schools has marked her landmark 30th Founder’s Day Anniversary with a week-long commemorative event filled with a series of memorable activities.
The event climaxed last Saturday, 28th September, with a special commemorative grand-finale that was graced by important dignitaries across Ikorodu Division and beyond.
A major high point of the event was the inspiring grass-to-grace story of how the now multi-campus group of schools started in a small uncompleted 3 bedroom bungalow.
This moving story was shared by the Director of the School, Alh. Muhammed Olawale Hamzat, in his opening remarks at the grand-finale event that climaxed the week-long celebration.
In his keynote address, Mr. Hamzat traced the school’s journey back to its beginnings when his wife, Alhaja Amusat Ajoke, initiated the idea of converting their uncomplicated three-bedroom flat into a tutorial center. He explained that the inspiration stemmed from the overcrowding of public schools and the need to provide affordable education that bridged the gap between the privileged and less privileged students in the society.
‘It was just like yesterday. I had just built a 3 bedroom flat, but we couldn’t live there because it was uncompleted. But, we decided to use the uncompleted building because the government has just closed where we were using then’, he said.
‘One of the reasons we started then was that we wanted to contribute our own little quota to the development of education. Secondly, we made up our minds that the school must be affordable because a major pain point at that time was that people could not afford school fees and they wanted affordable education’, he added.
From its humble beginnings, HOMAT Group of Schools has grown into a conglomerate with multiple campuses across Ikorodu Division, namely Igbogbo, Owutu, Odongunyan, Idiroko along Ijede Road,and most recently Maya.
Hamzat further reported that the institution has produced over 9,000 graduates, including more than 5,000 junior secondary school leavers and over 3,000 graduates from its tutorial college.
He also emphasized HOMAT Group of School’s scholarship culture, noting that more than 4,000 students have benefited, including orphans, children with disabilities, and staff dependents who enjoy a 50% tuition discount.
The astute school administrator concluded by highlighting the impact of HOMAT alumni, many of whom are thriving in various fields. He also acknowledged the support of past students and well-wishers, who contributed donations, services, and gifts in honor of the anniversary.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Publisher of Oriwu Sun Newspaper, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, described HOMAT’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hamzat T. Olawale, as a humble man whose respectful character has been instrumental to his success, while urgimg him to celebrate his legacy with pride.
A highlight of the celebration was the surprise announcement of special recognition awards to 25 teachers who have served the institution for over 20 years. Recognition ranged from gifts and cash rewards to a piece of land for one staff member and a million-naira empowerment fund for a member of the management team.
On HOMAT Group of School’s future plans, Alh. Hamzat revealed plans for the establishment of HOMAT University, further expanding the school’s legacy in education.
The event also featured cultural displays by both past and present students, who showcased Yoruba traditions through vibrant performances that highlighted HOMAT’s commitment to cultural heritage alongside academic excellence.
The colourful 30th anniversary and memorable celebration was graced by dignitaries, community leaders, alumnus, staff, and students.
Some of the important dignitaries that graced the event were the Chairman, House Committee on Defense, Hon. Babajimi Benson; Executive Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Omoba Ahmed Olalekan Aroyewun; Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali (Emugoriade 1), who was the Royal Father of the Day, Publisher of Oriwu Sun Newspaper, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago; Alhaja Rahmotalah Olatunji Ogunmuyiwa; and several traditional and honourary chiefs, across Ikorodu Division communities.
