Our Mission

our mission is to provide healthy, educative environment, adequate protection and care for our pupils with sound moral and intellectual training through qualified and dedicated staff

Our History

St. Joseph’s Nursery & Primary School was founded on 30th January, 1969 by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. William Mahoney (SMA) Catholic Bishop of Ilorin Diocese (1969-1982) with Rev. Sr. Therese of the Sisters of Notre Dame (SND) as the foundation Headmistress and Miss. Margret Zacchaeus (Now Mrs. Ekundayo) as the School’s first member of staff.

At the beginning, there were 16 pupils on roll, comprising six girls and ten boys. After some time, the school moved to the new classroom block completed for St. Anthony’s Secondary school and occupied one classroom (for pupils) and nourished baby, who was also sure-footed, the school developed, and by the end of the session, the pupils’ population had more than doubled..

From inception, the school has experienced monumental development; it had acquired a reputation as one of the best nursery and primary schools not only in Ilorin but throughout Kwara State. Among other notable nursery and primary schools at present, St. Joseph is like a wealthy noble among the novaeu riche. Today, over 40years after its establishment, St. Joseph’s Nursery/Primary School, Ilorin has taken FIRM, GIANT STRIDES from a Nursery School with an initial population of about 45 pupils in a classroom; to a Nursery/Primary School with a population of over 1,200 pupils. The school has grown tremendously in population and the physical structures and human capital have also greatly developed, and the spate of development increases daily. There is little wonder that the school has developed as is evident, when one takes into consideration the proprietorship, principles of Management and caliber of human resources of the school.

The proprietor of the school has been the Catholic Bishop of Ilorin (at present; Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Ayo Maria Atoyebi OP). the school has been run from inception with pragmatic educational philosophy, combined with sound Catholic education principles. The Headmistresses starting with Rev. Sr. Therese (SND) who started the school and later handed it over to the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus who are well versed in educational management and child psychology.

Over the years, the school has a steadfast development; I give kudos to all our headmistresses of the school and their tenure:

1. Rev. Sr. Therese SND 1969 – 1975

2. Rev. Mother Mary Catherine Omoaka EHJ 1975 – 1978

3. Rev. Sr. Mary Kizito Iyamabo EHJ 1978 – 1980

4. Rev. Sr. Bernadette Vivikoro EHJ 1980 – 1981

5. Rev. Sr. M.A. Ebhomielem EHJ 1981 – 1986

6. Rev. Sr. Mary Henrietta Domingo EHJ 1986 – 1991

7. Rev. Sr. Monica Obaro EHJ 1991 – 1997

8. Rev. Sr. Theresa Ocloo EHJ 1997 – 2000

9. Rev. Sr. Edith Abebe EHJ 2000 – 2005

10. Rev. Sr. Catherine Oparaji EHJ 2005 – 2010

11. Rev. Sr. Mary Anthony Okpara 2010 – 2014

12. Rev. Sr. Mary Jude 2014 – 2017

13. Rev. Sr. Patricia Mary Okafor 2017 – Date

 

The history of the school is not complete without a word on the 3 longest serving staff of this great school, they are; Mrs. G.M. Odeyemi, Mrs. L.O. Ajayi and Mrs. F.R. Abioye. Mrs. Odeyemi (fondly called “Mummy”) has been in the school since 1975 and at present, she is the Assistant Headmistress. All her children are ex pupils of this school and all are doing well in their different endeavours. Mrs. L.O. Ajayi is the School’s Secretary and one could say one of the pillars of the school, she’s been here since March 1975. There is no ex pupil who would not fondly remember “Iya Ibeji” who takes no nonsense when one is in her presence, but has great love all. Her children are also ex-pupils of this school. Mrs. F.R. Abioye (“Iya Afin” as she is fondly called) is one of the best teachers who have worked with St. Joseph’s. Her vast experience is still being utilized in the school. She has been here since 1983.