Sanwo-Olu to Attend Baptist Academy 170th Anniversary as BAOSA Inducts Dr. Are into Order of Excellence
One of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected educational institutions, Baptist Academy, is set to honour Dr. Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, alongside 169 distinguished alumni, as part of its 170th anniversary celebration scheduled for October 2025.
The milestone event, organised by the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council (NEC), and members of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA), aims to celebrate outstanding individuals whose achievements and contributions have continued to uphold the school’s enduring legacy of excellence.
In a statement, the anniversary organising committee announced that:
“As part of this landmark celebration, BAOSA will induct 170 exceptional alumni into the BAOSA Order of Excellence—a recognition reserved for old students across generations who have brought honour to the school through academic distinction, professional excellence, charitable service, and commitment to the association.”
The committee added that the honourees were carefully selected after a rigorous review process and will be formally celebrated at a special award luncheon marking the 170th anniversary.
Reacting to the honour, Dr. Are described the recognition as “deeply humbling and inspiring,” noting that it reinforces his resolve to continue contributing to humanity. He also praised BAOSA for its diligence in curating the list of honourees and commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for accepting to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the historic occasion.
“Collaborations like this reflect the strength of the BAOSA community and the lasting influence of Baptist Academy on generations past and present,” Dr. Are added.
A proud alumnus and accomplished athlete, Dr. Ademola Are distinguished himself early as Sports Prefect at Baptist Academy before continuing his athletic and leadership journey at the University of Lagos, where he not only represented the institution at the NUGA Games but also served as Sports Secretary of the Students’ Union Government (1983/84). His passion for sports excellence later saw him represent Team Nigeria on the international stage.
As a visionary sports administrator, Dr. Are played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National Youth Games and led the Grassroots Sports Development initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, earning widespread recognition for his innovation, leadership, and enduring contributions to the advancement of sports in Nigeria.
