By Kehinde Oluwatayo

There are strong indications that students resuming into Aquinas College Akure in September will be resuming into a school fully owned by the Catholic mission.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in his speech at a lecture and award celebration as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary college, disclosed that arrangements to hand over the school to Catholic mission are in top gear.

The Governor had earlier announced the return of Aquinas College, St Louis and two primary schools to the Catholic mission recently.

Akeredolu who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu revealed that a five-man committee of government has been constituted and has started work to demonstrate government’s commitment and sincerity.

According to him, a transition plan containing every detail that will “lead us to resumption in September is with me here”.

He assured that an MoU to that effect will be signed in April and consequently the agreement.

Akeredolu who said the college has a lot to celebrate at 70years, commended the touch of quality intervention which he said he believed was put in place was by the old students association and the Catholic mission in transforming the place.

The governor who is also an alumni of the school was honoured with a Leadership Award of Excellence and assured that most of the recommendations of the lecture will be implemented.

Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Rev. Dr Jude Arogundade assured that the mission will make the governor and the government proud by making Aquinas the best it can be when it is finally handed over to it.

Guest lecturer at the event who is also an old student of the school, Emeritus Prof. Francis Oluwole said there has been near total collapse of discipline and rot in the quality of education since government took over the administration of schools in 1973.

According to him, Aquinas College was distinguished in all spheres of learning during the early years.

He called on government to make Aquinas College a centre of excellence with specialized interest in subjects such as Technology, Science, IT, and Agriculture and a streamlined students’ population.

Oluwole who is one of the three National Merit Award winners produced by the school noted that access to scholarships; affordable tuition and entrepreneurship development remain constant as a guide to delivery of quality education.

Worldwide President of the Old students association of the school, Justice Adesuyi Olateru Olagbegi (rtd) disclosed that 24 projects were commissioned during the anniversary which began last year.

He described the release of the college to the mission as birthday gift adding that a huge task lies ahead for the mission and the old boys association.

Awards were also given to other dignitaries including Pastor Femi Agagu, some old students of the school among others.

The event also featured the launching of anniversary brochure.