Old students of Ipapo Community Grammar School (ICGS) have been urged to continually give back to the institution that nurtured them. This call was made by Professor (Mrs) Tejumade Omowumi Siyanbola, an alumna of the school, at the golden jubilee celebration of ICGS. The celebration, held under the theme "50 Years of Excellence, Integrity and Impact," marked the school's 50th anniversary. Professor Siyanbola stressed that government alone cannot meet the growing needs of secondary schools.
The president of the Ipapo Community Grammar School Old Students Association (OSAICOGS), Deacon Femi Olawore, welcomed guests to the celebration and paid tributes to the courage and sacrifices of the founding fathers of the institution. He described ICGS as a "shining light" and a life-impacting institution in Ipapo and beyond. According to Olawore, the greatest achievement of the school in the last 50 years was not its buildings or classrooms, but the men and women of character it had produced.
Professor Siyanbola commended OSAICOGS for its commitment to the development of its alma mater. She noted that alumni associations had played significant roles in advancing educational institutions across the world and Nigeria. The don explained that beyond providing financial support, alumni associations had important responsibilities in promoting the reputation of their alma mater.
Deacon Olawore highlighted some of the association's interventions in the school, including the upgrading of the school layout and renovation of a block of four classrooms. He said the association was also working on other projects, including an ultra-modern students' restroom and a multipurpose hall. Olawore appealed to the government, community, parents, teachers, alumni and other friends of the school to support its endowment fund.
Professor Siyanbola advised the school to develop a comprehensive list of its needs, maintain accurate records of old students and establish a Hall of Fame to recognise distinguished alumni. She noted that proper documentation of old students would make it easier for the institution and alumni association to reconnect with members and mobilise them for the development of the school.
The chairman of the occasion, Barrister Beulah Adeoye, urged people of Ipapo and Oke-Ogun in general to play an active role in deciding who governs them in the 2027 general election. Adeoye called on the electorate to support leaders committed to addressing the basic infrastructure and other needs of people at the grassroots. He also donated N1 million to support the alumni endowment fund.
The golden jubilee celebration brought together old students, traditional and religious leaders, community stakeholders and other friends of the institution. The Eleyinpo of Ipapo, Oba Yekeen Ademola Abioye, expressed appreciation to God for sustaining the institution over the past five decades. The event featured the establishment of an endowment fund for development projects and presentation of awards to distinguished ambassadors of the school.
Key points
- Old students of Ipapo Community Grammar School urged to give back to alma mater
- Alumni association plays significant role in advancing educational institutions
- School's 50th anniversary celebration marked with calls for support and development projects
