By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
•Old students of Akoka High School 1985 set at the reunion party
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
It was an occasion to remember for a very long time to come as the 1985 set of Akoka High School, Akoka -Lagos Old Students Association, recently celebrated their 38th anniversary amid pomp and pageantry at the University of Lagos.
The old students used the occasion to hand over to the school newly renovated block of two classrooms fully equipped for a conducive learning environment.
Moreso, the president of the association, Mr Victor Tawo stressed the need for the old students to give back to their alma mata. According to him, it is still a surprise that 38 years had gone since he and his other mates left their secondary school.
Tawo added that the solid education given to them by the school has assisted them a great deal to navigate the journey of life.
He said: “We all know the impact of early education, usually given by the primary and secondary schools in the life of every individual.
“Also, the quality of education we all received while at our great school, has really helped us to be who we are today. In a way, we can’t separate our greatness from this school. And that is why we have deemed it fit to have a get together/reunion ceremony, 38 years after our graduation.
“Service to humanity is the rent we pay for our stay here on earth.”
He explained how it all started with a desire on his part as the president for the association to embark on a project that will bring value to their alma mata.
He earmarked some as short term, middle term and long-term projects. “So, we set out to see how two classrooms could be renovated after which a call could be made to other old students to contribute to renovating other structures in the school,” he said.
He said that while he was in the US, he put plans in motion. The task was gruesome as he had to pull resources both human and financial to get things done. Within few months, the classrooms were renovated.
“We want to see what we can also do to move the school forward because we know that the humongous challenges in the education sector should not be left for the government alone to tackle. We all should see it as a point of duty, especially as old students to give back to our alma mata that played very significant roles in what we have become today,” he explained.
Tawo appealed to his mates to join forces with him in adding greater values to their alma mata. He stated that they have identified several needs of the school and they are ready to make tangible contribution towards the development of the school and education sector at large.
He said: “We have a proposed plan to establish Akoka Senior High School. We understand government education policy made the present system of education to have a junior and a senior school but we are prepared to meet the criteria to establish a senior school. As Old students, we would pull resources together and take the necessary steps to ensure the establishment of Akoka Senior High School by next year, and equally equipped it with the necessary tools.”
Furthermore,Tawo stated that apart from building a new school, they would be mentoring the students and equally build their capacity by organizing seminars and workshops to improve their skill set.
“The Gen Z (younger generation) needs all of the moral support for them to thrive. We want them to become responsible citizens so we are ready to support them to achieve it.”
In addition, the old students during the reunion presented award to some of the school teachers present at the ceremony in recognition of their contribution towards developing and impacting lives.
On his part, the current principal of the school lauded the old students for deeming it good to come around and see how to add values to the school.
“The government can’t do everything, I want to commend the efforts of the 1985 set that came to support us. But I have one request: they need to reach out to other sets and come together as one organization.
“If all the sets come together and unite as one, it would make things easier as the number increases and everyone play their different roles in developing education, it would improve the standard,” he said
He encourage other old students across various secondary schools to emulate this kind of gesture which will no doubt help to add greater values to our education sector.”
The principal, who could not hide his joy over the thoughtfulness of the old students, said their donations for the progress of the school was unprecedented. He prayed that the Almighty God will continue to bless them all and preserve them for greater service to humanity.
He said: “I am so happy seeing this happening during my time. The projects you have donated are magnificent. I am happy that this happened during my tenure. The building has two classrooms, among other things that you gave for the use of the school. My sincere prayers is that the Almighty God will continue to watch over you all. We are really grateful.”