The President, Odogbolu Grammar School Old Students Association, Dr. Olumide Adesipe, has tasked alumni and other stakeholders to be committed to the maintenance and upgrade of schools’ facilities to aid better teaching and learning.

He said this when alumni of Odogbolu Grammar School, Ogun State worried by the poor state of school’s environment decided to rehabilitate some of the school’s buildings.

Odogbolu Grammar School Ogun, State, founded in 1957, has produced notable personalities in the society. But over the years, the school has been neglected, resulting it having dilapidated facilities.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for the Phase One of the rehabilitation efforts by the alumni held at the school’s premises, the association’s president, Dr. Olumide Adesipe, said the project was not merely about the physical transformation of the school, but symbolises the old students’ collective investment in the future.

He said the renovated facilities would provide a modern and conducive environment for generations to come, fostering a love for learning and creating opportunities for academic excellence.

He explained that the association has laid foundation for brighter future by embracing the innovations for upcoming generations.

He stated that the rehabilitation of the dilapidated classroom blocks would have not come to fruition if not for the hard work, endless hours and true dedication of the committee members and the priceless support of the executive members of the association.

“This has been a long and tedious process culminating in the event of the rehabilitation proper.”

The Chairman of planning committee, James Olusi, said owing to cash flow constraints, the work chart was designed to be delivered in phases with the first phrase taking off with a delivery date of April 1, 2024.

He said at the completion of the building, the Information Communication Technology (ICT) building would wear a new look, including new ceiling, new terrazzo floor and new wooden windows and doors.

“We will also encourage new modern teaching boards, remodeled steps and walls all coated in new paints to give a
touch of excellence.
“It is our desire to commence the second phase of the rehabilitation process immediately on delivery of this phase. For this to happen however, we will need all hands on deck.”

He said the association needs the support of all alumni, friends and well-wishers in the private and public sectors as well as the host community through the Community Development Association (CDA).

One of the pioneer students, Babatude Jayesimi, said the association has written series of letters informing Ogun State government about the poor state of the school, through its Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, but no response.

The Chairman, Parents and Teachers Association, Mr. Idowu Abudu, said the major challenge was inadequate teachers to teach the students properly.

He said another challenge was insecurity because the school is not properly fenced adding that there is need for the school to be fenced.

He said the school was founded by Odogbolu Community members in 1957 but government took over the school’s management in 1979.

He, however, said since then the school has been left behind in terms of developments. “The school’s hostel has become dilapidated with sections taken over by weeds. There is no drainage in the school.”

He said Odogbolu Grammar School has produced lawyers, engineers, doctors, teachers, nurses, among others in the society therefore it should not be neglected.