NAN-H-74
Association
By Muftau Ogunyemi
Akure, Jan. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Oyemekun Grammar School Akure (OGSA) Old Students’ Association on Tuesday advised government to partner with the stakeholders in revamping the country’s educational system.
Dr Olaoye Adegoke, the National President of OGSA, made the call at a press conference to herald the school’s 65th anniversary in Akure.
Adegoke, who was represented on the occasion by Mr Olugbenga Fabilola, the Vice-President of the association, said that it had become imperative for government to partner with major stakeholders to address dilapidated infrastructure in public secondary schools.
“OGSA will not fail in its duty by asking government to look into areas where the school system ails critically.
“It is high time government realised that it cannot fund education alone. The resources available to it and other competing demands should encourage government to seek radical structural education financial options.
“The facilities we have on ground are old and are giving way; therefore, government needs to caution itself on free service that will not deliver efficiency and quality.
“Government needs to partner with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs),old students’ associations and philanthropists,” he said.
Adegoke also said that some schools should be returned to willing original owners on mutually beneficial terms.
The OGSA president, who urged government to caution people against encroaching on school land in tackling insecurity in school environment, said that lives of innocent students and teachers should not be put at risk.
Adegoke said it was disheartening that such encroachment was approved by government officials.
He also condemned the abolition of boarding school system which he described as a drawback to the education sector.
“A lot is learnt in boarding school that has impacted positively on its beneficiaries,” he said.
Adegoke commended those who had passed through the school for maintaining its brand of hard work, courage and indomitable stance of spirit.
Earlier, Mr Akingbesote Rotimi, the Senior Prefect, while responding on behalf of the students, lauded the school’s old students’ association for their continued support.
He pledged that the students would continue to imbibe the culture of discipline and hard work. (NAN)
OMA/FLP/OJO
===========
(Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Mufutau Ojo)