In a heartwarming display of gratitude and commitment to education, the 1989/1990 set of Ikenne Community High School, Ogun State, has given back to their alma mater in a grand reunion, 35 years after graduating from the school.

The event brought together old students from within and outside the country, who shared fond memories of their school days and expressed gratitude to God for keeping them alive.

The reunion was a momentous occasion, with former students and teachers reminiscing about the good old days and celebrating the successes of their alma mater.

The chairman of the event and a former teacher at the school, Olusegun Awoyomi, recalled his journey to Ikenne Community High School.

Awoyomi, who was a young teacher at the school in 1985, praised the old students for their achievements, while advising current students to emulate the virtues of the 1989/1990 set.

“Your obedience, discipline, and thirst for knowledge laid the foundation for the successes you have achieved in life. I recall how I took some of them for quiz competitions and we won laurels. We won at the state and inter-state levels. I’m always happy seeing their faces. One of them sent me one million naira. Those are the things we gain by being teachers.

“You have set a remarkable precedent by choosing to give back to your alma mater. Your initiative to organise this debate competition is a testament to your commitment to foster academic excellence and promote healthy competition among the current crop of students,” Awoyomi said.

The Principal, Adedeji Adebisi, described the old students as “very wonderful” and urged current students to emulate their virtues.

“I will like the students to imitate what their seniors have done by giving back. When you give back, it is an inspiration to the younger ones wherever they go,” she said.

The Senior Prefect of the set, Omotayo Damola, advised current students to keep learning and never get tired of learning, saying, “Anywhere they are, their knowledge will always put them ahead.”

On her part, the Head Girl of the set, Iyabo Lawal, said the school moulded them into what they are today, and urged current students to be serious with their studies, so that they can turn out well.

“It is always good to appreciate and give back. Government cannot do it alone, so, it is the responsibility of alumni to support in this task and give back to their alma mater. It is also a way of encouraging the present crop of students to be serious with their studies so that they can turn out well, and return to the school to also contribute their quota towards its development,” she stated.

Lawal also urged the students to embrace the good sides of social media, and not be distracted with happenings on the internet.

Other old students who spoke at the event include Olumuyiwa Lukan, who advised students to respect and trust their team members, and Olubunmi Obafemi, who urged students to be dedicated and focused.

The event featured a debate competition among senior secondary school students and a quiz competition for their junior counterparts, with the aim of promoting academic excellence and healthy competition.

The gesture is a reminder of the importance of giving back to one’s alma mater and the impact it can have on the lives of current students.