Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, has harped on the need for old students of various schools to give back to their alma mater, saying that this will ensure development of the schools.
The commissioner stated this during the commissioning of the Administrative building donated by Mr. Niyi Gbadegesin to Baptist Grammar School, Otu, Oyo State.
The Commissioner, who said the education sector must not be left in the hands of government alone, maintained that by providing support and assistance to their former schools,
standards of education would be improved.
He commended the donor for the laudable project meant to elevate the standard of the school.
Commissioner explained that philanthropists in the State have done a lot to move education forward by complementing Government efforts in the areas of academic and infrastructural development in schools.
He maintained that the present administration has provided better funding for the education sector by raising its budgetary expenditure to 23.2% from 16% and increasing the subvention of tertiary institutions in the state to 100%.
He therefore appealed to the school management not to relent in their efforts in the monitoring and maintenance of the school infrastructural facilities.
He said: “I feel highly elated to be part of today’s epoch—making occasion of the official commissioning of an administrative block built by Prince Adeniyi Bankole at Baptist Grammar School, Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government.
“From what could be seen and records available, Philanthropists in the State have done a lot to move education forward by complementing Government efforts in the areas of academic and infrastructural development of our schools. They have helped in the construction of the administrative block, renovation of school buildings, equipping
libraries with books, provision of toilet facilities for students, donation of computers to schools, engagement of the service of security guards in our various schools, to mention a few. For these and others, the present administration in the State remains eternally grateful.
“Let me commend Prince Adeniyi Bankole for the construction of a block of the administrative block — one of the eminent sons of the soil.
“Your support and partnership with the government in the provision of qualitative education in the State is highly appreciated. In the words of Anne Frank- a German girl and Jewish, victim of the Holocaust, “No one has ever become poor from giving”. Also, Audrey Hepburn opined that “as you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others”.
‘Oyo State, under the able leadership of the Governor, Engr. Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde, FNSE, has shown strong determination in its efforts at the repositioning of the Education sector in the State. These Government’s landmark achievements are numerous to mention.
“The introduction of free and qualitative Education in the State, the regular payment of teacher’s salaries and allowances, the promotion of teachers as and when due, provision of 26,500 pairs of furniture for students, appointment of over 5,000 teachers and 692 Education Officers, purchase of science equipment, sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University, organisation of intervention classes for graduating SSCE students, purchase of textbooks and notebooks for students across the State, and construction of over 50 model classroom buildings.
“Other achievements are: reduction in the number of out of school children by over 25%, reinforcement of Teachers’ quality through training and retraining (ICT, Science Practical, Pedagogical Skills), approval for organizing education awareness day with awards for various categories of stakeholders who did the State proud, upgrading of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education to University of Education and sole ownership of LAUTECH. In addition, the University was expanded to a multi-campus status starting with the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus, and the state university was increased from one to three and lots more.”
The State Government is therefore imploring other stakeholders in the society, for example: Old Students’ Association, Corporate organizations, non-government organizations, individuals, philanthropists, and Parent Association to partner with her in the funding of Education in the State.
“I wish to boldly affirm that Oyo State Government is glad to identify with Prince Adeniyi Bankole and the Government shall continue to synergize with any individual, organisations and Associations whose goals are designed to promote the development of education in the state.
“I want to appeal to the school management not to relent in their efforts in the monitoring and maintenance of the school infrastructural facilities as well as the facilities that are being commissioned today, 23rd November, 2023,” he added.
Earlier, the principal of the School, Mr Egunsola Oladele appreciated the donor, Mr. Niyi Bankole, who graduated from the School in 1988 and donated the building in loving memory of His Royal Highness, Oba Jonathan Gbadegesin, Oniro of Otu (1983-2001) and Olori Beatrice Bankole for their love for Education.
In his remarks, the Oniro of Otu, His Royal Highness, Oba Sunday Adepoju, thanked the donor for deeming it fit to build the edifice to his former school, saying that it would go a long way in assisting the school.
He therefore called on others to emulate the good gesture of the donor.
Speaking on behalf of the donor, who is presently in Canada, Arch Dare Gbadegesin, said the donor is a lover of education and that was why he decided to give back to his Former school.
He hinted that the donor will continue to bring development to his former school.
E-signed: Media Team of MOEST November 23rd, 2023.
