Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA) 1970-74/76 set last weekend celebrated 55 years of entering school. It was an avenue to relieve old time memories, launch a book on reflections and reminiscences, remember the departed members, renew ties and plan a brighter future for their Alma mater, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE was there
Members of Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA) were no less delighted. The excitement was palpable. They grinned from ear to ear, cracked jokes, and exchanged pleasantries amid bear hugs and firm handshakes. it was the celebration of 55 years of entering their Alma mater.
It was indeed an atmosphere of warmth and an occasion to express profound gratitude to God and “renew ties” as the anniversary chairman and erstwhile President of BAOSA, Mr. Lanre Idowu put it.
Tagged: “55th Anniversary Reunion Dinner of entering Secondary School,” the event was a gathering of friends, well-wishers and pupils of Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos.
The fairly big hall at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki, radiated glee, save for when departed members of BAOSA were remembered and honoured with minutes of silence.
The event also featured the launch of a book titled: “Five decades after, a reflection on our years at Baptist Academy”. It also featured a fundraising for the second Lawn Tennis Court project, among other activities.
Chairman of Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA) 1970-74/76 set, Tony Egoegonwa, cut a relaxed figure. He was full of gratitude that majority of members are in good health and ageing gracefully.
He said alumni intervention in education in Nigeria is the way to go, since government doesn’t have what it takes to solely improve education.
He said: “The alumni are taking it upon themselves to see that their schools are up to standard. Education is not what it used to be. During our time, we enjoyed a lot of things. We lived in boarding house and enjoyed special meals. Alumni are raising the standards to ensure future generations enjoy what they enjoyed.
“We have two projects in mind and they were the Tennis Court. Already we have commissioned one, which is now in use. We are on the second one. We want to have another one which would be for grooming pupils from other schools. Aside from sports, the old boys have done much knowing full well that government doesn’t have the wherewithal to handle education. If you come to the school, you see computers used in classrooms, we have computer centre. Then, the dining hall of the school is being rebuilt by a set. We give God the glory that we are giving back to our alma mater, which is the most important thing.
“My message to the current students is that they should continue to raise the standards of the school and shine forth the light. We want them to imbibe the spirit of honesty, hardwork and maintain relationships.”
Chairman of the anniversary committee, Idowu stressed the significance of the event, describing it as an opportunity to renew ties with one another and see how to help members of the set and the school that afforded them the opportunity to receive sound education.
On the relevance and essence of alumni associations, he said: “Alumni associations have been playing a pivotal role to improve education. They are the brand ambassadors of schools. They know what the school represents to them. They are passionate about bringing out key elements that can reposition and revitalise their alma mater. It is always part of their bragging rights; they want to speak well of their school. So, if my association is doing well, I will want to inspire others. And if others are doing well, I want to see how I can emulate them. If the proprietors understand that the role is complementary and not of rivalry, they will give them room and cooperate with them to make more impact in the society.
“My set, we bought books worth millions and donated them to the school. Also, the Tennis Court we are doing is about the biggest project so far. We are constructing the second court, the gallery will follow. Our hope is that it will be a hub for Lawn Tennis tournaments, not only for the school, but the community.”
On what inspired the book, “Five decades after: Reflections on our years at Baptist Academy”, he said: “We always say we do not document our experiences enough. So, 10 years ago when we first did 40 years of leaving school, we had a book on reflections and reminiscences. So, this time around, we decided that we should expand what we did then to something fresh. So, we looked at those values that we enjoyed and nurtured over the years. We reflected on them. The idea is that anybody who has received secondary school education, whether in Nigeria or outside, will be able to relate with some of those things we were saying. And by sharing them, we are inspiring others to document their own story. We feel that when that communal memory is well-nurtured and nourished, that is when we can have a sense of development and growth in the society.”
He admonished current students to make the best use of their opportunity, stressing that there are people who want to go to school, but don’t have the opportunity.
“So, those who have the opportunity should use it well and see it as the beginning of a greater stride in life. Nobody can take education away from you. So, when you are educated in an all-round manner, you have healthy mind and body,” he added.
