Get Guardian on Google… Omooluorogbo old students build classrooms, renovate facilities at 50
Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the weekend, called on stakeholders and financially capable alumni to partner with government in addressing infrastructural deficits in public schools and improving access to quality education.
Aiyedatiwa made the call, which came as old students of Omooluorogbo Grammar School, Akure, marked the institution’s 50th anniversary with a series of interventions, including the construction and furnishing of a four-classroom block, renovation of the school hall and administrative offices, provision of a generator, construction of a perimeter fence, and donation of exercise books.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sunday Olajide, stated that the contributions of alumni were essential to sustaining the development of educational institutions and urged old students to give back to their alma mater.
Aiyedatiwa noted that government could not single-handedly fund the education sector, stressing the need for old students and other stakeholders to complement its efforts through meaningful contributions to the development of their alma mater.
He urged the old students to see the anniversary as an opportunity to renew their commitment to the school that provided them with the foundation for their achievements in different fields of endeavor.
According to the governor, collaboration between government, alumni, and other stakeholders would help bridge the infrastructural gap in public schools and create a more conducive learning environment for students.
On his part, the Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee and former Commissioner for Information in the state, Kayode Akinmade, described giving back to the school as a responsibility and a way of appreciating the institution for providing the foundation upon which they built their careers and achieved success in life.
Akinmade said the interventions were aimed at improving the school’s infrastructure, creating a more conducive learning environment, and ensuring that current students benefited from facilities that would enhance their academic performance.
As part of the interventions, Akinmade undertook the construction and furnishing of a four-classroom block, as well as the provision of a generator to improve power supply in the school.
Similarly, Dr. Munirat Ogunlayi undertook the renovation of the school hall, while Mr. Oluwole Adelabu renovated the staff office and administrative block.
Other interventions included the construction of a perimeter fence to improve the security of the school environment and protect its facilities, as well as the donation of exercise books to support students’ learning.
The old students also established a student support program to provide financial assistance to indigent students to enable them to meet the costs of their junior secondary school examinations and West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
Akinmade said the projects were designed to improve the physical condition of the school, provide additional classroom space, and enhance the working environment for teachers and other members of staff.
He said the interventions reflected the determination of the alumni to complement government’s efforts in the education sector, adding that the development of public schools should not be left to government alone.
He called on other former students to identify with the institution and contribute their quota towards sustaining its legacy, noting that investments in education would benefit younger generations and society at large.
