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SMC alumni give back to alma mater, urge return of schools to missionaries

By Oluwaseun Akingboye, Akure
15 July 2017   |   3:35 am
Old Students Association of Stella Maris College (SMC), Akure branch, has urged the government to return the missionary schools to their owners to redeem the falling standard of education in the country and impact positive moral values on the youth for a better future.

Old Students Association of Stella Maris College (SMC), Akure branch, has urged the government to return the missionary schools to their owners to redeem the falling standard of education in the country and impact positive moral values on the youth for a better future.

President of the association, Chief Samuel Adetuyi, said at the school premises during the official commissioning of three classroom blocks and Biology laboratory renovated by the alumni to the school management at Okitipupa, Ondo State.

Others at the event include Mr. Tola Olokungbemi; Chief S.A. Ogayemi; retired principal of the institution, Chief Michael Ogunnowo; Chief Arowojolu, Pastor Gbegudu, Mrs. Akinnusi Margaret and Mr. Akingbo Felix, Okitipupa Council Zonal Education Officer.

Adetuyi reiterated that every Nigerian student deserves the right to education in a conducive environment, recalling: “During our own time, it was perfectly conducive. The atmosphere then encouraged us to benefit maximally from the studies.

“This made the association to pool huge amount of money together to renovate the buildings that were in sordid and decrepit states.”He noted that pressing demands from government, coupled with the present economic hardship, make it extremely difficult for government to perform to expectation; hence he advocated the return of missionary schools to their original owners.

“We think most of the burden can be shed off through this. I plead with government to allow Stella Maris College to go back to the Roman Catholic Mission, so that the young ones can benefit, like we did when we were young, and all of us can benefit together.”

Adetuyi, alongside other alumni present, lauded the SMA missionaries and former principals, such as Rev Fathers F.H. Mclalghlin, P. Nelly and Owen Mckenna for their outstanding performances, urging the school management to prioritise the interests of the students.

He sought the support of other alumni for the development of the school and charged parents and guardians to positively complement the roles of the teachers and the students to be obedient, hardworking and aspire to be good ambassadors of the college. 

“All old students must join us to assist government to be able to provide the enabling environment for students to learn. “Despite some resistance in the past, we will continue to reach greater heights. I can assure you in no distance future, we will provide a school bus for this school,” he said.

Principal of the school, Mr. Joseph Olowogboyega, commended the association for giving back to their alma mater, pledging to continually instill discipline in the college and improve tremendously upon the brilliant academic performance of the students.  

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