Alumni donates digital center, modern toilet to Osun School

A multimillion-naira digital center and modern toilet facility have been donated to Atakumosa High School,Osu, Osun State by Old Students’ Association of the school.

Speaking at the commissioning of the two projects, the chairperson of the digital centre initiative, Mrs Kofoworola Ajelabi-Ogunbiyi who served as the Head Girl in the 1973 set, said the project was aimed towards bridging digital divide and improving digital accessibility for the students.

Ajelabi-Ogunbiyi, who commended members of the association for their generous contributions towards the projects, noted that individual donations enabled the association to surpass its initial plan of a 20-computer workstations and increase the number to 31 computers.

She said, “At first, we thought of having 20 computers in place, but the situation changed with the enthusiasm of our members for the project and the ability of the Executive to network properly.

“It is interesting to note that we moved from 20 to 21 sets and finally to 31 workstations. This is fantastic! In recapitulation, we were able to achieve the following among other things; procured and installed 10 laptops and 21 desktops.

“We linked all the computers through networking system. We have fans and air conditioners in place. We have students friendly twin-table computer furniture and a beautiful centre that runs fully on solar system.

“As part of our security features, we have a twin-camera CCTV in place and a well reinforced metal-burglary around the digital centre. The aesthetic of the centre and its surrounding was also enhanced. To crown it all, the Digital Centre has internet facilities with one year subscription.”

Ajelabi-Ogunbiyi also lauded the efforts of stakeholders, saying their support made the execution of the projects to be hitchfree.

“For the purpose of record, I have in my team the following energetic and committed individuals; Mr. Mustapha Ibironke, Mr. Sam Bukola Ekunseitan (USA), Mr. Aasa Gbadegesin, Mr. Wole Adewusi, Mr. Lanre David and Mr. Feranmi Adesina.

“I must also publicly acknowledge the valuable support we received from the advisers to this project; Engr. Olusegun J. Okebiorun and Prince Adedokun Agunlejika. We had several meetings and at the end, we developed a project plan that everyone was enthusiastic about. It is remarkable that the execution went without any hitch,” Ajelabi-Ogunbiyi said.

She encouraged the students to utilize the facilities to acquire skills that are relevant to solving many contemporary challenges confronting their immediate society and the global community.

Speaking in similar vein, the President of Atakumosa High School Old Students Association, Alhaji Lateef Bakare recalled the contributions of members in reconstructing the science laboratory in the school.

He said,”We spent about Thirty million Naira to reconstruct, renovate and equip the Science Laboratory. We also committed several tens of millions of Naira to renovating some classrooms, the Empire Building of the school, the main hall and above all, providing a befitting environment that can stimulate learning.

“At individual and/or family levels, many of our members, through their various Foundations and philanthropic activities have been instrumental to the training of many indigent but brilliant students both at the secondary and tertiary levels.

“These include among others, The Okebiorun Memorial Foundation, Elder Solomon Olawuyi Foundation, Madam Adefiola Olabode Foundation, Bishop Margaret Odeleke Foundation and Adegboye James Adebayo Foundation.”

He further appealed to the state government to complement the association by providing more facilities for use of students and teachers in the school.

In an address earlier, the chairman of the occasion, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, said the association’s burning desire towards developing their alma mater made it to embark on such projects.

Represented by Mr Bukola Fadipe, Chief Fasuyi acknowledged their consistent contributions, describing the act as a demonstration of commitment to giving back to their former school for the benefit of the current students.

The representative of the 1974 set that donated the toilet facility, Engr. Olusegun Okebiorun implored the management of the school to maintain the facility to ensure that the motive of conducive learning environment which made the set to implement the project, was achieved.

The chairman of Osun State Teaching Commission, Mr Temitope Mustapha subsequently affirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that would enhance academic infrastructures across the state.

Also speaking before he formally inaugurated the project, the Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Education, Mr. A. Jimoh said the digital center has created a hub of innovation in the school and in the Osu Community stating that it would build the capacity of the students to tackle real life challenges.