NAN-H-52
Education
Edidi (Kwara) Feb. 11, 2017 (NAN) Oba Stephen Olajide, the Traditional ruler of Olla in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara, has urged old students associations to be reputable agent of development and provider of educational facilities.
Olajide made the call during the 50 years anniversary of Victory Comprehensive College, Edidi in Kwara, on Saturday.
The monarch who spoke on: ‘The Role of Alumni InThe Development of Their Alma Mater’’ noted that the nation’s economy has posed serious challenge on old students’ associations to be drivers of the desire development in their various alma mater.
He said that such associations should be relevant, properly coordinated in their efforts at tackling problems facing educational development.
The monarch suggested the appointment of members of old students’ associations as Principals and Vice-Principals of their alma mater to achieve the desired aims and objective.
He emphasised bridging the information gap between schools and old students’ associations in building a sustainable cordial relationship, noting that genuine development must be based on balanced education and should be people oriented.
According to him, no nation can rise above the quality of her education.
“Indeed, the entire world is keen on the development of sustainable, quality education.
“That is why in every country, a substantial part of the annaul budget goes to education,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Raphael Titiloye, the President of VCC Old Students’ Association, said the association established about two decades ago, was committed to improving the school’s infrastructural facilities to enhance students’ performance.
He described the school 50 years anniversary as `a great re-union for the association members’.
Titiloye who expressed disappointment at the dilapidated state of facilities in the school, appealed to members to donate generously to the association’s, to enable it meet its corporate social responsibilities.
Responding, Mrs Deborah Amao, the School Principal, said the school established in 1967 has turned out renowned personalities who are now academics, administrators, industrialists and great politicians.
Amao said the school has continued to maintain excellence in academics, sport and other humanitarian duties.
She listed the school challenges to include, construction of a befitting library, science laboratory, renovation of old school blocks, staff rooms, school hall, and students hostels.
Also, Mr Jones Afolabi, Director, Finance and Account of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), also an old student of the college, chronicled his education experience in the school as `tough and very challenging’.
He called on members of the association to join hands in restoring the school past glory by donating generously.
28 members of the association received certificates of meritorious service for their selfless contribution to the development of the school.
The highlights of the occasion was the cutting of the anniversary cake and planting of tress. (NAN)
ISHO/OIF/AFA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Felix Ajide