Ibadan: The Ibadan Grammar School Old Students’ Association of North America (IGSOSANA) has issued a call to action for all levels of government to demonstrate a heightened commitment to addressing the nation’s security challenges. The association emphasized the need for strengthened measures to protect lives and property, particularly within schools across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the call was made by the association’s President, Mrs. Olawumi Olafunmiloye, during the 113th Founders’ Day celebration of the school in Ibadan. Olafunmiloye highlighted the necessity for both public and private schools in rural and remote areas to receive the same level of security and infrastructure development as their urban counterparts.
She underscored the urgent need for collaboration between government and key stakeholders in the education sector to enhance security in schools. In addition to security, Olafunmiloye also stressed the importance of addressing infrastructure decay to foster a conducive learning environment for students.
‘Our alma mater remains of great importance to us, and there is a need to collaborate with government in the areas of security and effective school management. We urge government to prioritize security and education, and ensure a safe learning environment for students,’ she stated.
Olafunmiloye also highlighted the association’s achievements, revealing that it had invested over N6 million in renovating and upgrading the school’s laboratory and technical drawing studio. Additionally, some students are set to benefit from provisions of school uniforms and sandals.
The association currently has three teachers on its payroll and is actively supporting the school in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and other programs to complement government efforts. Olafunmiloye, a member of Ikeja Platinum Lion Club, noted that funds had been allocated for completing the school’s perimeter fencing to curb theft and improve security.
‘We have over 40 students on scholarship in universities, with two already graduated under the scheme. We are also inducting some of our scholarship beneficiaries into the Leo Club, a youth arm of the Lions Club, to prepare them for leadership and community service,’ she added.
Mrs. Adeyanju Lawal-Nurudeen, the association’s Welfare Director and School Ambassador, also urged the government to increase the budgetary allocation to the school. She called on other chapters of the association to give back to their alma mater to bridge infrastructure gaps and enhance students’ welfare.
Dr. Latonja Eppinger, the special guest of honour and Queen Mother of Umuokanne town in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo, appealed for increased investment in the education sector to raise standards to global levels. Eppinger also encouraged well-meaning Nigerians to support government efforts in securing a better future for children, reaffirming her support for the association’s projects at the school.
Earlier, Mrs. Olubimpe Gbaiye, President of Ikeja Platinum Lions Club, mentioned that the inauguration of a Leo Club in the school would aid in mentoring and empowering students while fostering a culture of community service. Gbaiye reaffirmed the club’s commitment to supporting programs that benefit the school’s students.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event featured student empowerment activities, project exhibitions, the induction of the Ikeja Platinum Leo Club, and a tree-planting exercise. The event was held in collaboration with the Ikeja Platinum Lions Club.