Our story
Founded in 1956 by a community determined to educate its children
Isonyin Grammar School is a co-educational secondary school established on March 23, 1956 and located in the heart of Isonyin-Ijebu, Ogun State. It is one of the flagship schools of the Ogun State Government and the only Model Secondary School with boarding facilities in Ijebu North East.
The genesis
How the school began
The idea for the school originated in 1952 when six visionary gentlemen — Mr. D. B. Ogutuga, Mr. Ephraim Odusote, Mr. Bennett A. O. Sangowanwa, Dr. Festus Aina, Mr. N. A. Okuribido and Alhaji Disu Akadiri — formed a committee to establish a "Central School" for the Isonyin community. The idea was enthusiastically adopted by the community, with Chief Adewunmi Onasanya and Mr. D. B. Ogutuga leading a nationwide fundraising effort among Isonyin sons and daughters.
Official approval to establish Isonyin Grammar School as a private institution was granted by the Director of Education, Western Region, Ibadan on March 7, 1956. The school opened with religious activities on March 23, 1956 at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Isonyin. The pioneering staff were Principal Mr. Segun Akinwande and Mr. O. C. E. Madubuke, who began with an inaugural class of 23 boys.
The school today
Today, Isonyin Grammar School occupies a land area of over 100 hectares. In line with Nigeria's Universal Basic Education policy, the school has been disarticulated into separate Junior and Senior Secondary Schools.
It holds the distinction of being a flagship school for the Ogun State Government and is the only such recognised school with boarding facilities in the entire Ijebu North East Local Government Area. Students gain admission to JSS 1 through a state-organised Common Entrance Examination for flagship and model schools.
The school's development has been supported by the Old Students Association, HRM Oba Abdul-Rasheed Cossy Salami (Ilufemiloye I), the Saderiren of Isonyin, the Forum of Isonyin Professors and other notable individuals.
Milestones
Seventy years, in moments
1952
The idea is born
Six community leaders form a committee to establish a central secondary school for Isonyin.
1956
School founded
Approval granted on March 7, 1956. The school opened on March 23, 1956 with 23 boys and two pioneering staff members.
1961
WASC recognition
Recognised for the West African School Certificate examination. Thirteen students sat the first WASC exam, with seven passing in various grades.
1963
Expansion approved
The school received approval to expand to a double stream, beginning a period of significant growth.
1966
Discipline upheld
Thirteen students were expelled for rioting, reflecting the school's early commitment to discipline and order.
1970–78
Continued growth
Approvals to run three, four and then five streams of classes accommodated a growing student body.
1980
Co-educational status
A landmark year: the school was approved to become co-educational, admitting both boys and girls for the first time.
2026
Platinum Jubilee
Still Soaring at Seventy — the school marks seventy years of education, 23rd–29th March 2026.
Our values
What an IGS education stands for
Academic Excellence
A rigorous curriculum and dedicated teaching staff committed to learning and academic development.
Character
Building disciplined, responsible and confident young people — a tradition since 1956.
Leadership
Preparing students to serve, to lead and to carry the school's name with pride.
Community
A school deeply rooted in Isonyin, supported by its people, its traditional leadership and its professors.
Heritage
Seven decades of education in Ijebu North East, and generations of families who call this school theirs.
Ask us anything
Send an enquiry to the school office
Questions about our history, admissions, boarding or partnering with the school? Write to us and a member of staff will respond.