By Our Correspondent
The alumni of Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko, in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, have renovated classroom blocks and improved other structures within the school.
During the commissioning of the projects on Thursday, the National President of the Old Students Association, Mrs. Mojisola Ajayi, stated that the initiatives were driven by a deep commitment to providing students with quality education.
She said, “Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi-Akoko, which was founded 65 years ago under the able leadership of Chief Edward Okeowo Olugboja, with sixty (60) students, has come of age and is today one of the foremost citadels of learning, not only in Ondo State but in the country at large.
“The school has become a force to reckon with in academics, sports, and other aspects of human and social development. It has always followed the path of hard work and endurance for its students, in line with its motto, ‘Perseverance Conquers,’ which has remained the watchword for both past and present students.
“The current National Executive of the Old Students Association, immediately after assuming office in 2022, realizing that the government alone cannot bring development to all schools in the state, developed a ‘five-year development plan of action’ for the school.
“It is gratifying to note that some individuals and groups have heeded this call. With their support, along with the annual dues paid by the old students, we have been able to embark on several developmental projects in the school, which include but are not limited to: construction of the perimeter fence of the school, construction of a modern gate, construction of an ICT centre, renovation of classroom blocks, renovation and redesign of one of the laboratories, equipping the library with modern textbooks, shelves, and chairs, and renovation of the school hall.
“Renovation and redesign of the school’s former kitchen into a home economics laboratory, construction of an ultra-modern sports pavilion, sinking of boreholes, purchase of lawn mowers, supply of sporting equipment, renovation of the youth corps members’ lodge, development of an oil palm plantation, and employment of ad-hoc teachers to teach core subjects.”
However, the President advised the students to harness the various facilities put in place to enhance their academic performance.
Also speaking at the event, the Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, admonished the students to eschew the lure of lucre and other social vices.
The first-class monarch also urged the school management to instill discipline and ensure the newly commissioned structures are properly maintained.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr. Babatunde Oduntan, reaffirmed the commitment of the old students to supporting initiatives that make education more accessible to the less privileged.
