Two words are paramount in any educational set up; these words are “administration” and “organization.” Let us examine them one after the other. The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, International Student’s Edition, describes organization as the act of making arrangements or preparations for something. The same dictionary also describes organization in two different ways; a body and a controlling agency and, setting up of things. In the words of J.B. Sears, organization is a machine for doing work. It may be composed primarily of persons, materials, ideas, concepts, symbols, forms, rules, principles or more often, a combination of these. Organizing a school is therefore nothing but setting up of an institution. In other words, a standard school is established with a view to making it function properly. What is Administration? The word administration comes from a Latin word “minister” which means a service is rendered to others for their welfare. The Oxford Advanced Learners' Dictionary (International Edition) defines administration as the activities that are done in other to plan, organize and run a business, school or other institutions. The term educational administration is concerned with the formulation, execution and appraisal of educational policies. A dictionary of education defines administration as, “All those techniques and procedures employed in operating the organization in accordance with established policies.” Thirty years ago, to be precise, on January 6 1986, GOF International Schools took off in Ejigbo in the then Oyo State of Nigeria. Little did the directors know that the school will rise to become a great icon among its contemporaries in Nigeria today. Good organization and administration have enhanced the laudable achievements the school has recorded so far. It would not be an overstatement that great men and women have passed through the tutelage of our seasoned and astute administrator and technocrat; Chief and Mrs. Olugbenga Olowe (JP). The managerial acumen of Chief Gbenga Olowe coupled with the highly productive technical prowess of Mrs. Oyefunke Olowe has helped maintain equilibrium in the administration of the schools. This feat notwithstanding, the appointment of a seasoned school administrator with years of productive organization and administrative experience, has been an added advantage to the administration of the schools. Today, GOF Schools stand as a great icon being admired among its contemporaries in Nigeria and even ashore the boarders of the country. GOF School is truly an international school for there is a sister school in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, a school that has received worthy commendation by the Nigerian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire. One would marvel at the organogram of the schools, the spirit of cooperation among the members of non-teaching and teaching staff, an efficient Cooperative, Thrift and Credit Society, a functional clinic, and others. These are in addition to the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment already put in place for the smooth running of the schools. Take for instance; the cleaners do not see themselves as a separate entity but part and parcel of the success story in the administration of the schools. Similarly, the drivers do not feel insignificant in the administration of the schools. The fact is that the school has taken a holistic approach in the organization and administration of the schools and, is marching forward! The organizational and the administrative skills put in place by the school management have resulted in resounding successes that have been recorded so far. Therefore, our pupils and students could stand and beat their chest anywhere in the world that they are indeed lucky to be in an international school of repute such as GOF International Schools. Pastor S. O. Ibidapo

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