Fijai Senior High School at Sekondi in the Western Region has launched its 70th anniversary, on the theme ‘Seven decades of holistic education through thick and thin’. The anniversary celebration has been slated for February 28 to March 6, 2022.
Activities will include lectures, fund raising and homecoming; there will also be showcasing of Fijai’s contributions to nurturing Ghana’s human resources and national development in a mixed-school environment.
Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, in an address read for him congratulated Fijai Senior High on the launch of its 70th anniversary celebration.
“I know this institution has been through this achievement and more; as you celebrate seven decades of holistic education through thick and thin, I implore you to apply the lessons to improve a stronger teacher-student relationship and encourage self-confidence among students,” he said, urging the school to continue its good work.
Kenneth Dotse Agbomadzi, Headmaster of Fijai Senior High School said: “Fijai, since its establishment, has achieved numerous successes and made tremendous contributions to national development with some alumni who continue to excel in various fields of endeavour, both at home and abroad.
“In February 2022, this great school will be 70 years old. 70 years of tremendous contribution to the development of Ghana and beyond is no mean achievement. Fijai Senior High has provided quality education to students from all walks of life,” he added.
Mr. Agbomadzi appealed for all stakeholders to get involved in the 70th anniversary for all to celebrate it in a grand style. He noted that the school has no gate or fence-wall to protect its lands, and urged old students to support in this direction.
Bernard Baffour Awuah, President of Fijai Old Students Association (FOSA), said Young Souls are proud to be associated with the celebration of their alma mater which laid the foundation for their personal development.
He said the group will reflect on the school’s vision – which includes placing education closer to the daily lives of the people; meeting the expectations of schooling and basic health; providing children with relevant skills; ensuring their future study and career opportunities; and also ensuring value for money.
Mr. Awuah pointed out that Fijai deserves an ICT laboratory and an online E-library to enable students move in pace with the technology world.
The Omanhene of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nkestiah V, spoke about the exploits of pioneers who cherished living honest lives and also influenced both the academic and sports fields in Sekondi. He noted that Fijai has provided educational opportunities for people such as the railwaymen whose children could not afford boarding school in Cape Coast.
“We need to let the educational sector grow. It is a great occasion that Fijai is celebrating its 70 years. We want Fijai to go higher and higher. Let the young ones understand that we want to make it better. It is a unique school and there are lot of stories to tell,” he added.
Felicia Agyeibea, Western Regional Director of Education, acknowledged the great contributions of pioneers, including past and present students, saying: “The collective efforts of stakeholders in Fijai High will continue spurring it to climb another enviable pedestal”.
Nii Lante Cleland, Chairman of Fijai’s Board said: “I became associated with the school through the sports fraternity, I am happy Fijai is making history”.
Background of Fijai SHS
Birthed in 1952, the great school – as part of the 1951 Accelerated Plan for Education of the then Gold Coast government – was established to provide quality education to brilliant students who could not afford the boarding schools in Cape Coast.
It was inaugurated by the Paramount Chief of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketisah 1V, on January 29, 1952 with 38 boys and six girls, with the first headmaster from Mfantsipim School, Cape Coast.
Presently, the school has a population of 2,728 students as at the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year – with girls now outnumbering boys. Classes were held in buildings of Sekondi Old Hospital and it was named Sekondi Day Secondary School. It was also referred to as the ‘Mfanstipim of the West’. The school moved to Fijai and was named Fijai Secondary School, and later Fijai Senior High School.
