By Ola Taiwo
Members of the 1996 set of the alumni of the Federal Government College (FGC), Ilorin has donated solar-powered borehole, sports equipment and three 3-D printing machines to their alma mater.
The class of 1996 of the alumni made the donations as a contribution to the development of their former school.
The former students said the intervention was designed to improve access to clean water, revive sporting activities and expose students to modern technological innovation in the school.
President of the set, Barr. Chukwuyere Izuogu, at the commissioning of the projects, said that the donations were the association’s way of giving back to the institution that laid the foundation for their success.
Izuogu said that the solar-powered borehole, fitted with an overhead tank, will provide clean water for the entire school population.
He stated that the sports kits would encourage students’ participation in athletics, while the three 3-D printing machines installed in the school’s ICT laboratory would prepare the students for the future of innovation and manufacturing.
“The world is moving to innovation and design. With this 3-D printer, our students can now bring their ideas to life, including designing prototypes of sandals and other products,” he said.
The 1996 alumni president said that one of the printing machines valued at N3million was donated by a United States based member of the set, Mr. Shola Adekanye.
Izuogu warned against the proposed privatisation of Unity Schools, warning that such a move could make quality education inaccessible to children from low-income families.
“One of the beautiful things about the Federal Government managing Unity Schools is the affordability and the national unity they have promoted, irrespective of social status, tribe or religion,” he said.
Izuogu appealed to the Federal Government to retain the current structure to ensure that the schools remain affordable for ordinary Nigerians.
Also speaking, chairman of the Reunion Committee of the set, Mr. Enahoro Oherein, disclosed that the project took about six years to complete due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oherein explained that the alumni initially planned to install solar lighting across classrooms and public areas but changed the project after discovering that previous sets had already addressed that need.
“We were informed about the water challenge, so we converted the existing dysfunctional borehole into a solar-powered water supply system,” he stated
Oherein who disclosed that the association had lost about 11 members since leaving the school said the reunion was emotional and nostalgic
In his remarks, the Principal of the FGC, Dr. Paul Agbo, commended the 1996 alumni for their commitment to the development of the school,.
Agbo who noted that government alone could not meet all the institution’s needs urged other alumni sets to emulate the gesture of the set.
While also opposing any move to privatise Unity Schools, Agbo said the schools have produced many distinguished Nigerians from diverse backgrounds and should remain accessible to all.
