The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has pledged his support for programmes initiated by the old students of Oliveth Baptist High School, Oyo, aimed at restoring the institution’s former glory.
The monarch gave the assurance at a fundraising ceremony organised by the school’s 1972–1976 set in Ibadan at the weekend, where he commended the alumni for investing in the development of their alma mater.
Oba Owoade said the responsibility of providing quality education and maintaining school infrastructure should not be left to the government alone, urging old students to sustain their contributions to the growth of the institution.
“I want to appreciate you for the good work you are doing by giving back to the school that made you who you are today,” the monarch said.
He noted that the alumni were building on the legacies of the school’s founding fathers and past principals, assuring them of his support for initiatives aimed at improving educational standards.
The Alaafin’s pledge comes as the 1972–1976 set intensifies efforts to improve the school’s facilities, including the renovation of dilapidated classrooms and plans to mobilise additional resources for further projects.
Speaking on the proposed concession of the school, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Wale Babalakin, called for collaboration among the various sets of old students to achieve sustainable development.
Babalakin, who spoke against the backdrop of the 1972–1976 set’s plan to take over the management of the school, argued that its administration should not be left exclusively to either the government or the Baptist Mission.
He expressed concern that allowing the Mission to run the school as a commercial venture could undermine its overall development, stressing the need for a management arrangement that would prioritise the institution’s long-term interests.
Earlier, the President of the 1972–1976 set, Adeoye Mapederun, said the association was determined to complement government efforts to restore the school to its former standard.
Mapederun explained that the proposed takeover was part of a broader strategy to ensure effective management, improved infrastructure and the long-term development of the institution.
He disclosed that the set had renovated a block of three classrooms that was previously in a deplorable condition, with no roof, windows or blackboards.
According to him, the intervention was undertaken to provide students with a more conducive learning environment.
“We found that this particular block was totally in disrepair. There was no roof, no windows, no blackboard, nothing. So, we decided to start with these three classrooms to ensure that we brought them up to standard,” he said.
Mapederun added that the renovation included the installation of ceiling fans and the provision of other facilities to improve comfort and learning conditions.
He put the cost of the project at slightly below ₦10 million, describing the renovation as the beginning of the set’s planned interventions in the school.
The alumni president disclosed that the association was also planning further fundraising activities to support additional projects, identifying another classroom block in need of urgent renovation.
He said the initiative was being undertaken alongside interventions by the national body of the old students’ association, adding that members remained committed to mobilising resources for the institution’s development.
Reflecting on their years as students, Mapederun said the school had provided them with quality education and adequate facilities, which motivated them to give back.
“When we came to this school about 50 years ago, everything was working. We had the best of education and the best environment. Everything you could talk about was in place,” he said.
He lamented the deterioration of the school’s facilities over the years, stressing that alumni contributions were necessary to complement government efforts and address the institution’s pressing needs.
The fundraising ceremony formed part of the 1972–1976 set’s broader commitment to improving educational infrastructure and ensuring that current students enjoy a better learning environment.
