Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, have called on the King's College Old Boys' Association (KCOBA) to utilize its vast network of intellectuals and professionals to address the challenges facing the institution. The duo emphasized the need for the school to uphold its high standards and preserve its legacy as an epitome of educational excellence.
Alausa, represented by Prof. Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), spoke at the 117th Annual Founders' Day Lecture and Anniversary Ball of King's College, Lagos. He highlighted the institution's significant role in Nigeria's education system and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alausa expressed concern over the declining standard of learning in secondary schools and urged the alumni to deploy their expertise to develop solutions to the challenges confronting the college.
The Minister emphasized that King's College has set standard best practices in secondary education and maintains a strong foundation for successful tertiary education. He described the legacy built by the college as a product of history, ideas, actions, values, and tangible achievements that have shaped best practices in Nigeria's secondary education system. Alausa urged the alumni to protect this legacy, particularly as the institution prepares for leadership transformation.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, commended the KCOBA leadership for its interventions in the college and its resolve to take responsibility for the institution. He urged the old boys to explore ways of incorporating artificial intelligence, digital technology, and robotics into the school's curriculum to create new opportunities for future generations of students. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that KCOBA must ensure that the next generation inherits an even stronger institution.
In his keynote address, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House, Lagos, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the concession framework that would allow KCOBA to take charge of the school's affairs. He acknowledged concerns among parents and the public over the development but expressed the association's willingness and capacity to fulfil the conditions contained in the agreement.
Ighodalo noted that some parents and members of the public are worried about the changes, fearing that the rules may make it difficult for their children to attend King's College. He, however, assured that the association's goal is to strengthen the institution and ensure its continued excellence. The event was attended by stakeholders and old boys of the college.
The call by Sanwo-Olu and Alausa is a renewed effort to revive the academic legacy of King's College, an institution that has produced many intellectuals, experts, and professionals over the years. The alumni association has a critical role to play in shaping the future of the school and ensuring that it continues to uphold its high standards.
Key points
- - Lagos Governor and Education Minister urge King's College alumni to restore academic legacy. - The institution has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - The alumni are tasked with incorporating modern technologies into the school's curriculum.
