The Old Students’ Association of Atakumosa High School, Osu, Osun State, has donated a multimillion naira digital centre to their alma mater.
The 1974 set also donated a modern toilet facility to the school to mark the 50th anniversary of their graduation.
Speaking at the inauguration of the two projects on the premises of the school on Monday, the chairperson of the Digital Center Project, Mrs. Kofoworola Ajelabi-Ogunbiyi, said the idea of a digital centre was conceived and executed within six months by the association.
Ajelabi-Ogunbiyi, who served as the Head Girl in the 1973 set, said the initial plan of the association was to purchase about 20 computers, alongside complimentary accessories and oversee the installation and networking of all the computers.
“At first, we thought of having 20 computers in place, but the situation changed with the enthusiasm of our members for the project and the ability of the executive to network properly.
“It is interesting to note that we moved from 20 to 21 sets and finally to 31 workstations. This is fantastic! In recapitulation, we were able to achieve the following among other things; procured and installed 10 laptops and 21 desktops.
“We linked all the computers through a networking system. We have fans and air conditioners in place. We have student-friendly twin-table computer furniture and a beautiful centre that runs fully on the solar system.
“As part of our security features, we have a twin-camera CCTV in place and well-reinforced metal burglar-proof bars around the digital centre. The aesthetics of the centre and its surroundings were also enhanced. To crown it all, the digital centre has internet facilities with one-year subscription,” Ajelabi-Ogunbiyi said
Commending the generous contributions of members towards the project, Ajelabi-Ogunbiyi said donations were received from individual sets, chapters, children, spouses, in kind and cash.
She added, “For the purpose of record, I have in my team the following energetic and committed individuals: Mr. Mustapha Ibironke, Mr. Sam Bukola Ekunseitan (USA), Mr. Aasa Gbadegesin, Mr. Wole Adewusi, Mr. Lanre David and Mr. Feranmi Adesina.
“I must also publicly acknowledge the valuable support we received from the advisers to this project, Engineer. Olusegun J. Okebiorun and Prince Adedokun Agunlejika. We had several meetings and at the end, we developed a project plan that everyone was enthusiastic about. It is remarkable that the execution went without any hitch.”
She charged the students to put the facility to the best use and leverage it to acquire digital skills that would set them on the path of financial prosperity without having to move to a more urbanised community.
Earlier, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, who was the chairman of the occasion, said that the Atakunmosa High School Old Students Association remained one of the most vibrant Old Students Associations, who have collectively given back to their alma mater for the benefits of the current students.
Asiwaju Fasuyi, who was represented by Mr Bukola Fadipe, also commended members of the association for their positivity and concerted efforts, towards the development of the school and Ijesaland at large.
Speaking in a similar vein, the President of Atakumosa High School Old Students Association, Alhaji Lateef Bakare, recalled the immense contributions of members in the development of the science department in the school.
He said, “We spent about N30m to reconstruct, renovate and equip the science laboratory. We also committed several tens of millions of naira to renovate some classrooms, the Empire Building of the school, the main hall and above all, providing a befitting environment that can stimulate learning.
“At individual and/or family levels, many of our members, through their various foundations and philanthropic activities, have been instrumental in the training of many indigent but brilliant students both at the secondary and tertiary levels.
“These include among others, the Okebiorun Memorial Foundation, Elder Solomon Olawuyi Foundation, Madam Adefiola Olabode Foundation, Bishop Margaret Odeleke Foundation and Adegboye James Adebayo Foundation.”
He appealed to the state government through the Ministry of Education to complement the association in the provision of more amenities for the school.
Speaking on behalf of the 1974 set that donated the toilet facility for the school, a retired Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olusegun Okebiorun, said his set felt there was a need to have a modern toilet facility within the school premises.
He urged the management of the school to ensure that the facility was well maintained so that the purpose that motivated the old students to donate it would be achieved.
In his goodwill message, the chairman of the Osun State Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Temitope Mustapha, promised that the state government would continue to support initiatives that would improve the quality of infrastructures available in the academic environment across the state.
