Funmi Ogundare
Odogbolu Grammar School Old Students Association (OGSOSA), weekend, called for the support of members of the alumni and other stakeholders to enable it complete its project designed to bring back the lost glory of the school.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of the rehabilitation of a dilapidated block of classrooms, at the school premises, in Ogun State, the President of the association, Dr. Olumide Adesipe, explained that the project not only represented the restoration of bricks and mortar, but the revitalization of its shared history and commitment to education.
The rehabilitation works, he stated, have been conceived to be in phases, adding that the first phase will entail rehabilitation on Block A and that of the ICT, respectively.
According to him, “this will be followed by the second phase of rehabilitation of the principal’s quarters, the teacher’s quarters housing the NYSC members sent to the school. The next phase would comprise Block B, and C and the adjoining structures for learning. This would be followed by students’ hostel as well as various sports facilities.”
The president stated that the project symbolises the association’s collective investment in the future and will provide a modern and conducive environment for generations to come.
“The renovated facilities will also foster a love for learning and create opportunities for academic excellence,” Adesipe stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee ( PIC) , Mr. James Olusi, commended his committee members for their hard work, endless hours and true dedication saying that the project which will be done be in phases, will be delivered by April, 2024.
“At completion, we envisaged that block A and the ICT building will wear a new look. It is our desire to commence the second phase of the rehabilitation process immediately on delivery of this phase. For this to happen however, we will need all hands on deck,” he said.
Speaking with journalists, the PTA Chairman, Junior School, Mr. Idowu Abudu, recalled that the school was founded by the community in 1957, and that when the government took over in 1979, it suffered neglect and decay in terms of infrastructure; and lacked teachers.
“Many teachers were transferred out of the school and just a few were replaced. We were at a meeting with the state commissioner of Education and Technology where we highlighted these problems.
“However, it seemed government is handicapped. The government has just employed about 1,000 teachers and we are hoping that we will benefit from them.”
He lamented that the girls hotel has been taken over by weed, the school lacked fencing, poor landscape and drainage network, among others, saying that was what motivated the association’s initiative towards bringing back its old glory.
“We have contributed a lot and we feel that we can do the rehabilitation in phases,” he stated.
He expressed hope that its national body will continue to integrate each graduating set into its membership so that they can contribute their quota towards developing their Alma Mata.
