Ijebu Ode Grammar School (JOGS) is a boys-only secondary school located in the Ijebu Ode local government area of Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria. Founded on January 20, 1913, it holds the historic distinction of being the oldest secondary school in Ijebuland, the second oldest in Ogun State, and one of the oldest educational institutions in Nigeria.
The institution was established by the Church Missionary Society (CMS), also known as the Anglican Mission. While Christianity and Western education were openly embraced by the Ijebu people following historical shifts in 1892, a dedicated secondary school did not materialize until two decades later.
The school officially opened on Monday, January 20, 1913, through the determination of its founder and first Principal, Rev. S.J. Gansallo. He received critical assistance from Revd. J.A. Cole of Christ Church and several resident pastors of St. Saviour’s Church. The school commenced in a humble private building donated by Late Pastor J.B. Sadare, launching with an initial intake of 14 foundational students. Alongside the principal, Pa D.M. Okusaga served as one of the school’s earliest and most influential indigenous teachers.
The school outgrew its temporary, private quarters over its first few decades. In 1938, Ijebu Ode Grammar School moved permanently to its expansive current site.
Over the course of its history, notable educators took the helm to shape its academic path. For instance, the renowned nationalist and educational reformer Rev. Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti (the first student of Abeokuta Grammar School) served as the Principal of JOGS starting in 1919. During his tenure, his engagement with intellectual debates and lectures laid the groundwork for regional educational associations.
Founder and first principal of the institution.
Later transferred to Ibadan Grammar School.
Renowned educationist and founding member of the AIONIAN Brotherhood. Father of ‘the father of Afrobeats’ music genre, Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Took over the administration as the school settled into its permanent site in 1938
Former Vice-Principal of Adisadel College, Ghana. Worked in conjunction with the renowned classical musician, Fela Sowande, in composing the school anthem in 1953. First principal at the current, permanent site.
– one of the longest serving principals of the school
JOGS is a founding member of the elite “AIONIAN” Brotherhood of Schools, established around 1929/1930. The acronym represents four of the oldest secondary institutions in Yorubaland that pioneered collective quiz and sports festivals in Nigeria: Abeokuta Grammar School, Ijebu Ode Grammar School, Ondo Boys High School, and Ibadan Grammar School.
The school operates under the Latin motto “NON NOBIS DOMINE”, which translates to “Not unto us, O Lord”. It reflects the institution’s deep-rooted missionary philosophy of humility and channeling academic enlightenment toward service to God.
Named in honour of Rev. S J Gansallo, the founder and first principal of the school
