By Law Ibitoye
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has completed the first phase of the comprehensive renovation of blocks of classrooms fully equipped with modern teaching equipment at Government Science College, Iyin-Ekiti, at a cost of N282 million, within six weeks.
Bamidele disclosed this on Thursday during an inspection and commissioning of the renovated facilities, assuring that the intervention would be followed by a second phase covering laboratories, library facilities and additional classrooms. He said the project was motivated by his commitment to providing students with a conducive environment for acquiring the knowledge and skills required to become future professionals and leaders.
According to him, the renovation became necessary after the permanent site of the school was made available to the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, for its take-off. He explained that unforeseen circumstances, including torrential rainfall and delays in the university’s relocation to its permanent site, created the need for an urgent intervention to protect the interests of the secondary school students.
The Senate Leader said he secured a six-week window during the students’ vacation to undertake the renovation, which covered the boys’ and girls’ hostels, administrative block, classrooms, dining hall and kitchen. He stressed that the project would not end with the first phase, as plans were already underway to provide specialised facilities and additional classroom blocks where available space permits. Bamidele also assured the students and residents of Iyin Ekiti that the poor access road to the school, would be temporarily fixed via grading before federal government road projects along the area commences.
On her part, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Bimpe Aderiye, who represented Governor Oyebanji commended Bamidele for the intervention, describing it as an example of effective collaboration between government and individuals committed to educational development. She assured that the state government would continue to provide running grants to schools while ensuring proper monitoring and maintenance of the renovated facilities.
The event also featured the presentation of two buses, donated to Government Science College, Iyin-Ekiti, and FUTES. Thrilled with the renovation, Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, commended Senator Bamidele for the intervention.
Senator Bamidele hinted that his ultimate objective was to help build a school capable of producing engineers, medical doctors, pharmacists, scientists, governors and other future leaders for Ekiti State and Nigeria, as he tasked the ministry of education on proper monitoring and maintenance culture.
The atmosphere at the school was electrifying as the students sang praises of the Senator and prayed for God to continue to elevate him in all spheres of life. They also pledged to make judicious use of the facilities provided, assuring that the gesture would positively impact their lives and inspire them to reciprocate such acts of kindness in the future.