By Akeem Olatidoye
In the bid to restore the glory of their alma mater, members of Esie/Iludun Grammar School Old Students Association (EIGSOSA) on Saturday in Ilorin, Kwara State, kickstarted a N200 million Endowment Fund raising programme.
Located on Ora Hill, Esie in Irepodun Local Government Area of the State, Esie/Iludun Grammar School has, since its establishment by the Anglican Communion on January 1st, 1960, produced several leading lights doing the nation proud at home and in the diaspora.
In his opening remark, the National President of EIGSOSA, Dr Femi Ogunremi expressed appreciation to those who honoured the invitation particularly the royal fathers Olofa of Offa, HRM, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye and the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II.
The National President also thanked the Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District, Senator Lola Ashiru for his support for the school. Oba Titiloye and Senator Ashiru are both members of EIGSOSA.
Ogunremi also hinted that the deplorable condition of some critical infrastructure in Esie/Iludun Anglican Grammar School calls for urgent attention of the government and other stakeholders.
He commended all the members of EIGSOSA for their contributions towards improving teaching and learning in the college, adding that there is need for strong endowment fund in order to return values back to Esie/Iludun Anglican Grammar School.
He appealed to the personalities, and members of the school old students association to donate generously so that the aims and objectives of the endowment programme will be accomplished.
He expressed sadness over the attitude of some of the members of the old students association, saying that some have failed to contribute to the development of their alma mater. He, however noted that the present situation in Nigeria has not given some members opportunity to support the school.
He appealed to government, well-meaning individuals, organizations to help the college from total collapse as some of the buildings in the school are in terrible condition. He urged the Kwara State Government to come to the rescue.
While promising that all money realized will be used judiciously and accounted for, Ogunremi announced that a board will be inaugurated to deliberate on the special projects which the money will be used for and assured that none of the executive members of EIGSOSA will be involved in the special projects.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe in his remark reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to building a resilient, inclusive and innovative education system.
Olohungbebe who was Special Guest of Honour at the event, emphasized that the role of infrastructure in the delivery of quality education cannot be over emphasized.
He said all Kwarans deserve to learn in a safe, inspiring and well-maintained environment that supports creativity, innovation, and holistic development.
” Sadly, many of our schools, particularly in rural and semi urban areas, are faced with dilapidated buildings, inadequate furniture, and obsolete facilities.
“While government continues to make significant efforts to bridge these gaps, partnership just like the one we are experiencing today are not just commendable, they are essential.
“As a Commissioner for Education in Kwara State, I have witnessed first-hand transformation that can occur when stakeholders, government, community, private sector, and alumni groups work collaboratively,” he said.
Olohungbebe emphasized that the vision of the present administration in Kwara State is not just to educate but to empower; not just to inform, but to transform.
“This informs the State Government’s investment and partnership with relevant stakeholders in scaling up digital infrastructure; in teacher capacity development, so that teachers become facilitators of the 21st century learning with the tools and knowledge to deliver meaningful, engaging and future ready education; as we as implementing policy frameworks that ensures that no child is left behind,” he added
According to him, the endowment fund being launched by EIGSOSA is not just a pool of money, it is a legacy.
He described education as the most powerful tool for societal advancement. “When you invest in school infrastructure, you are not just building walls, you are building dreams, nurturing talents, and shaping the future of countless generations”.
The Commissioner for Education assured that the Kwara State Ministry of Education remains open and willing to partner with associations such as EIGSOSA to strengthen and scale up the kinds of initiative.
He also promised that government will continue to support schools across the state with policies and interventions that promote access, equity, and quality in education.
He noted that Esie/Iludun Grammar School contributed significantly to the lives of all the members of the association.
“To the distinguished alumni present here today, your presence speaks volumes. It shows that Esie/Iludun Anglican Grammar School did more than teaching.
“It shaped your character, values, and success. I urge you not to relent. Let today be the beginning of a consistent and sustained engagement with your alma mater,” he said.
The Special Guest of Honour then commended the organiser of the event, donors and all those who have supported the initiative.
The Principal of Esie Iludun Anglican Grammar School, Durojaye Omonike Olufunmilayo in her address, appreciated the continued support and partnership of the Esie Iludun Anglican Grammar Old Students’ Association.
She acknowledged that the impact and commitment of the old students of the college have significantly improved teaching and learning in the school.
Durojaye while thanking the old students association for their unwavering support, noted that “your commitment to giving back to your alma mater is truly inspiring”.
The Principal also announced that, “our students have excelled in various areas like academic achievements, they have consistently performed well in both West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) examinations.
“In sports and games, our teams have won several championship and tournaments. Our students have participated in various competitions and won.”
She noted that the impact of the association has improved academic performance, increased student confidence, morale and enhanced reputation of Esie Iludun Anglican Grammar School.
The college Principal appreciated the continued support of the former students of Esie Iludun Anglican Grammar School, saying “We are grateful for your partnership and value your involvement. We look forward to continued collaboration. Together, we can shape the future of our students.”
Durojaye, who also informed the gathering on some of the recent developments which have taken place in the school, mentioned that the school has undergone significant transformation over the past year.
She informed that the Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Oyelola Ashiru has facilitated the construction of two class rooms and three laboratories.
She also said, 1981 set of the old students association has also assisted in the renovation of the senior secondary school block while the 1990 set has also renovated the former form 3 block.
The 1999 set of old students of the college donated cash awards and stationery to all the students in the school to mark their 25 years of graduation.
Some of the guests who spoke at the event commended the National President of the old students, Dr Femi Ogunremi for his commitment and dedication.
Apart from the N200m endowment fund, another money was also raised for the procurement of new school bus.
Some members of EIGSOSA were honoured by the association at the occasion.
