The National President, Obalatan Commercial Grammar School, Alumni Association, Ilupeju-Ekiti, Professor John Adebayo Oloyede, has called on members to be more committed to giving the school a facelift and making it an academic center of excellence.
The National President made the call in his address during the maiden edition of the Annual Alumni Week of the School held at the school premises with the theme: “Forging Ahead In Unity”.
He urged them to ensure that the association is on the right track of unity, progress, upliftment, integrity, and accountability that will portray the organization in good light.
Speaking on the essence of the 2025 Alumni Week, Professor Oloyede explained that, it’s not only designed as integral part of their determined effort to rebrand, reunite, re-gather and refresh themselves from time to time, but grossly envisioned to moving both the Association and school forward to fulfill their defined mission and mandate.
In his word, “our coming together is highly significant at this time for ensuring a new face, viability and solidity of our Association and the Alma Mater.
“As we are all aware, Obalatan Commercial Grammar School, Ilupeju-Ekiti has come of age, having been established in 1971, 54 years ago, and has a rich tradition and trajectory history of not only surviving its many hard challenges, but of producing eminent personalities and great achievers in all spheres of life, making her a serving mother of destinies”.
Speaking further, Professor OLOYEDE said they were all aware of daunting challenges militating against their Alma Mater in terms of effective management and the attainment of quality education standards, remarked that the challenges range from poor enrolment, poor seating and learning materials, to gaps created by dilapidated and unconducive infrastructure, and insufficient teachers, especially in science and technology subjects which are much needed in this present age.
To assist in addressing the gaps in the school, as well as creating formidable forum that would promote mutual and beneficial social relationship among its old students, the erudite scholar maintained that the intervention of the Alumni Association is highly significant, imperative and indispensable.
The Obanco Alumni Association National President, therefore urged all well-meaning members among the school products to support the ongoing initiative and participate actively in its activities.
Professor Oloyede highlighted some issues for attention which include; Financing and Running of the Association, Redemption of Earlier Pledges, Financing of the Alumni Week, Financing the Construction of the Administrative Block Project, Perfecting the registration of the Association, the Constitutional Issue, the AGM of the Alumni Association, Ratification of BOT Members, Financial Rendition, Filling of Exco Vacant Position, Commendation for ‘Set’ Projects, and Tenure Expiration.
However, Oloyede amongst others has requested that, individual members and their sets should make required contributions to the national project appropriately, and that they should be faithful to annual contributions. Just as he equally requested all members to be engaged in welfare of the Principal and Staff, and help in moderating the behaviours of the students.
While delivering the Alumni Lecture titled: “The Role of Alumni Association in the Development of Alma Mater: A case of Obanco Association Alumni and the Alma Mater”, Oloyede noted that Alumni Associations in Nigeria have generally been playing formidable role in the development of education sector and in addressing the challenges of their Alma Maters by their various selfless service initiatives.
The Lecturer hinged the expectations of the Alma Maters from their Alumni Association in promoting development on; Financial Support in form of Donations and Fundraising Initiatives, Infrastructural Development Assistance, Engaging in Mentoring and Guardance, Engaging in Networking and Community Building, Enhancing Connectivity, Unity and Social Cohesion, Promoting the School’s Reputation and Advocacy, Support For School Management Initiatives, Supporting Improved Ethical and Moral Standards, Maintenance of High Educational Standards, and Bridge between the School and Society.
In his own address, the Chairman, 2025 Obanco Alumni Week, Engr. Oluwadare Omodudu, said the expected unity by the members must come with a very strong strategy which must be built on a solid understanding of their current position, clear goals, a well-defined vision, and a plan for execution.
Adding that the desired outcomes would be achieved by forgetting the past, uphold mutual respect, remain focused on the goals, stay glued to the plans, avoid distractions, and turning weakness to strength.
In his remark, the Chairman of School Board Management Committee (SBMC), Mr. Sola Ogunmiluyi, noted that since its establishment, Obanco has produced thousands of outstanding Alumni who are actively contributing to nation-building both within Nigeria and across the world.
“Our graduates have excelled as academics, civil servants, military officers, political leaders, religious leaders and key players in the private sector of the Nigerian economy”.
Ogunmiluyi said the good news which he’s particularly excited to share is that the school still possesses an abundance of talents and brilliant minds capable of restoring Obanco to its former glory and prominence.
He therefore called on the stakeholders to cooperate, collaborate, and partner to witness the renaissance of Obalatan Commercial Grammar School saying the challenge belongs to them all which he said must be confronted head-on with determination and unity.
At the event well attended by eminent personalities and members of various sets of the school, the Association presented cheques to some indigent final year students to enable them enrol for NECO. While the General Manager of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Seyi Ayeleso presented books to the students of the school.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards to alumni, former principals and teachers who have impacted the students and develop the school.