The Chairman of the Lisabi Grammar School Old Students Association, 1974 set, Chief Dauda Sokeye, said there is a need for former students to support the government in strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.
He said this during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abeokuta, marking the 50th reunion of the 1974 set of the school.
Sokeye, a real estate expert based in the US, urged the government to increase its education budget to 26 per cent, as recommended by UNESCO, to ensure adequate funding for the sector.
“It is always good and the ideal thing to give back to society, and as old students, we should start from our various schools, where our success stories began,” Sokeye said.
He highlighted that the foundation for the diverse achievements of the alumni, ranging from real estate experts to doctors, lawyers, professors, and business tycoons was laid in their school years, and they now have a responsibility to support their alma mater.
The association has made notable contributions, including providing a borehole water project, a standard generator, a public address system, and a printer for the school. Additionally, they donated N1 million for the construction of a hostel being built in honour of a deceased ex-student.
Sokeye expressed hopes to do more by God’s grace.
Commenting on the state of education in Nigeria, Sokeye acknowledged the challenges but pointed out that Nigerian students excel internationally despite these hurdles.
“We may not fully appreciate what we have here, but the truth is, despite our challenges, our students hold their heads high abroad,” Sokeye said.
He stressed the need for greater contributions to national development.
Alhaji Samsudeen Adenekan, a retired educationist and prominent member of the association, called on the government to allocate 26 per cent of the national budget to education, as approved by UNESCO.
Adenekan argued that the current 13 per cent allocation was insufficient to adequately fund the sector, limiting the capacity to address infrastructure gaps, employ qualified teachers, and provide necessary training.
The 50th anniversary celebrations would feature a fitness walk, an anniversary lecture on “The Future of Information Technology, Emerging Trends, and Impacts on Society,” a visit to the Lepers’ Colony and an orphanage for gift presentations, as well as Jumat and thanksgiving services. The grand finale will be held on Saturday at the Nurses House in Abeokuta.
The Chairperson of the 50th-anniversary celebration, Mrs Adenike Moyegun, a retired chef from the University of Alabama, USA, encouraged Nigerian youth to stay focused and prioritize excellence.
She praised Lisabi Grammar School as a citadel of learning that has produced many influential figures, including Dr Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly. Moyegun urged younger generations to persevere and aspire for greatness, regardless of obstacles.