C.M.S ‘97 set flags off projects for alma mater

The ‘97 Set of Nigeria’s oldest secondary school, C.M.S Grammar School, Lagos, has flagged off two projects to commemorate 25 years of leaving school.

The ceremony was attended by President of Old Grammarians’ Society; Mr Olu Vincent, first Vice President; Dr Dipo Arigbede, Principal of the school; Rev. Jacob Ogunyinka, patron of the set and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.

Chairman of the set, Mr Michael Otue, said they decided to give back to the school by undertaking two projects that will enhance teaching and learning.

He said: “What we are doing is to follow footsteps of men that have gone ahead of us by upholding the name of the school. When we thought of what to give back, we wanted a project that will impact teachers and students. This is the reason we have chosen to undertake these projects.”

Ogundipe, who is the patron of the set, commended members for giving back to their alma mater. Arigbede also commended the set for finding it worthy to give back to the school.

He said: “I commend your set for your contributions toward Founder’s Day and moving OGS forward. You are a very promising set and you have laid a good foundation for others to follow.

Anniversary Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Seun Soneye, said when completed, the refurbished staff room will be fitted with state-of-the-art furniture for teachers.

He said: The new staff room will be fitted with new workstations, window blinds, microwave oven, wash hand basin, storage, fans and air conditioning systems. The plan for the landscaping is to have a green area where students can sit and enjoy fresh air, read their novels and relax. We are hoping this will set the standard for all other sets.”

While appreciating the set for the noble gesture, Vincent commended the vision behind the initiative and charged other sets to continue to do more in uplifting the academic and infrastructural development of the school.

In his remarks, the principal, thanked the set on behalf of the proprietors and managers of the school for the kind gesture. He expressed his happiness that the projects were happening at this time in the history of the school.

Ogunyinka said: “When the set informed me of these projects, what I told them was they must seek proper approval and they did. I am very happy. On behalf of the proprietors of the school, the five dioceses in Lagos. You have come at the right time to do what we are thinking and planning. By bringing this, God will beautify your life. Thank you so much.

The projects are expected to be completed by May 30, and formally commissioned with other projects being undertaken by other celebrating sets on June 6, as part of events to mark the 163rd anniversary of the school.