Uchechukwu Nnaike
As the Federal Government College, Ikom Old Students’ Association (FEDIOSA) recently held its sixth annual general meeting in Lagos, the central message of all stakeholders was the need for old students to contribute towards the development of their alma mater.
According to the National President of the association, Mr. David Udoh, the event, with the theme ‘Make it Happen, Make it Count’ was organised to engender among members, a spirit of creating visions and seeing them come to pass. He said the achievements of the old students would be extended to the current students of the school.
He regretted that unity schools, are in a bad shape due to poor funding by the federal government, hence the setting up of old students’ associations so that members can pull resources together and give back to the school.
He said the association is doing a lot within its power to renovate facilities at the school, adding that in the past, different class sets have done different things like renovating the assembly hall, toilets, hostels and the school gate to give it a better ambience.
As part of activities to mark the school’s 35th anniversary next year, Udoh said the old students plan to refurbish the sporting facilities, which have all collapsed.
On the desire by some old students’ associations to take over the running of their schools from the government, the president said “if government is able to fund the schools, then I will rather they remain with the government. If government is willing to hand over the schools, we can do it if we have a model that can work, because right now we are not funded by government, but we are pumping in millions of naira for the school to be where it is right now.”
He said the government could begin with the older schools that have the capacity and alumni membership that can fund the school and manage it properly.
The keynote speaker, Mrs. Blossom Mac-Isika, called on members of the association to set meaningful goals, pursue education as a tool for personal and societal development, and take proactive actions to achieve success.
She also encouraged individuals to find their purpose and make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
“By instilling these principles, we can inspire and empower future generations to reach new heights and create a brighter future for all,” she said.
Speaking on the topic ‘Alumni Growth and Engagement’, the guest speaker, Mr. Rex Biose, tasked alumni members to provide financial support for their alma mater, and to have engagement in the life of the institution and the alumni community at the class set.
Biose, who is the Chairman, Bowine International School, also urged the alumni to organise mentorship programmes for current students, as well as to always promote the school as a brand.
He said since the government does not provide adequate funding to education, it is the duty of alumni members to keep their alma maters alive.
