The Oyo State government has commissioned a library and two classroom blocks renovated by an old student of Olubi Memorial Grammar School in Ibadan.
The project was commissioned on Wednesday in the school’s premises located at the Molete axis of Ibadan.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adelabu Abdulwaheed ─ while celebrating with the school and commending the old student Mr Olasunkanmi Ogunsemowo (senior prefect 2001 set of the school) who renovated the library and classrooms ─ stated that is good for old students to give back to their alma mater.
The commissioner emphasised that there is no better investment in life than the investment in children, and that parents and communities should be willing to empty our pockets into the brains of their children.
“Many school principals are sitting on gold mines, but they are not mining the gold,” he said.
The commissioner described Mr Ogunsemowo’s project as a good and laudable investment, adding, “I will liaise with the curriculum development unit and see whatever books they can give to enrich the library.”
Mr Ogunsemowo, in his address, stated that the donation aimed at providing a conducive environment for learning and encouraging excellence.
Ogunsemowo stated that the relative obscurity and reputation of the school over the years, leave nothing much to inspire, adding, “This donation serves as a testament that great products can come from these walls.”
He enjoined the old students of the school to ensure that the school continues to thrive, provide opportunities for deserving students, and assist the government in developing the school.
On the other hand, he urged the students not to lose focus, but to prioritise their education and skill acquisition.
Earlier, the principal of the school, Mrs Oluwatoyin Adesokan, seized the opportunity to appreciate the old students of the school who have been renovating buildings, executing projects, donating books, purchasing school uniforms, awarding scholarships, paying examination fees, among others.
The principal appreciated Mr Ogunsemowo for the renovations, adding, “May you continue to be relevant in your lifetime and may you be richly blessed.”
The chairman of the School Governing Board (SGB), Mr Emmanuel Titilolu, said that Mr Ogunsemowo’s gesture will provide a conducive learning environment for the students and staff of the school, and also serve as a challenge to other old students to emulate.
Titilolu further said that the renovated library “will improve the reading habits of the students and yield positive results in the overall performance of their various examinations.”
Some students of a recent graduating set of the school donated some textbooks to the school library.
The senior prefect of the school, Rodiat Ibrahim, presented plaques of recognition to the commissioner and to the old students who renovated the library and classroom blocks.
Some of the vice principals, teachers, and old students of the school spoke about the project and how to move the school forward.
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