LACOSSA plans to reward outstanding students at

The 1976 set of Lagos City College Old Students’ Association (LACOSSA), Sabo, Yaba, has unfolded plans to reward outstanding students in science, arts and commercial studies during its golden jubilee celebration.

Mr. David Nwanze, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), disclosed this at a media briefing ahead of the 50th graduation anniversary of the set in Lagos.

Nwanze said that the anniversary would have the theme, ‘Uncommon Grace’, and would feature mentorship lectures on ‘Path to Success’, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project commissioning and an interreligious thanksgiving service.

“We are seeking the names of the best SS3 students in science, arts and commercial arms and it’s all to recognise their efforts and motivate others to improve their academic performance,” Nwanze stated.

He, however, acknowledged that inadequate facilities remained the challenges in public secondary schools, potentially limiting teacher-student interaction and affecting learning outcomes.

The LOC chairman noted that the alumni had supplied desks, chairs, lockers, laboratory equipment, photocopiers and laptops, while providing solar-powered internet access to support students’ learning.

According to him, the association had also sustained a scholarship scheme for 40 students over the past three to four years, helping beneficiaries pursue university education.

His words: “As alumni of this college, we are supporting governments effort to make learning materials available. We had rehabilitated its physics, chemistry and biology laboratories to consolidate.”

Nwanze said the association would continue supporting public education through interventions, while advocating improved facilities and better treatment for teachers.

He disclosed that the activities would begin with a return to the alma mater on Wednesday, October 21, and culminate in a gala night on Saturday, October 24, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.

The LOC chairman added that the week-long anniversary programme would include a medical outreach for teachers, noting that good health was essential to their wellbeing and effective service delivery.

Nwanze said the golden jubilee would enable members to reflect on five decades since graduation and appreciate God’s grace in their personal and professional journeys.

Speaking, on teachers, Mr. Saheed Sanyaolu, an alumni, said teachers deserved better recognition and working conditions, noting that their contributions to students’ academic and professional achievements should be reflected in their welfare.

“Teachers should enjoy the benefits of their labour here on earth too, because they see their efforts manifest in medicine, science, law and other professions,” Sanyaolu added.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Mary Awoniyi, another alumna, expressed delight at the forthcoming anniversary, saying it would reunite members of the set, many of whom had not seen one another in the last 50 years.

Other members of the set present include Mr. Oluwadamilare Ojo, Mr. Olukayode Adeegbe, Secretary LACCOSA amongst others.