EGSAOSA at 70: Olori Urges Ogun to Strengthen Funding, Not Return Schools to Missionaries

The National President of Ebenezer Grammar School, Iberekodo, Abeokuta Old Students Association (EGSAOSA), Engr. Tajudeen Olori, has urged the Ogun State Government to avoid returning public secondary schools to missionary ownership, advising instead that more attention should be given to improving funding and infrastructure in the education sector.

Olori made the appeal on Monday during a press conference held at Ebenezer Grammar School, Iberekodo, Abeokuta, as part of activities marking the school’s 70th anniversary celebration.

He noted that previous attempts to revert schools to missionary control created disparities within the education system, including divisions between public and private sections of the same schools, which he said negatively affected access to affordable education for many pupils.

According to him, such policies in the past placed financial burdens on parents and, in some cases, limited access to secondary education due to high school fees in privately managed institutions.

“Education is critical to the future of our society. A well-educated population is less likely to engage in negative activities. I appeal to the government to remain committed to its educational policies and continue supporting schools in meeting the needs of a growing population,” he said.

Reflecting on the school’s 70-year journey, Olori described the milestone as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to future development, noting that Ebenezer Grammar School has remained a centre of excellence since its establishment, producing notable alumni contributing to national and international development.

He also commended the role of the alumni association in complementing government efforts in areas such as infrastructure, security, and academic development.

On security, he recalled that the school environment was previously plagued by miscreants but said the situation had improved significantly due to collaboration between the government, alumni, and security agencies. He, however, called for the urgent replacement of a retired security officer still being paid by the government.

Olori listed several infrastructural projects executed by EGSAOSA, including the construction and renovation of classrooms and hostels, provision of a modern library, boreholes, furniture, perimeter fencing, and repainting of school buildings.

He further disclosed that the association, in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), had established two ICT centres in the school to enhance digital learning and prepare students for computer-based examinations.

“With consistent access to computers, students become familiar with digital tools and will not face difficulties during CBT examinations,” he said.

Highlighting the school’s achievements in academic and extracurricular competitions, Olori noted that Ebenezer Grammar School recently won the 2025 Engineering and You competition organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), as well as the ANCHOPSS national debate competition held in Imo State, among other accolades.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of EGSAOSA, Engr. (Dr.) Musa Adekunle, unveiled plans for the 70th anniversary celebrations, which include the construction of a commemorative monument, establishment of an endowment fund, and publication of a comprehensive history book of the school.

He called on old students who have not been actively involved in the association’s activities to join efforts in supporting the continued development of their alma mater and elevating its status among leading secondary schools in Nigeria.