Bolaji Obabiyi (intern)
The 1986 set of the Egba Obafemi Community Grammar School Old Students Association (EOCGSOSA) on Wednesday donated exercise books to students of the school with a pledge for additional support for the development of the institution.
Penpushing reports that the gestures held at the school premises located in Obafemi community in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State was part of activities to mark 40 years after they left the school.
The anniversary celebration, brought together members of the 1986 set led by its chairman, Engr. Morufu Alao, as well as school management, teachers, students and representatives of the old students association.
Penpushing further reports that Alao speaking at the event, described the gathering as a historic occasion, noting that the set had returned four decades after spending five years at the school.
The leader of the set explained that the occasion was an opportunity for the old students to appreciate God for preserving their lives and to give back to the institution that shaped their lives.
Penpushing also reports that he urged the students to remain focused, resilient, determined and diligent in their studies, while warning them against peer pressure, cultism and other social vices.
The chairman said the old students considered their contribution to the school as a form of appreciation for the education and foundation they received from the institution, adding that the set had also responded to information about the damaged staff quarters.
Penpushing reports that Alao stated that the former students had taken steps to remove the affected structure as part of their contribution to the school, assuring that they would continue to do what they could to complement the efforts of government in developing the school.
“We cannot leave everything for the government to do. That is why we are waking up to have people do one or two things. We would continue to work with the school authorities to address some of its needs’, he said
Penpushing further reports that Alao appealed to the teachers and school authorities to continue presenting their needs to government while the old students also make their own contributions.
The chairman disclosed that the 1986 set was planning to return to the school next year to join in activities marking the 50th anniversary of the institution, stressing that the group intended to leave something tangible behind.
Penpushing also reports that Principal of the Junior School, Mrs. Bosari, appreciated the old students for their support to both the junior and senior schools, and equally appealed to the association to assist the school with the construction of a perimeter fence, describing it as an urgent need in view of security concerns.
The Principal said the school currently engages two security personnel to provide security from morning till evening, pointing out that each security guard receives N120,000 monthly, and appealed to the old students and other stakeholders to support the school in reducing its infrastructure and security challenges.
Penpushing reports that Global President of the old students association, Prof Olufunso Sonde in his remarks commended the 1986 set for returning to the school to celebrate and give back to their alma mater.
The President represented by Dr. Folorunsho Jolaoso said the members of the 1986 set attended the school between 1981 and 1986 and had demonstrated the association’s commitment to supporting the school and its current students.
Penpushing further reports that, he, however, drew attention to the poor state of infrastructure in the school, noting that only two classrooms and an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) room were currently available for use in the senior school, while several other classroom blocks were in a state of disrepair.
The Global President disclosed that in the junior school, only one block of three classrooms was available for use, while the roof of another classroom block had been removed for renovation but was yet to be completed.
Penpushing also reports that he added that the building housing the school’s science laboratory had equally collapsed and was no longer useful, despite the availability of equipment needed by students for learning.
The President disclosed that, letters had been sent to the Ogun State Ministry of Education concerning the condition of the school, while the Commissioner for Education had promised to intervene.
Penpushing reports that Sonde urged the old students to continue thinking of ways to contribute to the improvement of infrastructure in their alma mater, while the occasion ended with renewed calls for greater collaboration among the old students, school management, government and other stakeholders to improve the learning environment.
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