Alumni of Progressive Secondary Grammar School (PSGS), Tede in Oyo State under the auspices of Progressive Old Students’ Association, have eulogised the virtues of the pioneer principal of the school, Chief Jonathan Adebunmi Adeleke.
The old students described late Adeleke who died recently as “a visionary builder, a teacher of teachers, a prudent manager of resources, and a destiny moulder whose influence shaped generations.”
They made these declarations in a statement signed by Interim National President of the association, Dr Funso Folaranmi, and Interim National Secretary, Tajudeen Alabede.
The duo in the statement issued on behalf of all old students of the school, explained that the Atayese of Tedeland who passed away recently, facilitated developmental interventions that provided the right infrastructure for conducive learning and teaching environment in the school.
The association further described the deceased as a monumental loss to the school, Tede town, Ede town, Oyo and Osun States, and Nigeria at large.
The statement said, “Appointed in 1976 as the first principal of PSGS following its upgrade from a modern school, Chief Adeleke laid the foundation for the institution’s rise in academics, sports, and cultural development. By 1981, he had successfully graduated the school’s first set of students, many of whom went on to become leaders across Nigeria and beyond. His philosophy of balanced education – intellectual, physical, and spiritual – shaped generations and instilled integrity, resilience, and service-mindedness.
“Chief Adeleke facilitated developmental interventions that provided the right infrastructure for a great learning environment. These included the establishment of science laboratories reputed to be among the best in Old Oyo North Division. These facilities served not only PSGS but also neighbouring schools during terminal examinations.
“His passion for sports was unmatched. Under his stewardship, PSGS won laurels at divisional, state, and national competitions, including a gold medal in the 400 metres dash at the 1977 All Nigeria Secondary Schools Games in Kaduna and victory for the female handball team at Owerri ’78.
“Originally from Ede town in today’s Osun State, Chief Adeleke made Tede his home and forged deep bonds with students and the community. In 1984, his immense contributions were formally recognised when the then Onitede of Tede, Oba Salami Olukokun Aderounmu Alebiosun II, conferred on him the prestigious title of Atayese of Tedeland. The honour symbolised his role as a transformational leader whose work resonated across Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.
“At POSAT’s Night of Tributes held on April 7, 2026, the Onitede of Tede, Oba Abdul Rauf Adebimpe Oladoyin, led community and religious leaders, school management, staff representatives, old students and other stakeholders who testified to Chief Adeleke’s enduring influence. The Association plans to immortalise his contributions through a legacy project during PSGS, Tede’s 50th anniversary celebrations later this year”.
