DMGS, Anambra's oldest grammar school is 100

Confucius, a Chinese philosopher speaking of life and people once said, “If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.”

It could be said and rightly too that the founders of Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha in Anambra State had this ideology in mind when they founded the institution on January 25, 1925.

DMGS Onitsha, as it is popularly known is the oldest and first grammar school in Igbo land. The school named after Archdeacon Thomas John Dennis is now 100 years old. The clergyman drowned at the sea in 1917 while he was trying to save the manuscript of the first Igbo bible.

From its inception, DMGS has remained known for discipline and high academic attainment. It is a historic educational institution in Onitsha, blending academic excellence with rich cultural heritage.

The curriculum took after that of the average English grammar school of the period and was essentially designed to produce a literary type of education.

It was meant to produce an elite that would take to the high professional jobs. It was also meant to produce highly accomplished elites who are expected to perform their professional jobs effectively and also become effective leaders.

This school is also known for its impressive architectural design that combines modern and traditional elements, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while still serving as a bustling centre of learning today.

The school boasts of interesting educational history, providing an opportunity to appreciate the role such institutions have played in shaping the educational landscape of Nigeria.

The classrooms echo stories of past scholars, and the grounds resonate with the laughter and ambitions of present-day students. While it is primarily a school, the serene environment is conducive for a brief visit, allowing tourists to soak in the academic atmosphere that has thrived for nearly a century.

As we celebrate 100 solid years of DMGS existence; it is ideal to reflect on the acronym DMGS; D-Duty, M-Magnanimity, G-Gratitude, S-Service.

The school offers a unique perspective into the heart of Onitsha’s educational heritage. DMGS is considered one of the best secondary schools in Nigeria and Africa.

Some prominent alumni of DMGS

The school has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, business, and the arts, adding to its prestigious reputation.

Some of the prominent alumni include;

Kenneth Dike

Kenneth Dike, who became the first Nigerian professor of history, was a senior prefect at DMGS in 1936. Dike went on to have a successful career in academia, medicine, and civil service.

He was the first Igbo professor, the first Nigerian vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, and the first vice-chancellor that ever came out of Africa.

Walter Eze

Walter Eze is the first Nigerian military medical doctor. Eze attended DMGS and the University College Ibadan. He founded Toronto Hospital in Onitsha in the 1950s.

Clement Onyemelukwe

Clement Onyemelukwe, who is popularly known as the “Father of Electricity” in Nigeria, graduated from DMGS in 1950. He designed the Nigerian National Grid.

Onyechi Ikpeazu

Onyechi Ikpeazu is also an alumnus of DMGS, and for his illustrious achievements, he was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the president of Nigeria. He is also a member of the Agbalanze Society of Onitsha.

Herbert Kodilinye

Herbert Kodilinye is the first professor of Ophthalmology in Nigeria and former Queen of England’s ophthalmologist.

Anezi Okoro

Anezi Okoro is a renowned writer and the first African professor of Dermatologist. He is the author of One Week One Trouble, Village Headmaster, and among others.

Alexander Animalu

Alexander Animalu attended Dennis Memorial Grammar School between 1952 and 56 for his secondary education, and the University College, Ibadan for his university education.

Animalu is a world-renowned physicist and pioneer of Solar Energy in Nigeria. He is a Nigerian academic, who is Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Charles Ogwo

Charles Ogwo, Head, Education Desk at BusinessDay Media is a seasoned proactive journalist with over a decade of reportage experience.

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