Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, has emphasized the need for sustained investment in basic education as a critical foundation for producing well-rounded citizens, professionals, and responsible leaders capable of driving Nigeria's development. He made this statement during the inauguration of the renovated Government Science College, Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The renovation, which cost over N200 million, was personally undertaken by the senator.
The renovation covered various facilities, including the boys' hostel, administrative and classroom blocks, girls' hostel, dining hall, and kitchen. Senator Bamidele also presented a brand-new bus to the school to enhance its operations and support the students. Additionally, he presented a brand-new bus to the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences Iyin-Ekiti (FUTESI). The senator's intervention was driven by his belief in human capital development and the need to give young people the opportunity to realise their potential.
According to Senator Bamidele, the significance of the project goes beyond the physical structures, as the ultimate objective is to provide a solid foundation for children who can grow to become professionals and leaders in various sectors of the economy. He expressed his hope that the school would produce future engineers, medical doctors, physicists, pharmacists, and leaders. The senator's vision is to have a school system that produces people who are better and greater than the current generation.
The Senate Leader stressed that the foundation stage of education remains critical to the development of individuals and the nation. He noted that a society that desires sustainable development must pay serious attention to the quality of education provided to its children. Senator Bamidele's intervention was also a way of appreciating the Ekiti State Government for granting the necessary support that enabled the use of the permanent site of the Government Science College for the take-off of FUTESI.
Although the university could not immediately vacate the premises as initially envisaged due to some circumstances, including heavy rainfall, Senator Bamidele felt compelled to respond to the needs of the students and improve their learning environment. He sought the approval of the state government through the Ministry of Education for a six-week window during the students' vacation to undertake the first phase of the renovation. The senator expressed happiness about the first phase of the renovation.
Senator Bamidele disclosed plans for a second phase of the project, which would focus on transforming the institution into a more specialised science-oriented school with modern laboratories, a library, and other critical facilities. The long-term intention is for the school to be a training ground for university students. Consideration would also be given to constructing additional classroom blocks, subject to the availability of land, to enable the school to expand its capacity and accommodate more students.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony, including former Governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr Adebimpe Aderiye, commended Senator Bamidele's investment and interventions in the community and the state. They described his efforts as significant contributions to the education sector and lauded his commitment to the development of education and the overall progress of the state. The state government assured that it would continue to support public schools and ensure that facilities provided through such interventions were properly maintained and effectively utilised.
Key points
- Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has invested N200 million in renovating the Government Science College, Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
- The renovation aims to provide a solid foundation for children to become professionals and leaders in various sectors of the economy.
- Senator Bamidele plans a second phase of the project to transform the institution into a specialised science-oriented school.
