Alumni must give back to alma mater, Don tells Oyo school old students

Old students of schools have been charged to continually give back to the institution that nurtured them, stressing that government alone cannot meet the growing needs of secondary schools.

The guest lecturer at the golden jubilee celebration of Ipapo Community Grammar School (ICGS), Professor Mrs Tejumade Omowumi Siyanbola, an alumna of the school between 1976 and 1977, gave the charge while delivering a lecture titled “The Role of Alumni Association in the Management of Secondary School in the 21st Century” at the 50th anniversary celebration of the school in Ipapo.

The celebration was held under the theme, “50 Years of Excellence, Integrity and Impact.”

Speaking on the significance of the milestone, the President of the Ipapo Community Grammar School Old Students Association (OSAICOGS), Deacon Femi Olawore, said the greatest achievement of the school in the last 50 years was not its buildings or classrooms, but the men and women of character it had produced and who were projecting excellence, integrity and impact in different walks of life.

Olawore, while welcoming guests to the celebration, also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the founding fathers of the institution, which was established in September 1976.

He described ICGS as a “shining light” and a life-impacting institution in Ipapo and beyond, noting that the school had produced many remarkable professionals across various fields.

Professor Siyanbola commended OSAICOGS for its commitment to the development of its alma mater, noting that alumni associations had played significant roles in advancing educational institutions across the world and Nigeria.

According to her, “Old students should endeavour to give back to the institution that nurtured them. Institutions of learning cannot rely on government subventions alone.”

The university don explained that beyond providing financial support, alumni associations had important responsibilities in promoting the reputation of their alma mater, encouraging members to identify with the institution and attracting other well-wishers to support its development.

Professor Siyanbola, who is of Obafemi Awolowo University, cited several Ivy schools across the world that had benefited significantly from the contributions of their former students.

She urged OSAICOGS to sustain its interventions in the school while encouraging other old students to support projects that would improve the learning environment and academic experience of current students.

Deacon Olawore, had earlier highlighted some of the association’s interventions in the school, including the upgrading of the school layout and renovation of a block of four classrooms.

He said the association was also working on other projects, including an ultra-modern students’ restroom and a multipurpose hall, while appealing to the government, community, parents, teachers, alumni and other friends of the school to support its endowment fund.

The don also challenged the school management and teachers to see themselves as parents to the students, urging them to demonstrate passion, care and friendliness in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Professor Siyanbola further advised the school to develop a comprehensive list of its needs, maintain accurate records of old students and establish a Hall of Fame to recognise distinguished alumni and attract more support from former students and members of the community.

She noted that proper documentation of old students would make it easier for the institution and alumni association to reconnect with members and mobilise them for the development of the school.

In his goodwill message, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Beulah Adeoye, urged people of Ipapo and Oke-Ogun in general to play an active role in deciding who governs them in the 2027 general election.

Adeoye called on the electorate to support leaders committed to addressing the basic infrastructure and other needs of people at the grassroots.

He also donated N1 million to support the alumni endowment fund, while speaking on his political ambition, saying there was no sacrifice too great for him to make towards bringing development to his people.

The golden jubilee celebration brought together old students, traditional and religious leaders, community stakeholders and other friends of the institution.

The Eleyinpo of Ipapo, Oba Yekeen Ademola Abioye, himself an alumnus of the school, expressed appreciation to God for sustaining the institution over the past five decades.

The traditional ruler also acknowledged the contributions of past principals to the development of the school, particularly the pioneer principal, Deacon S.A. Oyedemi, who was present at the occasion.

In separate goodwill messages, the Principal of ICGS, Mr Oyedeji Adebayo, and the President of the Ipapo Descendants Union, Alhaji Jimoh Adebayo, described the golden jubilee as a celebration of five decades of excellence and an opportunity to honour the legacy of the school and its alumni.

Alhaji Adebayo disclosed that the community had concluded arrangements to establish another secondary school in the town, to be known as Omo Sanda Grammar School, to provide greater access to Western education.

The event featured the establishment of an endowment fund for development projects, dedication of the renovated block of four classrooms and presentation of awards to distinguished ambassadors of the school for their contributions to its progress.

Among those recognised were the late Arc. Bayo Adepoju, Professor Kola Adekunle, Professor Sifau Adejumo-Olawore and Chief Jimoh Hammed.