In a display of unwavering support for their alma mater, the old students of Methodist High School, Idanre, have donated a block of six classrooms worth N50 million to the school.
The inauguration and official handing over of the building ceremony took place on Thursday in Idanre, where the Chairman Central Planning Committee of the association, Dr Dokun Dairo, expressed the old students’ dedication to contributing to the school’s progress.
He notes that the project was a collaborative effort among the old students, with many contributing financially and others providing material donations.
Dairo highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “The essence of this event is for us to hand over the building project that the old students have put together to the school authorities and also to celebrate ourselves by having our reunion ceremony of the old students.”
He further revealed that the association aims to raise an additional N20 million to support the school’s development.
The project’s cost exceeded N50 million due to the involvement of a close associate who contributed significantly as a community development initiative.
Dairo explained that while the project could have cost around N150 million if contracted out, direct labor and project management by the association reduced the overall expenses.
Dairo also acknowledged the contributions of other old students who have assisted the school in various ways, including constructing a block of six classrooms and facilitating the tarring of the school’s parking lot and road channelisation.
In a call to action, Dairo urged the government to prioritize the development of basic education in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for all stakeholders to collaborate with the government in funding education.
He argued that the government’s resources are insufficient to fund education adequately, particularly at the tertiary level, and that primary and secondary education, along with vocational education, should receive the government’s primary focus.
He also encouraged private sectors and stakeholders to invest in tertiary education.
A member of the association and Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Universal Basics Education Board, Mr Akinnagbe, commended the government’s efforts in improving the school’s infrastructure.
He also urged the government to extend its support to other schools in the state.
Akinnagbe acknowledged the government’s role in providing adequate infrastructure, teachers, and other necessary resources for a conducive learning environment.
He commended the current government for its contributions, including the construction of six classroom blocks by Ondo SUBEB and the provision of books and sporting equipment to the school.
Akinnagbe emphasized the importance of expanding such support to encompass all primary and secondary schools across Ondo State.
He reminded the government and relevant authorities, including JUPEB and SUBEB, of their responsibility to provide quality education for the first nine years, from primary 1 to 6 and from JSS 1 to 3.
