The Federal Government College, Ogbomoso, Class of ’96 Old Students’ Association has called on the government to intensify efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
The Class of ’96 Head Boy, Mr Olatunde Olatunbosun, made the call on Saturday in Ogbomoso during the school’s 34th Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony.
Olatunbosun urged the government to step up efforts to safeguard lives and property, particularly in view of incidents of pupil abductions on school premises.
He stressed that both private and public schools in rural and remote areas should receive the same level of security and infrastructure attention as those in urban centres.
According to him, there is an urgent need for synergy between key education stakeholders and the government to strengthen security and rehabilitate dilapidated infrastructure for a conducive learning environment nationwide.
He added that building a strong alumni body requires prioritising members’ welfare, noting that members are at varying levels of achievement.
“Our alma mater remains of great importance to us, and there is a need to collaborate in supporting government efforts, particularly in the area of security.
“We urge the government to give greater attention to security and education to ensure a safe environment for students,” he said.
Also speaking, the Class of ’96 Head Girl and Co-chair of the Reunion Committee, Mrs Oluwakemi Oyedeji, said the set spent N30 million on renovating the school’s Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) hall, electrical fittings and other facilities.
She added that outstanding students were rewarded with cash prizes in various categories.
Oyedeji urged the school management to extend recognition beyond academic excellence to include students’ character and overall conduct.
Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, commended the alumni for executing the project and urged other sets to emulate the gesture.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ogbomoso Zone I, Mr Paul Oyedokun, the commissioner also charged the school management to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
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In his remarks, the school Principal, Mr Gabriel Fayomi, commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the deployment of military personnel and police for 24-hour patrol of the school.
Fayomi said the measure had restored parents’ confidence in the safety of their wards.
He, however, noted that more work remained to upgrade infrastructure to provide a more conducive learning environment.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, also commended the old students, noting that their interventions had significantly transformed the school.
Represented by the Alaaje of Ogbomosoland, Sunday Ogunsola, the traditional urged graduating students to remain diligent and strive for excellence.
The overall best graduating student, Tobechukwu Elochukwu, said the award would motivate him to be more dedicated to his studies.
He expressed determination to work hard and give back to his alma mater in the future.