Ogun Education Commissioner Calls for More Alumni Support As JOGS 7175 Set Hosts Golden Jubilee Anniversary Commemorative Reunion 

By: Israel Adeleke, Olufemi Orunsola

A passionate call has gone to old students' associations of educational institutions in Nigeria to prioritize complementing government's efforts geared towards attainment of Sustainable Development Goal number 4 (Quality Education).

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Ogun State, Prof. Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu made this appeal during the 50th graduation commemorative anniversary of the Ijebu-Ode Grammar School Old Boys Association, JOGS set of 7175 at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on Thursday.

While delivering his goodwill message in his capacity as the Special Guest of Honour at the Golden Jubilee commemorative reunion, Prof. Arigbabu, who is also an alumni of Ijebu-Ode Grammar school, commended the 7175 set of JOGS old Boys Association for their keying into the multi-pronged education revitalization agenda of the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration in Ogun State through their various give back projects already executed and commissioned at their alma mater.

The Education Commissioner noted that, "Although many people over hype the talk about falling standards of education in the country, the standards still actually exist, but what genuine stakeholders in education should focus on is how to overcome the multiplicity of current limiting factors, forces and dynamics serving as clogs in the wheels of educational progress that are making it difficult for people to measure up to the standards".

Making ample reference to the strategic policies, infrastructural re-engineering, as well as capacity building initiatives introduced to the educational architecture of the Gateway State, Prof. Arigbabu emphasized that the Ogun state government has successfully created no fewer than 84 flagship schools into which students are admitted with high-standard examinations like the days of old to raise the bar towards high educational standards. 

Prof Arigbabu, also highlighted that Ogun state government has so far undertaken the employment of an initial 4,000 teachers to boost the teacher student ratio in Ogun schools, revealing that the employment of an additional 2,000 teachers is in the pipeline. 

He further added that, "The Ogun state government has introduced Digital Resource Centres in four strategic areas in the state, of which Ijebu-Ode Grammar School is one of the selected schools for the programme under which digital laboratories in selected schools will be fully furnished with modern digital technology and learning aid equipments.

The Education, Science and Technology Commissioner therefore concluded that irrespective of all the moves and initiatives of the Federal Government and the state governments, the sustainability of quality education in the state and the country at large depends, to a very large extent, on the constant support and contributions of alumni associations, in tandem with the culture of alumni support by all critical stakeholders 

"Government cannot do it alone. The right model for educational growth is for all critical stakeholders in education, especially alumni associations, to constantly engage with their alma mater and give back optimum support," he asserted.

OTN News further reports that the atmosphere of nostalgic reminiscence at the JOGS 7175 golden jubilee anniversary commemorative reunion  was remarkably intense as many old schoolmates, who are successfully positioned positioned in different fields of human endeavours converged on the Centenary Hall of Ijebu-Ode Grammar school, reflecting on their life's journey since graduation, cherishing memories of their school days after fifty years and celebrating their milestones together while giving back to their alma mater.

In his Presidential address, the JOGSOBA National President,Omoba Adeniyi Adelana reiterated that "From our formative years in the four walls of the Grammar school to the present, we have traversed ups and downs of life, supporting each other through thick and thin".

He affirmed that "The set has grown, thrived and contributed significantly to our communities".

He also announced the donation of 30 units of modern White Magnetic Boards, each embedded with magnetic duster to wipe the Magic Board, to be mounted in all the 30 classrooms in the school to replace the traditional wooden blackboards previously used by the school.

The Chairman of the occasion, ably flanked by his amiable wife, Chief Akinola Soname, the Lisa of Ikenne Remo, who is a member of JOGS 7175 set, made a substantial donation to the Endowment Funds for the school, thanking the Honourable Commissioner for honouring the set with his presence even on a democracy day.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the old boys association's commemorative reunion, Arc. Tokunbo Fowode maintained that, "It is remarkable that members of the same set have gathered 50 years after to thank God for his benevolence and how far he has led them", urging all members to "Use this opportunity to network, reflect and reminisce about our days at JOGS".

A major high point of the event was the emotional moment the event compere,  Olufemi Orunsola of OTN News spontaneously invited two of the teachers who had taught the JOGS 7175 Set back in their school days at Ijebu-Ode Grammar, Captain Bisi Idris and Chief Mrs. Ajayi (Nee Odubiyi) to the dance floor, singing the popular Yoruba longevity prayer songs, "Oluwa da Baba si fun wa" and "Oluwa da Mama si fun wa" (Meaning may God preserve them and grant them the longevity to eat the fruits of their labours), for the two aged teachers who beamed with smiles of fulfilment as they responded to the melodious music by Impressions Band. 

Another highpoint of the event was the nostalgic moment the MC mimicked the assembly time of the old school boys, ordering them to line up on a simulated assembly ground while Impressions Band coordinator an upbeat, melodious rendition of the school Anthem by the Old School Boys Association members who all sang along loudly, in a nostalgic manner.

Other highpoints of the event included the cutting of the Golden Jubilee anniversary commemorative anniversary cake which was gracefully coordinated by the wife of the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Mrs. Soname and the presentation of awards of recognitions to deserving members of the Set under three major categories namely:

Selfless Service Awards as presented to: 

*Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rtd), Adeniji Jubril Olawale

*Federal Lawmaker, Hon. Engr. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan

*Former JOGS President (2018 -2024), Mr.Olajide Onayiga.

*Mr.Waheed Olaseni Onile-Ere (POSTHUMOUS Award received by his son)

Benevolence Award to:

*Mr.Samuel Oluseyi Ifonlaja

Resilience and Support Awards to:

*Arc.Shamsideen Adetugbobo (POSTHUMOUS)

*Late Abiodun Badejo Odenuga (POSTHUMOUS)

The JOGSOBA reunion also had in attendance a prominent Ogun Monarch, the Elese of Ilese, His Royal Majesty, Oba Remi Obayomi, erudite Scholar, Prof. Dele Badejo,(a former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State), a prominent Son of Ijebuland and leader of the Egbe Bobakeye of Ijebu, Otunba Biodun Onanuga, an Octogenarian old school boy, Dr.Oye Eribake, invited guests and friends of the Old School Boys, the current Principals of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Senior and Junior Schools, Messrs: Olugbewesa and Adenowo as well as a team of current students of the school, who participated actively in the entire stretch of the event as a way of mentoring and inspiring them to greatness beyond their school days.