From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has called on old students associations to collaborate with the state government in transforming the education sector and restoring the glory of public schools across Ogun.
Abiodun, who made this call at the 65th anniversary of the Christ Apostolic Grammar School Old Students Association (CAGSOSA) held within the school premises at Iperu Remo, emphasised the crucial roles of the old students association in the development of education.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabuwo, the governor disclosed that his administration places great premium on every initiative of the old students tailored towards achieving delivery of qualitative and accessible education in the state
He said he was always excited to see the old students lending their support to address the gap in the education sector knowing fully well that the intervention of the old students is not because they wanted anything in return, but for the progress of the education sector in the country.
“If politicians do anything, it may be because he or she is seeking the people’s support, if it were to be industry it might be because of publicity but when the old students do any projects for the school, it is out of their love for the continued progress of the school.”
Abiodun, however, commended the old students of the Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu-Remo for not only limiting the 65th anniversary of the school to winning and dining, but for also embarking on projects that are crucial to achieving qualitative education in the state.
The governor said the school being one of the flagships in the state is already pencilled down for the smart classrooms policy and laboratory remodeling of the state government.
Abiodun explained that having recognised the place of education in achieving sustainable development, his administration since assumption of office five years ago, has been carrying out a lot of interventions to address the rot in the sector.
“This administration has carried out a lot of interventions in our education sector to address the neglect of the past.
“We have supplied our schools with furniture, we have built over a thousand blocks of classrooms, you can see the yellow roof building all around, we have equally employed over 4,000 teachers to ensure that our children get the very best among others”, he stated.
Speaking during the programme, the National President of Christ Apostolic Grammar School Old Students Association, Armstrong Akintunde said the whole essence of the anniversary is to galvanise the strength of the past students of the school to further contribute to its greatness.
“This anniversary is a call to service, it is a call to action that reminds us of our duty to give back to the school that has laid the foundation of the success story each of us flaunts today.”
He urged the old students to use the occasion of the anniversary to foster unity and be deeply committed to working out a greater future for the coming generation.
Highlights of the anniversary include the commissioning of the ultramodern Gatehouse of the school donated by the old students as well as a Toyota coaster bus for the students and another minibus for the executives of CAGSOSA.