By Jimoh Ahmed, Owo.
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Ondo State Government has been doing a lot in the drive to achieve a total turnaround in the education sector of the sunshine state even as Governor Akeredolu has been making concerted effort to creating an enabling environment for the development of the sector.
The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu stated this while commissioning two buildings renovated and furnished by an old student of Imade College, Owo, as part of activities marking the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Imade College Old Students Association, IMACOSA.
The buildings were renovated by Godson Echiegile, who was Nigeria’s envoy to Sierra Leone from 2008 to 2011.
Agagu noted that many feats had been recorded since the inception of the Akeredolu’s administration in the state, pointing out that paucity of fund and deplorable infrastructure were prevailing issues hampering the progress made so far.
He disclosed that the ministry has put in place a programme to recognise those who have contributed immensely to the development of education in the state.
The programme which had its first edition in 2019 honours Non Governmental Organisations, Philanthropists, Parents/Teachers Associations and Old Students Associations for their contributions in the state’s education sector.
The education commissioner who commended the efforts made by the old student, therefore, rejoiced with the students who are the beneficiaries.
In the same vein, the commissioner has called on members of old students associations of schools in the state to continue to join hands with government and play their part in taking the education sector to a greater height.
Speaking at the occasion, the Principal of the school, Mr Akinyemi Farayola, who is also an old student of the school, appealed to the government to extend the renovation exercise in public primary schools in the state to secondary schools and by extension, Imade College, which, despite the huge amount being expended on renovation of the school’s infrastructures has continued to experience decay in its infrastructure.
He appealed to other old students of the school to emulate Ambassador Godson Echiegile.
On his own, Echiegile appealed to the commissioner to let an old student of the school to succeed the current principal who will be retiring from service soon
as a means to facilitate easier relationship with old students to make contributions of the old students easier.
Similarly, the National President of IMACOSA, Alhaji Isiaka Kareem appealed to the commissioner to ensure at least a block of six classroom building is built by the government in the school.
Alhaji Kareem posited that it has been a very long time since the school witnessed the presence of government in the area of infrastructural buildings.
Meanwhile the 50th AGM was a huge success as students from all sets in the school turned up for the occasion.
At the event which was hosted by the 1979 set of the school, the association deliberated on its achievements, way forward on the development of their alma matta as well as progress of members.
Highlight of the AGM included conferment of awards of recognition on some members.
