• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

LAGOS - Pupils and management of Excelsior Islamic School, Satellite Town, Lagos, recently undertook an educational excursion to Abeokuta, Ogun State, combining classroom learning with first-hand exposure to Nigeria's rail transport system and one of the country's most iconic tourism sites, Olumo Rock. A total of 116 students and school officials participated in the trip, led by the school's proprietor, Mr. Oladokun Saheed. For many of the students, it was their first experience travelling on the new standard gauge rail line that traverses Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states. To meet the 8:00 a.m. departure schedule of the train, the entire team spent the night on the school premises. Students' hostels were filled, and classrooms were temporarily converted into supervised sleeping areas, with teachers and support staff on the ground to ensure order and safety. The atmosphere, according to some of the students, felt like a blend of a study camp and a holiday eve, as excitement about the journey made sleep come reluctantly. At about 6:00 a.m., the convoy of buses conveying the students and staff departed the school premises in Satellite Town for the Ebute Meta Train Station in Lagos. The early start was deliberate and aimed at avoiding traffic delays and ensuring that the group completed ticketing and boarding procedures without rushing. The buses arrived at the station at about 7:45 a.m., giving the students time to assemble, receive final instructions from their teachers, and observe the activities at the bustling terminal. Railway officials were seen guiding passengers through boarding protocols as the sleek standard-gauge train prepared for departure. For the students, the train ride itself was a major highlight. Many took turns sitting by the windows, watching as the urban landscape gradually gave way to stretches of greenery and semi-urban communities along the Lagos-Abeokuta corridor. Away from the clustered buildings around Agege, Fagba, Agbado, Iju, and Ifo, the coaches ran through a lonely path with vast, lush green vegetation on both sides along the railway tracks. Teachers used the opportunity to explain the economic and historical significance of rail transportation in Nigeria, pointing out how improved rail infrastructure supports tourism, trade, and regional integration. The journey ended at the Laderin Train Station in Abeokuta, named after the Nobel Laureate and literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka. From the train station, the group proceeded to the iconic Olumo Rock Tourist Centre, one of the most visited heritage sites in Ogun State. Rising prominently above the ancient city of Abeokuta, Olumo Rock holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Egba people, who reportedly used the rock as a natural fortress during inter-tribal wars in the 19th century. Tour guides at the centre led the students through the site, narrating the history of the rock and its role as a refuge during times of conflict. The pupils climbed sections of the rock under close supervision, explored its natural tunnels, and inspected the old shrines embedded within the formation. Some students and staff -- Alawaye Umuani, JSS 1; Umar Bello, SSS 1; and Mrs. Busari Amirah, a primary school teacher -- expressed joy at the panoramic view of Abeokuta from the top of the rock. From that vantage point, they could see the spread of the city -- residential buildings, markets, and roads stretching into the distance. Teachers encouraged them to reflect on how geography influenced settlement patterns and security strategies in pre-colonial times. Speaking at the PWS Train Station, Laderin, before boarding en route to Lagos, Mr. Oladokun, the school proprietor, said the trip was designed to broaden the students' understanding beyond textbooks. According to him, experiential learning plays a crucial role in shaping well-rounded individuals, noting that exposing students to national infrastructure, such as the standard gauge rail system, helps them appreciate government investments and understand how transportation connects communities. Visiting heritage sites like Olumo Rock, he added, instils respect for history, culture, and national identity. They explained that learning about historical landmarks in a classroom is different from standing at the site itself and hearing stories from local guides. Throughout the visit, school officials maintained strict supervision to ensure discipline and safety. Students were grouped and assigned to designated staff members, while regular headcounts were conducted at each stage of the trip. Beyond its academic value, the excursion also served as a bonding experience. Students from different classes interacted more freely, shared meals, and took photographs together against the scenic backdrop of the rock. For many, the memories of climbing the ancient formation and riding the train with classmates are likely to linger long after the school term ends. At the close of activities at the tourist centre, the team prepared for their return journey, retracing their route through the Professor Wole Soyinka Train Station back to Lagos. Mr. Abdul-Kareem Olokodana, Principal of the school, lauded the management and staff for the excellent logistics that ensured a seamless excursion and the authority of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) for offering the students a wonderful experience. The excursion underscored the growing link between education and domestic tourism, demonstrating how schools can use Nigeria's transport infrastructure and cultural landmarks as practical learning tools. For the 116 students and officials of Excelsior Islamic School, the trip to Abeokuta was more than a day out -- it was a first-hand journey through history, culture, and modern development. Source: https://independent.ng/domestic-tourism-excelsior-students-bridge-classroom-and-culture-on-historic-abeokuta-expedition/