POOR, inappropriate and inadequate funding has been described as the major hindrance of educational growth and development of institutions in Nigeria.
Making this assertion was the vice chancellor of Wellspring University, Benin City, Professor Isaac Rotimi Ajayi, during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Ebun Ogunyimika Comprehensive College Atosin Idanre (EBOCAI), Ondo State.
Professor Ajayi, who is also an alumnus of the 50 year-old college, while delivering the anniversary lecture entitled: ‘Legacy and Community Development, Professor Ajayi stated emphasised the need for the government at all levels to give more priorities to the funding of secondary and tertiary education , saying “this will further guarantee sustainable growth and development. “
He opined that if urgent steps and actions were not taken, there would be persistent and perennial dwindling in the products that are being churned out from these institutions on a yearly basis.
He, therefore, advocated that the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund) interventions should be spread out to all public and private institutions across the country, while cognisance be given to massive infrastructure development as well as heavy concentration be placed on Information Communication Technology (ICT) to meet the global challenges of education.
In their welcome addresses, the president of the Alumni association, Mr Adetosoye Adesioye and the chairman of the Anniversary Planning committee, Mr Korede Adeyemi were unanimous on all alumni and stakeholders in the EBOCAI project to give it the utmost priorities.
They commended other members of the alumni for their proactive roles in giving the school a facelift and on the total transformation of the school.
They appealed for more sustainable funding of the school in the areas of Information Communication Technology,(ICT), well-equipped science laboratories among many other futuristic vision for the college.
Also in their separate addresses on behalf of the alumni, the director of Missions, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worldwide, Pastor Segun Fasuyi; former GOC and Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Doyle, Major General Benson Akinroluyo(rtd) and the two officers of the alumni in the UK and US, Gbenga Duyilemi and Bankole Bolutayo all appealed to every stakeholders to see the EBOCAI projects as personal to them and as such should invest heavily in them for the betterment of the 50 year-old institution and the future of the succeeding students.
Ebun Ogunyimika Comprehensive College Atosin Idanre was established in 1974 by Late Chief Samuel Ebun Ogunyimika, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs in the Old Ondo State, which now comprises Ondo and Ekiti states.
The alumni decided to celebrate the milestone in grand style, showing appreciation to God for taking the school thus far and sparing their lives to witness the momentous occasion.
Highlights of the week-long events were the anniversary lecture, community walk and visitation to the Palace of Oba Gilbert Ogunlowo, the traditional ruler of the host community Atosin Idanre.
The programme also featured worship at the Atosin Idanre Mosque, a friendly football match between the host school and another neighbourhood school team, Idanre High School Alade. Meanwhile, the match ended with 2 – 0 in favour of Ebun Ogunyimika College.
The grand finale involved the launching of N300 million endowments and funding of school projects and also presentations of awards to some old students, community leaders and other stakeholders.
There was also the donation of a N35 million worth Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre to the school by the Adeyemi family in honour of their late mother, Felicia Modupe.
The week ended with a church thanksgiving at St John Anglican Church, Atosin Idanre.
Dignitaries present at the occasion were the executive Governor of Ondo State, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Dr Mrs Olawumi Ilawole; member representing Idanre/ Ifedore federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Festus Akingbaso, and the representative of Mrs Tosin Ajirotutu Ogunlowo, member representing Idanre in the Ondo State House of Assembly. Also in attendance was Hon Smart Omotadowa, Executive Chairman, Idanre Local government.
There was also the heavy presence of the military that graced the occasion including former GOC and Theatre Commander of the OPERATION Lafiya Doyle, Major General Benson Akinroluyo (rtd) OFR, and retired Naval Commander, Earnest Bade Adeuti, both alumnus of the school.
Other officers were Brigadier General John Rinbuk Lar, Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure( Brigadier General Lar presented the Trophy to the winner of the match). There were also Lt col Umar Barai, Commanding Officer 323 Regiment and Lt col Adamu Ado, chief of staff to the Brigade Commander.
Also in attendance were the hosts of EBOCAI alumni from home and abroad. They all looked resplendent in their Ankara fabric which they sewed as uniforms.
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