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Governments at the state and federal levels in the country have been urged to always consult old boys associations of secondary schools before the appointment of their principals.
National President, Offa Grammar School Old Students Association, Engr Bisi Salau said this at the weekend during 40th Reunion of the 1981 set held at the school premises in Offa.
According to him, such consultation by governments will play a significant role in the quest to improve the fallen standard of education in the country.
He said: “Government should always consult the old students of schools in the country before the appointment of their principals.
“Experience has shown that former student when appointed as school principals have shown more Commitment and dedication to the growth and development of their Alma Mata becuase they believe they are part of the success story.
“We were shocked with the level of infrastructural decadence we saw. And you cannot expect us to be upgrading infrastructures while we are not involved or aware of the choice the leadership for the school.
“OGS old boys have always been up and doing continously giving back to it’s Alma Mata. That is why the school don’t rely on government and does not lack infrastructures. However, proper maintenance of these structures has been the issue”.
He added that the school has produced great men like General Alani Akinrinade and the present Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari among others adding that “there is no where you will go that you will not find OGS products.”
In her remarks, the Acting Principal of OGS (Senior Secondary School), Mrs Adeoye Felicia Titilayomi said the school has been blessed with it’s old students who have continued to give back.
He particularly thanked the 1981 set for the huge donations to the school to improve learning.
Also speaking, Olofa of Offa Oba Mohammed Gbadamosi represented by High Chief Bode Onawola urged the old students not to relent in their quest to make their former school great.
The monarch added that “I hope and wish you will continue in this manner to uplift your alma-mater to higher heights.”
Responding, the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Kayode Alabi who was represented the TIC chairman of Offa Local Government, Adejare Olatundun said the association should make its request for consultation formal by writing through the ministry of education to the state government
He thanked them for their unrelentless effort in bettering the lots of education in the school and the state in general.
Items donated by the set include two modern mowing machines, 150 chairs and lockers for junior and senior secondary school, cash support to teachers and repair of broken floors of six classrooms among other which gulped over six million Naira.
