…As Sanwo-Olu woos other Alumni
By Henry Uche
It was a day worth celebrating as the 1978-1983 class of Baptist Academy launched a vocational centre in the school premises at Obanikoro, Lagos.
The set, made up of 260 old boys, said the skills acquisition centre was erected to ensure that students in the school do not graduate to join the league of loafers who contribute nothing but constitute nuisance in the society.
Chairman of the set, Mr. Ademola Adebise, said the self funded legacy project made of Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Welding sections was embarked upon to churn out economically independent young people and job creators who would help the government to decongest the unemployed population.
“After 40 years of leaving the school. We saw infrastructural decay, knowing that the government alone cannot cater for education, we chose to come in with this vocational skills centre, fully equipped with sufficient manpower to impact the requisite knowledge to the students We laid the foundation on September 24, 2022. Today, it’s a project accomplished,” he said.
For Mr. Akintunji Fatunke, President, BAOSA National Executive Council, redeeming the future of Nigeria is a collective effort. Fatunke maintained that the set has contributed its quota by providing a vocational Centre for school leavers to be not only financially independent but responsible and accountable.
“This project is in support of SDG 4 (Quality Education). We want our children to think skill, eat skill and live by skills. This is our contribution towards securing Nigeria as many believe the future of the country is bleak, given the high rate of crimes perpetrated mostly by youths. More projects would come, and we are poised to sustain it,” he assured.
At its gala/dinner party in Ikeja, the group invited some of its teachers (now retired) to appreciate them with gifts and awards, at the same time observed a minute silence for their deceased classmates.
While launching the centre, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jumiu Alli – Balogun, declared that the project would in no small measure encourage the students to think critically, as he implore other old student associations to follow suit across the state with different projects in support of his administration.
“Every child belongs to all of us. This project is a commitment to excellence we are known for. Education remains the cornerstone for progress and prosperity. So let’s come together and build the future we want for ourselves,” the governor said.
One of the teachers, Mr. Stephen Olusola Sosami expressed delight saying “I was glad that the old students remembered me. I was a teacher in Baptist Academy from 1974-1985. I thought them Mathematics and Chemistry.
“I am proud of them. If I have an opportunity, I will teach them again and again. They were not rough then. I urged the younger students to emulate them, while active teachers should give all. Teachers should empty themselves to the students because what comes around goes around,” he posited.
Principal of the Academy, Mr. Emmanuel Abodunrin assured the old students that the facility would be maintained. Thrilled by the gesture, he revealed that the vocational centre was the second project that was being commissioned by the Governor of Lagos State in the school within 12 months interval.
He said: “I am delighted this project came while I’m here as the principal. We have assured the old boys of high maintenance culture. Our students would maximize this opportunity. The facility shall be used in the most efficient and effective manner.”