Old Students Donates Laboratory Equipment, Urges Govt To Revamp School Of Science, Ife

As part of efforts and commitment towards building a better society, the old students of School of Science, Ile Ife, were at their alma mater recently to present laboratory equipment worth millions of naira to the students of the school.

The laboratory equipments sets to improved teaching and learning experiences in the school.

The old students who have been in touch with the school and had previously hired teachers for about five subjects said they believe that the burden of providing quality education cannot be left for the government alone to shoulder.

Presenting the equipments, the National President, School of Science, Ile Ife, Alumni Association(SOSAA), Dr. Muyiwa Ojo, called on Osun state government to rescue the school from its current poor state.

Ojo, a medical doctor, said, “We are here to handover the laboratory equipment to the students so that they can also have the same standard of education we had back then and hope they can have a better future.”

Speaking on the state of infrastructures in the school, Ojo expressed concern over the poor condition of many buildings and the academic environment generally.

“Looking at the structures alone can make you cry. These were beautiful structures when we were here. We had different kinds of equipment, we had the best teachers during our time. Our library was well stocked and laboratories well equipped.

“We had more than enough then but the situation is different now. What used to be in excess has now become scarce in the school right now and that is why the association is coming up with solutions to some of the problems.

“What we are doing is to support government and motivate them. If old students can do this then there is the need for governmemts to redouble their efforr.

In his remarks, the pioneer National President of the association, Mr. Kamil Aransi, a US- based business tycoon, said the association was committed to giving back to the students and the school that made them.

He said, “SOSAA is the only registered umbrella body of old students that have graduated from School of Science, Ile Ife. This is a project we started three years ago and the vision is to unite all graduating sets of the school. We want to speak with one voice and bring back the lost glory of the school. We want a situation whereby the school will be greater than it was years back.

“We started with the recruitment of three science teachers, when we saw that students were failing in those subjects to compliment the efforts of the government and parents- teachers association.

“We have been paying those teachers since September 2015. We equipped the school laboratory, refurbished two blocks of class rooms completely, rehabilitated the school borehole, modernized the toilets to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene of students and staff of the school.”

Responding, Mr. Olagoke Obi, the school’s principal, commended and promised to ensure proper usage of the donated items.

“I feel highly elated to see the alumni coming to give back to the school what they have received while they were here. We are really impressed with the donations. I am sure this gesture will go a long way in assisting the teachers to impart knowledge on the students.

Dignitaries at the event were; Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Joseph Ishola, Vice Principal Academics of the school, Mr Awoyera J.O, Vice Principal Administration, Mr. Awosemo, Representative of Schools’ Board, Mrs Abeni Omisore, Mr. Austin Ajibola(HOD Math), Master Korede Ishola(Head Boy), HOD Physics & SOSAA Liaison Officer, Mr Ishola Sunday.

Other SOSAA CEC and members at the event were; Engr. Wale Adereti MNSE, Mrs. Mary Iyiola, Mrs. Ronke Oniye, Mrs. Peju Ojo, Mr. Kazeem Adisa and Mr. Woye Ahmed.