It was a night of nostalgia, glamour, and generosity as alumni, faculty, and friends of Corona Schools converged at Jewel Aeida, Lekki, to celebrate the institution’s 70th anniversary with a spectacular black-tie gala that many have described as the most vibrant school reunion in recent memory.
The event, which took place under the theme *Corona\@70: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration*, brought together generations of alumni from all six branches of Corona Schools: Apapa (now Corona College of Education), Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ebute Metta/Yaba (now Gbagada), Agbara, and Lekki.
Despite heavy rains, the spirit of the celebration was undeterred as elegantly dressed guests arrived at the venue, welcomed by graceful hostesses and a buzzing red carpet. The setting featured ambient lighting, luxurious décor, and floral arrangements that paid homage to Corona’s legacy of excellence and discipline.
The evening included live coverage and was streamed for global alumni participation. Guests enjoyed gourmet dining from four premium catering services, and a souvenir brochure capturing the school’s history, alumni achievements, and landmark moments became a collector’s item.
Veteran broadcaster Toun Aderele and Nollywood actor Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey-Inyang co-hosted the evening with humour and warmth, bridging the generational gap among alumni and fostering a shared sense of community.
Notable alumni in attendance included former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, former Governor of Cross River State Donald Duke, Sahara Oil CEO Dr. Tony Cole, NELFUND MD Mr. Akin Sawyerr, Lagoon Hospitals MD Dr. Yemisi Odubayo, and Bose Ogulu, popularly known as “Mama Burna Boy.”
The formal programme began with remarks from Alumni Association President Prince Adebayo Ademiluyi and a moment of silence in memory of departed members. Planning Committee Chairman Roland Abiola Odukomaiya described the gala as a celebration of legacy and a pledge to the future.
Musical performances by the Corona School Choir and young pupils from Ikoyi were among the highlights, while a soul-stirring saxophone solo by Saratu El Samaila — whose mother is also an alumna — left the audience in awe.
CEO of Corona Schools Trust Council, Mrs. Adeyoyin Adeshina, unveiled a flagship legacy project: a state-of-the-art Tech Hub aimed at preparing students for the future. A ₦200 million fundraising effort launched during the event, led by fundraising committee head Caroline Olaseinde, received enthusiastic support from alumni and guests. Notably, Fred Ijewere kicked off donations on behalf of Victoria Island alumni, while a special artwork auction featuring a piece by Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya raised additional funds.
Justice Bukunola Adebiyi, Chair of the Trust Council, emphasized the enduring values of the institution, while Keem Belo-Osagie reminded guests of the pioneering role played by the Ikoyi branch.
The celebration ended on a high note with music from the Magnifico Band and DJ Cheflon, who kept guests dancing into the night.
As Corona Schools mark 70 years of impact in education, the gala not only honored the past but also laid bold plans for the future — a future anchored in innovation, community, and the continued pursuit of excellence.