The present decay and dilapidated situation at United Christian Secondary School, Omi Adio, Ibadan, Oyo State has caught the attention of the Alumni Association, who hereby called on old students to rescue their Alma Mata from total extinction.
National President, School Alumni Association, Bldr. Asimiyu-Towolawi Bashir made this appeal at the 2021 Reunion Day urged old students home and abroad to salvage the school from where it found itself at the moment.
Bldr. Asimiyu who acknowledged the present economic situation of the nation as one of the reasons that deprived many old students to made it to the venue of the event, but urged them to come up stronger and rebuild both physical and intellectual standards of the school as it was upheld in the past.
He noted that welfare of old students should as well be paramount to the association, hereby called on members to always be their brothers’ keeper.
He said that the association will put in place an insurance policy for all members to reduce the burden of having to shoulder the responsibilities when the inevitable happens
While delivering his welcome address, he said that one of the reasons for the reunion to hold within the school premises was to allow all members to see for themselves the situation at which their alma mata is presently.
Also, to suggest the way forward in improving the school facilities, while each member is free to pick any project that is worthy to embark upon.
“I want to invite every one of us to take a glance at the school premises and come up with an idea on how to transform the school from its present rusty position,” He noted.
He called on all political gladiators who are members of old students association to shun enimities and show love to each other irrespective of their political background.
He stated: “Any members of the association in the corridors of power should be able to influence one or two developmental projects within the school premises.
“The school, United Christian Secondary School, Omi Adio established in 1976 has produced 40 sets of graduates who have passed through her within 45 years of its existence.”
The guest lecturer, Prof. Patrick Oyedepo Oyeniyi while delivering a lecture at 2021 Reunion Day tagged ‘Alumni Association: Panacea to Development of Institution and Members’, noted that every student who had registered at the school with school number or matriculation number is a bonafide member of alumni association irrespective of where he/she completed his education, unless the association’s constitution is against it.
Prof Oyeniyi, former physical education and sports teacher called on all who had passed through the school to look back and evaluate what they have gained during their schooling and benefits they derived from the school and think of what to give back to the school which has taught and nurtured them during their formative stage.
While appreciating the initiator of UCSS Alumni Association, he maintained that the association will help all old students to identify each other, both seniors and juniors will have an avenue to help one and other in their various fields.
In the same vein, Dr. Olusoji Akande a surgeon at LASTH, a member of the association also deliver lecture on the importance of health care of members noted that high blood pressure is one of the sicknesses that needs to be mindful of.
He warned members to check their health status at regular intervals to avoid sudden death, saying regular checks will avert the risk that associated with such illness.
He also emphasized the need to exercise body and eat healthy foods especially those that are above 40 years of age.
“It is good to take precaution and spend money on our health rather than spend money on maintenance of sickness or looking for a cure that is not likely to come on time. I want to urge you to ensure regular check, exercise, and healthy quality foods that your body needs,“ he said.
Some of the pioneer students who were in attendance were Alhaji Babatunde Taofik Oladipo, a former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, Oyo State, and BOT Chairman of the Association, Pastor Matthew Bamidele of Mount Zion Evangelical Ministry.
Prof. Joseph Adeniyi Olowofela, former Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Oyo State, and Commissioner, Federal Character Commission Abuja, Alhaji Luqman Oyebamiji Oladapo; Pastor Mrs. Bolatito Adeyemo, Vice President II of the association and Mrs. Bosede Akinwande, an educationist among others.
Meanwhile, in their separates goodwill message, they acknowledged the importance of the association and what benefits it has brought to the school and members in the last few years of its existence.
They said that the association will continue to wax stronger as members unite and work as a formidable force in moving the alma mata forward.
In the same vein, Prof. Olowofela in his goodwill messege noted that government alone cannot do everything on education, he therefore called on individuals to partner with the state government in improving the standard of education in Nigeria.
He said the electronics library project personally sponsored now abandoned will soon be completed as soon as the contractor comes back to the site.
He also called on well to do individuals to support the school in terms of infrastructures that the school needs.
Speaking with General Secretary of the association, Adeniyi Folorunso shortly after the event, he said that the unity of the association is a priority to him and wants all sets to come together in moving the school forward.
Folorunsho affirmed that harmonization of both the old and younger generations of graduands under one umbrella of association is a panacea to developmental project within the school premises as well as among the members.
The event was graced by 15 sets out of 40 sets the school had produced since its establishment in September 1976 till date, of which many of them were in school uniform to reflect memories of the past.
