Old Students Advocate Education Intervention 

Old Students Advocate Education Intervention In Oyo State

The National President of United Christian Secondary School Alumni Association, Omi Adio, Ibadan, Oyo State, Asimiyu-Towolawi Bashir has called on old students of the school at home and abroad to come to the rescue of their Alma Mata from its present decay and dilapidated condition.

Bashir who acknowledged the present economic situation of the Nation as one of the reasons that deprived many old students to make it to the venue of the event however, urged them to come up stronger and rebuild both physical and intellectual standards of the school.

He noted that welfare of old students should be as well paramount to the association and also called on members to always be their brothers’ keeper, adding that the association would put in place an insurance policy for all members to reduce the burden of having to shoulder the responsibilities when the inevitable happens.

The President said one of the reasons for the reunion to hold within the school premises was to allow all members to see for themselves the situation at which their Alma Mata is and suggest the way forward in improving the school facilities, adding that each member is free to pick any project that is worthy of embarking on.

He said “I want to invite every one of us to take a glance at the school premises and come up with an idea on how to transform the school from its present rusty position”.

He called on all political gladiators who are members of old students association to shun enmities and show love one another, irrespective of their political background, as he noted that any members of the association in the corridors of power should be able to influence one or two developmental projects within the school premises.

The School, United Christian Secondary School, Omi Adio, which was established in 1976 has produced 40 sets of graduates who have passed through her within 45 years of its existence.

The guest lecturer, a former physical education and sports teacher, Prof. Patrick Oyedepo Oyeniyi, in his lecture, tagged: Alumni association: Panacea to development of institution and members” noted that every student who had registered at the school with school number or matriculation number is a bonafide alumni irrespective of where he/she completed his education, unless the association’s constitution is against it.

He called on those who passed through the school to look back and evaluate what they have gained during their schooling and the benefits they derived from the school and think of what to give back to the school which taught and nurtured them during their formative stage.

While appreciating the initiator of UCSS the Alumni Association, he maintained that the association would help all old students to identify one another.

In the same vein, Dr. Olusoji Akande a surgeon at LASUTH who is a member of the association also delivered lecture on the importance of health care of members.

He noted that high blood pressure is one of the sicknesses that needs to to be mindful of, therefore warning members to check their health status at regular intervals to avoid sudden death.

He also emphasized the need to exercise body and eat healthy foods especially those that are above 40 years of age.

“ It is good to take precaution and spend money on our health rather than spend money on maintaining sickness or looking for a cure that is not likely to come, I want to urge you to ensure regular check, exercise, and eat quality foods that your body needs “ he said.

Some of the pioneer students who were in attendance are Alhaji Babatunde Taofik Oladipo a former permanent secretary ministry of Land and physical planning Oyo state and BOT Chairman of the Association, Pastor Matthew Bamidele of mount Zion evangelical ministry, Prof. Joseph Adeniyi Olowofela former commissioner for education, science, and technology in Oyo state, and commissioner federal character commission Abuja, Alhaji Luqman Oyebamiji Oladapo and Pastor Mrs. Bolatito Adeyemo the Vice President II of the association and Mrs. Bosede Akinwande an educationist among others.

In their separates goodwill messages, they identified the importance of the association and what benefits it has brought to the school and members of the association in the last few hears of its existence, saying that the association will continue to wax stronger as members unite and work as a formidable force in moving the alma Mata forward.

Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela in his good will message, noted that government alone cannot do everything on education, therefore calling on individuals to partner with the state government in improving the standard of education in Nigeria.

He said the electronics library project personally sponsored and now abandoned would soon be completed as soon as the contractor has returned to the site.

He also called on well to do individuals to support the school in terms of infrastructures that the school needs.

Speaking shortly after the event, the general secretary of the association Adeniyi Folorunso said the unity of the association is a priority to him and wants all sets to come together in moving the school forward.

He noted that harmonization of both the old and younger generations under one Umbrella of the association would facilitate developmental project in the school premises as well as among the members.

The event was graced by 15 sets out of 40 that the school had produced since its establishment in September 1976.