Diamond jubilee: Akure Secondary Commercial School marks 60 years with renewed hope

By Agboola Fesobi
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The air was filled with excitement as Akure Secondary Commercial School transformed into a vibrant hub of memories and celebration.
Alumni from across generations, now captains of industry, scholars, and professionals, streamed into the school for its 60th Founder’s Day.

Laughter echoed, old friendships were rekindled, and the passage of time seemed to fade as they united to honour the institution that shaped their lives.
This momentous occasion, held on January 25, 2025, at the school compound, provided an opportunity for former students to reconnect and reminisce about their time at the now 60-year old institution.
The event was filled with joy as alumni, once students and now thriving in various professional fields, dressed elegantly to honour the school’s rich legacy.

Prince Adebisi Adeniyi, chairman of the anniversary planning committee, expressed gratitude to God for preserving the alumni’s lives and reflected on the school’s challenges, particularly the severe deterioration of its facilities.
He highlighted the urgent need for renovations, describing the deplorable state of the classrooms, which were structurally compromised, lacking windows, doors, and proper ventilation.
“When I first assumed the role of chairman for the planning committee, I realised just how much had been left undone. It was a wake-up call,” Adeniyi remarked.

Under Adeniyi’s leadership, the alumni rallied to contribute financially, investing nearly N50 million to restore the school’s lost glory.
Significant improvements, including replacing broken windows, installing new doors, and rebuilding classrooms, are already evident.
“This transformation is substantial,” Adeniyi said. “It’s not just about fixing classrooms; it’s about giving our students a learning environment that’s conducive to success.”

He stressed that the renovation was part of a broader vision to ensure continuous improvement.
To sustain the progress, the alumni association has been revitalised, with plans for an annual congress where alumni can evaluate the school’s development and contribute ideas for its future.

The renovation also aims to foster a sense of pride and responsibility among current students.
Adeniyi emphasised the importance of students appreciating and maintaining the newly refurbished facilities, highlighting accountability as a critical value.
Looking ahead, Adeniyi outlined the school’s 10-year development plan and shared a long-term vision for the next 20 to 30 years, ensuring that future generations benefit from the school’s enduring legacy.

As the 60th anniversary celebrations concluded, awards were presented to alumni who had made significant contributions to the school’s progress, symbolising a collective effort to build a lasting legacy.
