The Government Secondary School, Ilorin Old Boys Association has called on the Kwara State Government to urgently address the school’s infrastructural and academic challenges as the 1986 set marks its 40th anniversary.
The National President of the association, Chief Olasheni Ibiwoye, SAN, made the appeal during the anniversary reunion in Ilorin, urging the state Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, the State Universal Basic Education Board and the Teaching Service Commission to give the 112-year-old institution special administrative and developmental attention.
He specifically called for more qualified teachers for core subjects and the construction of a perimeter fence to improve security, curb truancy and protect school facilities.
Ibiwoye also appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to address encroachment and other challenges facing the school, recalling the 2005 rehabilitation programme under former Governor Bukola Saraki.
He said the age of the institution and continued wear and tear had made further government intervention necessary.
The association said alumni have continued to support the school through projects including classroom and hostel renovations, boreholes, desks, mattresses and learning materials.
The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olalekan Olohungbebe, commended the old students and urged them to sustain their contributions, saying government alone could not provide all the resources needed to transform the education sector.
As part of the anniversary activities, the 1986 set, led by its chairman, Kayode Aremu, unveiled a solar-powered automated borehole with two overhead tanks for the staff quarters.
The set also provided 12 marker boards for five classes, two storage tanks, a water-fetching point for the junior section and a printer for examination materials.
Aremu said the projects were intended to address practical needs within the school and demonstrate the set’s continued commitment to its alma mater.
He urged members to remain involved and contribute their resources and expertise towards further development of the institution.
Established in 1914, GSS Ilorin has produced governors, senators, academics, legal practitioners, military commanders, administrators and other professionals.
Ibiwoye described the school as an important part of Kwara’s history and called for collective efforts by government, alumni and other stakeholders to preserve its legacy and improve learning conditions for current students.
Comments
Add a comment