Mayflower School was founded on 27 January 1956 by Tai Solarin,[1] a Nigerian educator, humanist and civil rights pioneer.

Mayflower preaches a strong educational philosophy grounded in self-reliance, self-sacrifice, public service and physical toughness.

A rigorous, military-style living regimen requires that every student wake up at 5:00 am for physical exercise including running and in-field stretches.

The students wear a uniform styled after Tai Solarin's trademark apparel —simple khaki shorts and short-sleeve shirts.

[4] In 1962, 13 American college and university students spent June and July at Mayflower under the sponsorship of Operation Crossroads Africa.