Old students inaugurate ‘N100m projects’ as Ondo school marks 60th anniversary

The old students association of Owo High School in Ondo has expressed its displeasure over the poor enrollment of students in the public secondary schools.

Foluso Falaye, the president of the association, spoke on November 12 while inaugurating projects worth “N100 million” to mark the 60th anniversary of the school.

Falaye said there is no reason for any public primary school to be dwindling in number of pupils while private schools are on the increase.

“In the 60s, there were no strong private schools. What they had was public schools and most of us who have achieved something today are products of public schools,” he said.

“Unfortunately, when the government took over the schools, quality began to go down to the extent that even today, many of regulators of private school system are products of public school system.”

Falaye advocated the return of schools to the missionary leaders for efficient management.

He said the government should cede management of public schools and stick to its oversight function to ensure affordability.

“The public school system has become overwhelming for the government. If you see what is going on now, the government is trying to re-strategise by giving back some of those schools to their missionary owners,” he said.

“I think that’s a step in the right direction. So, both the old students and other stakeholders should assist the government in taking over these schools and ensure proper policies that will improve quality of education in those schools.”

Speaking on projects executed by old students, Falaye said it includes “N2.5 million support for ICT training of teachers and students; construction of JSS3 block; donation of 30 fans; rehabilitation and renovation of SS3 block; renovation of Biology and Physics Laboratories; borehole; principal office/admin block; construction of volleyball and badminton courts”.

He said others include, “Solar-powered street complete units of street light, covering from the gate to the roundabout, corpers lodge; donation of 20 magnetic boards with markers; construction of ultramodern rest rooms; executive tables and Chairs for the teachers amongst others”.