… Emerges Uso Grammar School Old Students’ President

The Dean of Postgraduate Studies at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Prof. Tokunbo Adaja, has stressed that old students’ associations have become the primary lifeline for public schools in Nigeria, with alumni now funding renovations, employing teachers, and providing essential learning materials to prevent the total collapse of the system.

According to Adaja, with government funding dwindling and infrastructure decaying, the growing role of alumni is an indictment of government failure and a necessary intervention.

The JABU don stated this shortly after his election as president of the 1982 set of the Uso Grammar School Old Students’ Association.

Adaja disclosed that his set had to raise funds from personal resources to renovate parts of Uso Grammar School in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, including plastering and repainting dilapidated buildings, just to create a minimally conducive environment for students.

“From our limited resources, we can also assist because these children are the leaders of tomorrow. We need to provide them with sound education and the necessary resources to achieve their ambitions,” Adaja said.

The professor, who graduated from the institution in 1982, noted that the association comprises accomplished professionals, including professors, military officers, police officers, lawyers, engineers, architects, doctors, and pastors, both in Nigeria and the diaspora, and stated that his election was “a call to service” and an opportunity to give back to the system that produced him.

“It is just a call to service. We left school about 44 years ago, and many of us have not met physically since then, although we interact online. When my name came up, I accepted the nomination because it is about giving back to the system that produced me,” he said.

Adaja, who previously served as chairman of the Publicity Committee during the school’s 50th anniversary celebration, said his two-year tenure would prioritize rebuilding relationships among classmates and mobilizing members toward meaningful contributions to their alma mater’s development.

“My priority is to build bridges and mobilize my colleagues so that together we can move the association forward and make a meaningful impact on our school. We want to come together and positively influence the younger generation by making the school more conducive for learning,” he said.

While emphasizing that governments cannot single-handedly shoulder the burden of educational development, Adaja insisted that governments at all levels were falling short of their responsibilities.

“Let us be realistic; government cannot do everything. But in our own state, government is not doing enough. If you visit many of these schools, you will be shocked by their condition. Government is not doing enough.

“The administrators should be held responsible. Every school has a principal or head teacher. If students are destroying facilities, it shows there is a gap in administration. There must be discipline, accountability, and proper supervision. Where necessary, parents and law enforcement agencies should be involved to ensure students are properly guided,” he said.

Adaja expressed hope that with commitment from both government and alumni associations, public schools could still receive the support needed to produce future leaders and sustain quality education.