The Ago Iwoye Secondary School Old Students Association (AISSOSA) has urged governments at all levels to strengthen support for the education sector, warning that insecurity and youth restiveness are closely linked to the growing lack of access to quality learning.
Speaking at a press conference to herald the school’s 70th anniversary celebrations, Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Dr. Femi Bakre, said communities must recognise the long-term dangers of neglecting education.
According to him, many of the nation’s current security challenges could have been curtailed if disadvantaged young people had better opportunities.
“Government cannot do it alone. Charity, in some instances, must begin at home,” he said. “Even when government patronage is insufficient, alumni must show ownership. Many of us are well positioned to influence additional support.”
Dr. Bakre described the milestone as “an act of thanksgiving and a tribute to seven decades of educational excellence,” noting that although the school was established in January 1954 and the jubilee was originally slated for 2024, the one-year shift did not diminish the significance of the celebration.
He said the Platinum Jubilee is to honour the school’s rich legacy, to celebrate generations of accomplished alumni, and to launch a forward-looking development plan aimed at repositioning the school for the future.
“For 70 years, Ago-Iwoye Secondary School has been more than a place of learning,” he said. “It has been a moulding ground for leaders, innovators, and distinguished citizens who continue to make our alma mater proud.”
Activities for the Jubilee
Day One featured the commissioning of a fully renovated and rebranded main hall, followed by the official press conference and an awareness walk around Ago-Iwoye to mobilise community support.
Day Two will host a career guidance programme led by a seasoned professional, aimed at mentoring students on career choices and emerging opportunities.
Day Three, the grand finale, will begin with an Inter-Religious Thanksgiving Service, followed by an award ceremony in honour of outstanding alumni and stakeholders. The celebration will close with an anniversary party that will reunite old students across generations.
A key component of the jubilee is a fundraising drive targeted at supporting ongoing and future development projects. Dr. Bakre appealed to alumni worldwide to contribute their ideas, presence, and financial support.
“Today, our alma mater needs us more than ever. This celebration is not just about looking back; it is about building forward,” he said.
Alumni Pledge Continued Support
Responding to questions from journalists, Dr. Bakre stressed that alumni associations must play active roles in the development of education, adding that government should not be expected to shoulder the burden alone. He commended the Ago-Iwoye Secondary School Old Students Association (AISSOSA) for its numerous interventions, particularly the remodeling of the main hall.
AISSOSA National President, Sir Taye Solarin Sogbesan, congratulated members on the anniversary and applauded the legacy project. He urged the school’s management and students to make judicious use of the renovated hall and disclosed that plans are underway to upgrade the school’s laboratories.
Both the National President and the PACC Chairman noted that, if properly managed, the remodeled hall could serve as a viable revenue source for the school.
Chairman of the Anniversary Media and Publicity Committee, Mr. Yomi Ogunsanu, expressed optimism that the upgraded facilities would contribute to improved student performance. He cautioned students against vandalising the newly renovated hall, which he said was executed at a significant cost by the alumni.
Earlier, the remodeled hall was jointly commissioned by Sir Sogbesan and Dr. Bakre before alumni and current students embarked on an awareness walk around Ago-Iwoye town.
As preparations continue, the Platinum Jubilee is already resonating deeply across the school community, promising not just a commemoration but a renewed commitment to sustaining the legacy of one of Ogun State’s foremost educational institutions.
