Oyo State Government has again restated its commitment to collaboration with development partners, privileged individuals, Association, and organized body towards developing the state across various critical sectors.
The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed ADELABU reiterated this on Thursday, September 28 at the commissioning of multi-million building projects donated by old students association of Urban Day Grammar School, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
The well equiped multi-million naira building projects include laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Home Economics, Alumni building, and a block of classrooms.
The fully furnished laboratories were named after pioneer principals which include Chief Mrs Adenrele Taiwo, Mrs Mojisola Fajemirokun, and Mrs Clementina Thomas.
The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusanjo Joel ADENIYI, expressed gratitude to the old students association of Urban Day Grammar School for the gesture urging others to emulate such show of support as a way of giving back to the society.
He disclosed that the provisions would in no mean measure go a long way to compliment efforts of the state government in the area of providing qualitative and affordable education for all in government public schools.
“Oyo state; under the able leadership of Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has shown strong determination in its efforts at the repositioning of the education sector. These government’s landmark achievements are numerous to mention.
“The introduction of free and qualitative education in the state, the regular payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances, the promotion of teachers and Civil Servants as and when due, provision of 26,500 pairs of furniture for students, appointment of over 5,000 teachers and 692 education officers, purchase of science equipment, sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), organization of intervention classes for graduating SSCE students, purchase of textbooks for students, across the state, construction of over 50 model classroom buildings and so on.” Prof Adelabu said.
Earlier in his welcome address, President of Urban Day Grammar School Old Students Association, Sanya AKANDE, who went memory lane as a starter in the secondary school, explained how education has shaped up his life and other members of the old students association for good forever.
Addressing journalists shortly after the event, Akande disclosed that the Old Students Association has expended over 100 million naira on several developmental projects in the last four years to return the old glory of public school back to the school, stressing that more needed to be done and only through collective efforts of willing hands ready to give back to the society can that be achieved.
While stressing the importance of education to nation building and the strength of any society committed to development, Akande listed some of the old students association members who are doing very well for themselves in their chosen careers to include Dr Adesola Kazeem ADEDUNTAN, who is the current GMD, First Bank of Nigeria, a Math Tutor and Oil Rig Engineer; Engr. Iskeel Ismael, a successful entrepreneur; Mike Adedipe, whose charity Foundation singlehandedly donated an ultra modern examination hall and a block of classrooms.
Others according to Akande include Oladele Tanimowo, who runs a successful private school in Ogun state with affiliation to the University of Ibadan, and Professor Bose Fasoriyo, who lectures at the Obafemi Awolowo University and many others.
“They all share a common thread-they are all proud products of our public school education system.
“The time to unequivocally invest in the young generation is now. Although, our generation may not witness the immediate returns on this investment, our country will undoubtedly be a better place for our children’s children. Tomorrow’s leaders will write our names on every corner of our towns and cities as unselfish visionaries of this age.” Akande added.
Speaking on behalf of the students and the school management, the current school Principal, Mrs Adewunmi Olabimpe, and the Chairman of Egbeda local government Mr Sikiru Sanda, in their separate remarks called on other education stakeholders to emulate the good gesture of the Association, which they described as a clear demonstration of helping the government in moving the education sector forward.
Highlights of the event include cutting of commemorative cake, presentation of awards to distinguished individuals, cultural display by students of the school, recitation of the school anthem by both old and current students of the school, and entertainment.
