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• Calls For Improved Education Standard
The Gaskiya College Old Students Association (GACOSA), Ijora Badia, Lagos, recently rolled its drums to mark the 60th founding anniversary of the school. The anniversary, held at the Airport Hotel, Lagos, was also used to celebrate the 25th anniversary since the death of the founder, Chief Olatunde Jonathan Lawrence.
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The president of the association, Osigbeme Atu, who is a member of the 1986 set, called on government at all levels, to improve the education standard in the country, noting that both the government and parents must come together to restore the standard of education.
“It’s a joint responsibility of the parents and the government. Some parents have neglected their responsibility due to social economic issues. Parents need to be responsible, likewise the government. Parents need to train their children and imbibe religious culture in them. They should let them know whenever they do anything wrong, they will be sanctioned not pampered,” he said.
“For the government, they should ensure the country’s economy gets better. Government should fund education. Most of the state-owned schools lack basic facilities such as chairs and tables. They should play their roles,” he added.
The General Secretary of the association, Waliu Ademola, a member of the 1989 set, who came from the United Kingdom, said the event afforded the over 2000 members of the association the opportunity to celebrate the life and times of the founder.
Reliving fond memories of the school, Ademola said many of the students who attended the school were not from rich homes as the school was situated in one of the low class suburb of the state. He added some of the students during his time could not even afford three square meals. He, however, said the economic conditions then and the disciplines inculcated in them shaped them to become successful in life individually.
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