The Nation Newspaper

Tag: OLD STUDENTS

  • UNILAG old students give back after 20 years

    The 1994 set of Political Science, University of Lagos (UNILAG) have celebrated their 20 years of graduating from the institution with a donation of public address system to their department.

    Head, Department of Political Science, Prof Browne Onuoha, said he was delighted by the donation of the 4Amaz AL 1504 1000W PMPO public address system – the first gift from any alumni of the department.

    “We cannot wait for the government to provide everything for us.  This set has done what no other set has done to the department. This is the first a student will give back. They initiated this so that others could follow.  The public address system is one of those things we need, because when we have large classes, straining your voice to reach everybody is a problem.  It is like they know what our need is, and stated from where it is itching us most.  Almost all our classes will have them,” he said.

    One of the alumni, Babatunde Tijani said the gift was presented on the date of their 20th anniversary.

    Tijani said: “We were admitted in 1989 and we finish the four-year course on August 28, 1994. We are here to give back in our own little way to the department that has invested so much in us and made us who we are and we are here to celebrate with head of department, teaching, non-teaching and some representatives in the department of political science.

    “The 1994 set waited so long because getting its members was not easy since members are spread all over the world and it was difficult gathering them.  Twenty is a remarkable figure and we also felt that it is better than ever. For being alive for two decades is a thing for us to give thanks and give back in our own little way. The saying goes that any river that forgets its source will dry up, but we want to be progressive that is why we are here today.”

    Dr. Derin Ologbenla of the department said the faculty and alumni would set up a platform to interact and connect so that a relationship will be bridged.

    “We will organise end of year dinner and party to bring old and present students together,’’ he said.

  • Our Girls; Old students, MPR

    Our Chibok Girls were kidnapped on April 15, 2014. Release the remaining Chibok girls. Inexplicably, our Dapchi girl-child, 15, Leah Sharibu is not released.

    We must establish Old Students Associations, OSA, in all primary schools. This encouraging act will get millions to assist primary school development. It will build on secondary school OSAs success which has provided billions to substitute for negligent authorities and the ministries, governors and state assemblies which underfund and abuse the inadequate education budget. Plagued with low education quality, Nigeria provides 1/6th of the UN recommended 26% of the budget for education. Nigeria runs an annual education budget of 3-5% subject to fraud and non-release reducing such budgets to 2-3% too miniscule to grow the brains of 70+million youth. Do not be deceived by those who proclaim ‘government cannot do it alone’. Government can do far more for education alone. Citizens and Corporate Nigeria are to supplement.

    Before Prof Is-haq Olarewaju Oloyede was appointed registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), N7,000,000,000 was probably stolen annually, oiling corruption in education. Are other multi-billion naira arms of the Ministry of Education -ETF, TET Fund, UBEC and SPEB? Congratulate President Buhari for appointing Prof Oloyede over the negative voices of ‘Corruption Fighting Back’ CFB Party. Buhari should investigate those opposed to Prof Oloyede’s appointment. Did they benefit from the annual N7billion in past years?  If politicians, civil servants, contractors and political parties stopped stealing, government could do its own share alone in education.

    Government in Nigeria has been made up of little small-minded selfish, citizen-neglecting, greedy men and women in big robes and boubous who hide billions behind statements about the pains of development while neglecting their responsibility to citizens. We hear of billions diverted even if wily lawyers and ‘anti-prison’ admission to hospital, thwart convictions! This is not the price or consequence of democracy, but demonic ‘billion-billion’ kleptomania while citizens suffer, becoming victims of criminality or criminals themselves. They refuse to do what governments can do for development.

    Just N1,000,000,000 of the many billions padded or stolen from an education budget is loss to 4,000 schools of N250,000 for laboratory equipment, 3-500 library books and a complete set of Chess, Scrabble board games with table and lawn tennis, field sports equipment like hurdles, javelin, weights, shot-put, whistle annually. But the loss is in many billions reducing the earning potential to self and Nigeria of a 30 school years of Nigerian students. No, our governments have no excuse considering what will be spent by INEC and politicians during the coming elections estimated at N750b -N1 trillion and also with the production of up to N1billion face posters of politicians but these politicians will never authorize school posters purchased or produced by ministries of education.

    Contractors on the Iwo Road, Ibadan have abused their moral responsibility not to punish the citizens during construction. The contractors and supervising government engineers are abusive of citizens’ rights by rendering major junctions almost un-motorable. To add to the insult, this atrocity is within sight of Government House, thus disrespecting and insulting the governor! The Maryhill and the Civic Centre junctions are a nightmare. Government must call the contractor to order and force the contractor to maintain decent temporary junctions even if they refuse to make the roads they have torn up motorable, notably Iwo –Akobo-Ojurin road, during the prolonged phase of construction which raises dangerous laterite dust for months. It cannot be right for contractors to inflict such maximum pain for a development gain. Is this ‘democracy pain for development pain’?

    There are government responsibilities to be taken to develop Nigeria while the National Assembly (NASS) is distracted with the repetitive struggle to clarify its permanent and seasonal pre-identity crisis.

    This NASS crisis is self-manufactured and macabre entertainment while the nation’s real news, the murders and police extrajudicial killings take the inside pages. Shame. The political shenanigans are ‘changing of the political garb’. Who has moved from party to party the most? Perhaps we should offer an award? Politicians love awards. They demonstrate no consistent ideology, no puritanical or logical distinction between progressive and conservative policy positions.  Movements between parties are so frequent now that politicians must be reminded by their personal assistant whose side they are on today. To keep track we should demand that whenever their NASS names are called, or used, they will be followed by the initials of their current party, their last party, second last party, and more. Mr So-and-so, PDP, APC, PDP, SDP, APGA to ‘give’ discredit to whom discredit is due for an Any Government In Power (AGIP) person. Political prostitution is producing the usual rash of diseases to infect us all, notably greed and kleptomania!

    So CBN seeks to increase the Monetary Policy Rate of 14%, further stifling any helpful business and personal loans. MPR of 14% goes to CBN coffers, killing business and family life. What does CBN do with the money it accumulated from such 14% out of the 21-30% that banks charge? Worldwide only 6/54 African countries and 4/74 other countries have rates similar or higher to Nigeria while more than 80 countries have rates 0- 13%. CBN leave us alone. What is the salary and perks of a CBN Director?

     

    • Uncover ‘I LOVE NIGERIA’ KNOWLEDGEABLE CANDIDATES for 2019 -SDG 16. 

  • Old students urged to assist alma mater

    Stakeholders in the education sector have been urged to collaborate for the development of the ailing sector.

    National President of Oyemekun Grammar School Akure (OGSA) Old Students Association Dr Olaoye Adegoke, spoke during a news conference marking the 65th anniversary of the school.

    Adegoke, represented by his deputy, Olugbenga Fabilola, said it had become imperative for the government to partner stakeholders to address dilapidated infrastructure and improve standard of education in public secondary schools.

    He assured that OGSA would not fail by asking the government to look into areas where the school system ails critically.

    “It is high time the government realised that it could not fund education alone. The resources available to it amid other competing demands should encourage government to seek financial options.

    “The facilities we have are old and have given way; therefore, the government needs to caution itself on free service that will not deliver efficiency and quality.

    “The government needs to partner parent-teachers’ associations (PTA), old students’ association, philanthropist,” he said.

    He argued that some schools should be returned to their original owners who are desirous of having them back and at beneficial terms. He also said the government should caution people on encroachment so the former could beef up more security in schools.

    Adegoke said it was disheartening that the land at the school premises has been encroached upon, saying the old students would liase with the government to reverse it.

    Adegoke faulted abolition of boarding school system which he said turned out as drawbacks for the education sector.

    Equally, the old students appreciated those that have passed through the school for maintaining its brand of handwork, courage and indomitable stance of spirit.

    Appreciating the association, the school Senior Prefect, Rotimi Akingbesote promised to imbibe culture of discipline and hard work.

     

  • Old students visit alma mater, plan intervention

    The 2001 set of Saint Joseph Secondary School (SJSS), Idimangoro, Agege, Lagos has visited their alma mater to assess the state of the school and plan development projects that would ensure a conducive learning environment its current pupils.

    Akinyemi Akintan, chairman of the SJSS 01 set, told The Nation that the aim of the visit was to  introduce themselves to the principal officers of the school and share their outlined plans to move the school to greatness.

    He said: “It was a wonderful time stepping into the school compound once again. The nostalgic feeling was quite overwhelming. We met with the Principal, Mr Iseyemi, who received us warmly and advised us on core areas of interventions required by the school.’’

    Akintan added that the alumni decided to undertake the visit to mobilise members both within and outside Nigeria to  contribute to the growth of the school.

    “The school as it is in a state of dilapidation and the environment is not conducive for learning. We were better off in our time than the current set.  However, hope is not lost. It gladdens my heart to see that many other old students’ sets are keen on working towards reconstruction of the school. This goes to show the impact the school has made in the lives of those who were privileged to pass through it”.

    The set also gathered for their first reunion at the De Dems Event Centre in Akowonjo. The union, which would be their first meeting after 16 years of separation, presented an opportunity for them to deliberate on infrastructural projects for the school.

  • School woos old students for golden jubilee

    School woos old students for golden jubilee

    Ahead of its golden jubilee celebration in May, the first primary school in Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, Hope Children’s School, is calling on its former pupils for support.

    In an interview, its Proprietress, Mrs Tolu Oladapo Sodimu, daughter of its late founder, Mrs Alicemay Oyin Oladipo, said the school had produced successful leaders in various fields whom it is looking for to participate in the 50th anniversary.

    “My team and I have done detailed research to locate old students of the school, especially on social media for our HOPE@50 celebration. We have found quite a few, but are still looking for everyone who has ever walked through our walls. If you’re an old student and you are reading this, please get in touch with us! We have an alumni page on Facebook – HOPE CHILDREN SCHOOL APAPA ALUMNI GROUP and we have a phone number for those who are looking to find out more information and get involved. Hope at 50 should have a formidable old students association and we are appealing to our old students to reach out to their alma mater and to celebrate and support us,” she said.

    Mrs Sodimu said the school was founded January 23, 1968 but the anniversary thanksgiving has been scheduled to hold May 1 to coincide with the memorial anniversary of its founder, the late Mrs Oladipo.

    Having existed for five decades, Mrs Sodimu said Hope Children’s School has become a family school, where workers, pupils and their parents feel a sense of belonging.

    “We are a family and community-oriented school. We have generations of families in the school. I have students who attended in the 60s whose children and some grandchildren are in the school currently. We are a trusted and effective brand, but most importantly, everyone is treated as though they are part of the family. This family orientation ensures that all students and parents are treated with the utmost care and respect,” she said.

    Though the school had achieved a lot, Mrs Sodimu said it had not being without challenges, especially given its area of operation.

    “There are many schools that have sprouted up in the community. Some of them even bear a similar name to ours and they try to tell prospective parents that we are the same school, but we are not. Some schools even copy our uniform style and colours, however the quality of our school and the education received by our students cannot be mimicked and to God be the glory, this has helped us overcome these challenges.

    “Another challenge is the high cost of educational materials, and the hard economy. We would greatly appreciate private corporate companies’ partnership and sponsorship. We are in the underserved portion of Lagos state – Ajegunle Apapa – providing quality education at an affordable fee to create credible leaders. It is not always easy to provide this service while getting little fees,” she said.

  • Emir advises old students on alma mater’s development

    THE Emir of Tsafe in Zamfara State, Alhaji Muhammadu Bawa, has called on old students of schools to develop and strengthen initiatives that would support government’s drive for education development across board.

    Bawa said the process of nation building, especially in the aspect of education was a collective one.

    Speaking in Sokoto, Sokoto State, at the congress and award ceremony of Maru Teachers’ College Old Boys Association (MATCOBA), Sokoto State chapter Bawa, who is also an alumnus, said it was time old students of colleges exhibited the spirit of sacrifice and commitment to programmes and policies aimed at upgrading education and its components for excellence.

    This, the royal father said, would further equip schools in terms of infrastructures and intellect through finance of important projects.

    “The coming of old students should not only be an arena for relating with one another, but to strengthen and encourage advancement of the education sector as it affects infrastructure and standards in their respective schools,” he added.

    Guest Speaker at the occasion and Deputy Managing Director of Rima Television, Sokoto, Labaran Lumo Dundaye, noted that education sector is key in the development process of a nation and should not be left to government alone.

    Dundaye while presenting a paper titled:”Giving back to Maru Teachers’ College’: A Tool for Community Development”, described the topic as conscious driven towards developing mutual contribution strategies for Maru Teachers’ College.

    He identified standards, consumption levels, medical and economic fortunes, among others, to propel the primary needs for shelter, food, water, health, education and social status of the college and the community in particular as relevant components for repositioning the school.

    He noted that school’s old boys have the primary obligation to enhance development and create a conducive environment for learning through team work.

    “We need to create feeling of gratitude, culture of giving, strengthen communities, fight poverty, provide basic amenities among other positive initiatives of adding value to such schools,” he added.

    In the same vein, another old boy and Emir of Maru in Zamfara State, Alhaji Abubakar Chika Ibrahim, said the old boys were ready to extend the necessary support that would project the institution, which has now been renamed College of Education, Maru.

    He noted that the college had graduated prominent persons, who were at the peak of their respective careers across the country.

    “To us is a feat for the college to be upgraded to the status of COE,” he stated.

    Earlier, the state chapter chairman, Yakubu Hassan, called for synergy between the old boys and the institution in order to promote its ideals.

    “We need a strong bond that will further stem our drive for the development of the college,” he stressed.

    The National President, Alhaji Muhammad Tukur Nahuche, extolled the giant strides of its members for raising and bringing the association to limelight while expressing it’s grieve over the recent inferno that destroyed the college property worth over N300 million.

     

  • Old students mark Golden Jubilee

    The Golden Jubilee of Government Secondary School Kachia Old Students Association (KACHOSA) will hold tomorrow and saturday.

    A statement by Chairman of the Organising Committee, Adamu Sani, said activities lined up include foundation of the school gate, to be named ‘Golden Jubilee Gate’.

    Members will visit Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, in addition to a public lecture: “The Pathetic State of Education in Northern Nigeria”, to be delivered by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Kabir Mato.

    Members will visit an orphanage on Friday and donate relief materials to inmates. The activities will end with a dinner/award night at Asaa Pyramid Hotel.

    Government Secondary School Kachia was established in 1967 as the first public secondary school in Kaduna South.

  • ACE Ondo old students reunite

    It was an exciting moment for the 1981-1984 set of the old students of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State, following their meeting at the Mind Builders School, Ikeja last week.

    They exchanged pleasantries, dined together, took photographs and danced to various genres of music after three decades of leaving their alma mater.

    It was the second reunion party of the set fondly called the ‘Arbicans’ since they parted ways 35 years ago after their studies.

    Amidst laughter and mimicry, they introduced themselves, the positions they held and their current status. They also celebrated an alumnus, Mrs Bola Gureje, a poultry farmer whose birthday coincided with the reunion.

    Gureje, who had earlier made plans to celebrate her birthday in Ibadan, said she cancelled it to mark it with her peers.

    “My joy knows no bounds to meet with my old mates.  It brings back those days of school. The closeness, the trust and support we gave ourselves. It rejuvenated the old days.

    “I did not hold any position, but I was active in students’ activities.  We would always come out en masse to support any cause that benefited the students. During that period there was nothing like cultism, what existed was Palmwine Drinkers Club,” she said.

    The founder of The Arbicans, Mr Adewale Shiji, said there was need for a reunion.

    Shiji, also known as ‘Mr White’, recalled how he formed the Man O’ War arm of the school and was the director of students’ welfare.

    He was happy that members of the set had excelled individually, with many becoming prominent personalities in the society.

    “It is a great reminiscence leaving school 35 years ago and meeting them again. It is not easy; to God be the Glory.

    “I am happy that the set has produced people, who are contributing to the society. This set has about five permanent secretaries, heads of service, directors, 32 principals and still counting,” he said.

    The set also appointed their leaders to ensure effective continuity of the reunion.

  • Lagos lawmaker drives N50m fundraising for alma mater hall

    Old students of Vetland Grammar School, Agege, Lagos last Saturday, flagged off a N50m fundraising to build an ultramodern multipurpose school hall for their alma mater.

    The fundraising formed strings of events to celebrate their alma mater’s 37th Founders’ Day,

    In his address, President of the Vetland Grammar School Old Students Association of Nigeria (VETOSAN), Oluyinka Ogundimu, said it was imperative for the school as well as the students to have a conducive hall which can serve several purposes.

    “There is need for us to give our students the very best,” said Ogundimu, who is also a lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    “And the government alone cannot do this. And for us to be able to do this together, this year, we have decided to come up with a project, a multi-purpose hall building project.”

    In support of the project, Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Lagos State, Dr Yinka Ayandele, recalled how the performance of students of Government College, Agege, Lagos improved during the UAC summer coaching.

    Ayandele said while Government College, which was the host, had the privilege of having 50 participants in the summer coaching because of its 1500 capacity hall, other neigbouring schools only had 20 students each to make 300 students in total. She added that since each of the students drafted in the programme and taught by the volunteers must impart the knowledge gained into 20 others attached, that meant Government College had the mileage of imparting same knowledge into 1000 students, which eventually improved their performances rating in this year West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

    “You can see the importance of having a hall. If you have a hall in Vetland, the students from Vetland College will have more numbers than other students around. I want to encourage members of VETOSAN that what you are about to start or embark on is a worthy cause. It would not only improve the academic performance of our children in this school, it would also improve their conduct because conduct is a priority to us.”

    Aside old students, the event also had in attendance the principals of the junior and senior schools, Mr. Abimbola Ishaq and Mrs Folasade Alabi respectively; chairmen of Agege LGA, Orile-Agege LCDA, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA and Ojokoro LCDA  Ganiyu Egunjobi,  Babatunde Johnson, Oke Oloruntoba and Hammed Tijani. Also present was Oba Babatunde Ogunronbi, Ariwajoye 1, Onishasha of Shasha Kingdom, who equally is an old student.

    The old students also presented awards to deserving students and teachers to recognise and appreciate their efforts. Earlier in the year, students of Vetland Grammar School, which was founded in 1980, won laurels at the Lagos@50 Debate, and the 2017 Felabration Debate.

  • Old students lift Command Secondary School

    Old students lift Command Secondary School

    THE 1987 set of of Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos has rehabilitated some of the school’s facilities which were recently destroyed by rain storm.

    Members of the set, who met past and present teachers last weekend during their 30th Reunion Anniversary, pledged to continue giving back to their alma mater.

    According to the Reunion Anniversary Planning Committee Chairman, Sesan Obe, the forum was designed to chart  ways for alumni to give back to the school.

    He said: “It’s in a good light that we give back to our alma mater. It is a good thing that we should not forget our source. That is why the 1987 set Commandos have taken it as our duty to embark on significant projects in the school. Also we are coming together like this to give special gratitude to God for keeping us till date.”

    “Understandably, over the years, we have gone through different stages of life. Our thoughts, instincts and values have being remodeled. Let us all respect this undeniable fact and use this opportunity to reunite, reconnect and blossom.”

    The 1987 Alumni Association chairman, John Owolabi, said they came together to reminiscent “on the lovely years we spent together in Command and continue to champion projects in the school as a way of giving back to an institution that molded us.”

    One of the high points of the forum was the special recognition of awards presentation to some of the old teachers.

    The 1987 Commandant of the school, the late Colonel Lawrence Lawal, was one of the beneficiaries. His widow, Mrs. Modupe Lawal received the posthumous award.

    According to Obe, the 1987 set also “rebuilt the school’s volley ball court and its pavilion after a rainstorm which also blew open classroom roofs.”