The 1994 set of the Federal Government College, Ogbomosho (FGCO), recently organised a reunion party at the school premises in Osun State. The fun-filled get-together marked 25 years of their graduation from the school that has continued to churn out industrious and worthy ambassadors since inception.
Besides the beautiful memories and rehashing of hostel life as students, the highpoint of the occasion was the formal presentation and unveiling of a state-of-the-art biology laboratory to the school, courtesy of the alumni group.
Other amenities handed over to the school authority include some well-renovated classrooms, installation of windows and chairs, air-conditioners, amongst other facilities that would make the citadel more learning-friendly for current students, were handed over to the principal and staff members who showered praises and prayers on the generous donors.
Unprecedented in the history of FGCO, it was the second time the 1994 set would contribute to the development of their alma mater after their first intervention few years ago in renovating the school buildings and halls.
While fielding questions from journalists, Mr. Oke Oludantun, the set coordinator, said the reunion was a good moment to show gratitude, reminisce over life and somehow assess how far the 1994 set has gone in life. Most importantly, “it was a time to give back to the school that has contributed immeasurably to their growth”.
Mr. Oludantun also noted in a statement that “the need to give back to the school informed the decision of the 94 set to embark on a mission to the school sometimes in 2017 to assess firsthand, the state of the school infrastructure and possible areas of intervention”.
“Twenty-five years after graduating from secondary school is no joke,” Mr. Oludantun continued. “We have lost members of our set and we had to pay homage and respect during this programme. I think it’s a time for us to actually give thanks to God for how far He has really helped us. As individuals, people have grown to become senior managers in big firms; entrepreneurs, business people, I think that 25 years has dealt us a lot of cards but overall, we can see that for the whole set, God has been good to us and that is why we are here.
“Of course we see that there is nothing any of us would have been without the impact of the school—FGC Ogbomosho. So, it’s just the least we could do to give something back to the alma mater that made us”.
The intention for Mr. Adeyemo Adeyinka is to ensure the students are “grounded in practicals and are able to pass biology exams without tears, in an enabling environment”.
Giving historical context, Mr. Adeyinka said that it became urgent to intervene because of the sorry state of the school premises. Also, he noted that the school buildings were in a shambolic state even while they were still there as students.
“When we left in 1994, the school buildings were an eyesore. And the 1994 set truly felt uncomfortable seeing the school remained the same after many years we had graduated and moved on with life, hence this intervention.
“Doors, borehole, toilets, microscope, diagram, we removed all the windows and other modern science laboratory equipment including split unit air-conditioners to match with international standard, some of the classrooms were equally renovated,” he said.
For the group’s treasurer Mrs, Olubukola Adeyemi, “the donations were on voluntary basis without a fixed amount. Thus, members of the set responded generously to be able to commit over N12 million for the many projects the most capital intensive being the biology laboratory”.
Mrs. Abimbola Ade-Philips observed that with the sort of laboratory now at their disposal, the students would have no excuses whatsoever to fail biology exams or feel intimidated by the level of sophistication exuded by students from ‘expensive schools’ because, the FGCO students now have same privileges.
“Tell me how people will not get A’s with all the donated equipment” She queried. “I am sure the contribution will positively impact the students. About five years ago, we renovated the Niger House and going back to give back again, the reception was wow. And this time we gave something of international standard, something palpable,” she said, while also observing that such events as the reunion party make living worthwhile.