Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
As part of activities marking 105th Founder’s Day of Ijebu Ode Grammar School, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, the old boys association of the school has unveiled plans to construct a N250m Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre in the school.
National president of Ijebu Ode Grammar School Old Boys Association (JOGSOBA), Engr. Ebenezer Osoba, made this known, on Tuesday, at a press conference kick starting the anniversary, starting on Wednesday.
The foundation for the 200-seater capacity ICT Centre, which will also have 750-seater capacity cafeteria, according to Osoba, will be laid on Saturday, January 20.
He noted that the project when completed, will not only serve the students of the school, but other secondary schools in Ijebu Ode.
He explained that the association decided to build the ICT Centre in order to provide infrastructure and enabling environment, to enhance the teaching of information and communication technology education in the school.
Osoba added that JOGSOBA has continued to assist the school, particularly in terms of provision of infrastructure, to maintain the standard and quality the school is reputed for.
The national president, who recalled that the association spent over N80m on rehabilitation of defective classrooms, internal road, construction of ultra modern toilet complex and other physical projects during the centenary celebration five years ago, however, bemoaned government continuous neglect of infrastructure in flagship schools across the state.
“We have resolved to continue to provide necessary infrastructure for the development of our alma mater. This ICT/cafeteria complex is our flagship project, which turning of sod will come up on Saturday, January 20, to coincide with the 105th Founder’s Day of the school.
“The estimated cost of this project is about N250m. The building is going to be first of its kind in this community as it provides a comfortable sitting/dinning for about 750 students at a time on the ground floor, while the ultra modern ICT Centre is provided on the first floor. Facilities provided at the centre will also be available to other secondary schools in Ijebu Ode on demand.
“We decided to embark on this project with the simple reason that the products of Ijebu Ode Grammar School should continue to excel in the development of our nation in the 21st century as their forefathers did in the 20th century,” Osoba stated.
He, therefore, stressed the need for the revival of boarding system in public secondary schools in the state, noting the system remains the best option to monitor and mentor students.