In a heartwarming gesture, parents and students at Government Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State, celebrated as the 1984 graduating set covered the 2024 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees for 41 outstanding students.
The initiative, a first in the school’s history, was launched in honor of the alumni’s 40th graduation anniversary, with the goal of fostering academic excellence.
The 1984 Set of the Government Secondary School Ilorin Old Boys’ Association urged individuals and corporate entities to invest in talented secondary school students, emphasizing the vital role Nigeria’s youth play in securing the nation’s future.
Muhammad Baba-Okanla, Chairman of the 1984 Set, explained that the decision to pay the SSCE fees was a key component of the group’s 40th-anniversary celebration.
“This empowerment project was a collective decision by over 300 alumni, both at home and abroad. It was driven by the desire to promote hard work and excellence among students,” he stated.
Baba-Okanla, who is also the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), also highlighted the alumni’s long-standing tradition of supporting their alma mater, citing various infrastructure projects they have undertaken, including renovations of the Physics and Chemistry laboratories, Gambari House, and the School Mosque, as well as the provision of library furniture, mattresses for boarders, and boreholes.
“For our 40th anniversary, we felt the most impactful way to give back was by investing in the academic pursuits of the students,” Baba-Okanla added.
He also mentioned the Set’s plans to establish an endowment fund for the sustainability of the SSCE registration payment scheme.
The State Commissioner of Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Moddibo Kawu, commended the alumni for their continued support of their alma mater, noting the importance of such contributions to both the school and the larger community.
“Your efforts in mentorship and infrastructural development are inspiring, and I encourage you to continue being great ambassadors of the school,” she said.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Justice Zubayr Saliu of the Kogi State High Court urged the students to honor the generosity of the alumni and their parents by striving for excellence.
He also called on others to follow the alumni’s example of giving back to their alma mater.
Represented by Taye Matthew Odedeji, UNESCO Desk Officer and Deputy Director of School Services at the Kwara State Ministry of Education, the Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to education.
She highlighted the efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in improving educational infrastructure and supporting alumni associations.
The school’s principal, Ahmed Kuranga Yero, himself a former student, praised the Class of 1984 for their groundbreaking initiative.
He expressed confidence that the gesture would inspire future students to excel in their studies, with hopes of benefiting from similar opportunities.
“This project will leave a lasting impression on both the students and their parents,” Kuranga remarked, urging other alumni to follow the example set by the Class of 1984.
The event featured a lecture by Prof. Raheem Lawal of the University of Ilorin, who emphasized the importance of education in shaping both individuals and society.
He encouraged alumni to stay connected to their alma mater and maintain the friendships built during their school years.
The anniversary celebration concluded with a prayer session, gala night, and the presentation of awards to the 41 brilliant students, witnessed by their proud parents and members of the public.
Notable dignitaries such as the State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, and the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Umar Muhammed, also delivered goodwill messages, congratulating both the students and the alumni for their contributions to education.
