Sola POPOOLA
The old students are planning for the golden Jubilee anniversary of Ipoti High School as the ancient school begun to wear a new look as a result of the massive renovations of facilities carried out by the Association. M
Virtually all the old structures in the school have been refurbished while new facilities are being donated to compliment the existing ones .
Briefing newsmen on the forthcoming 50th anniversary, an alumnus and chairman of the planning committee, Mrs Monisola Iselowo-Olajide hinted that the school had recorded massive facelifts in the last fifty years and its products are making waves in their various field of endeavours .
The committee chairman acknowledged and underscored the contributions of the old students to the development and successes recorded by the school over the years adding that government alone cannot shoulder education responsibilities.
Part of activities marking the golden jubilee anniversary celebrations slated for October 14, shall include ,novelty football match, medical intervention and career talks, to be anchored by Professor Ajibade Oyinloye.
Major highlights of the event shall be the commissioning of some landmarks projects such as blocks of classrooms,office building, tables and chairs for the students.
” During the grand finale, we will be commissioning of various self-help projects, including a 4-classroom building with four offices and toilets, 390 chairs and lockers, new school gate , corpers lodge and provision of anniversary vests for a student population of 665 free of charge.
” It is a new dawn at Ipoti High School and it is no exaggeration saying it is the best secondary school in the entire Ijero LGA in terms of physical structure and academic performance, the laurels garnered over the years are evidential.
” Notwithstanding, the great stakeholders of the school are not happy that a school that had enjoyed a full boarding system for years suddenly got removed from the system without any reason to justify the action. We have the space , capacity and all that it takes to run as boarding system.
” We the old students are ready to take the gauntlet, we have all engaged in self-help projects for the progress and greatness of our Alma mater and we cannot be tired.
” We are therefore, seizing the opportunity offered by the celebration of our 50th anniversary to ask and plead for the return of boarding system to Ipoti High School.”Mrs Iselowo-Olajide said .
The Old Students,however called for return of boarding system in the secondary school.,stresding that the boarding system was in place in the school before it was abolished,
They hoped that such policy would, in no small measure improve enrolment and standard of education in the area.
The boarding system enhance increase in enrolment figure and as well guarantee academic excellence, adding that, ” parents are more comfortable and convenient bringing their wards to the boarding school.”
In his remarks the chairman of the School-based management committee and a member of the association, Bode Agbeleye said they are committed to the development of the school, adding that they would continue to galvanize all old students for them to give back to their alma mater.
The school principal , Mrs Felicia Omoniyi commended the old students for their numerous investment and intervention in the school, saying, ” they have practically changed the face of the school.”