Ogun Govt Seeks Alumni Associations’ Collaborative Support For Education
ABEOKUTA – Ogun State Government has solicited the continued support of relevant stakeholders, especially the Alumni Associations, towards the development of education sector in the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, made the call during the inauguration of a 150 million naira building donated by the 1994 set of the marketing department of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY.
Professor Arigbabu, who noted that the task of improving the education sector required the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including the Alumni Associations, urged the staff and students to ensure the maintenance of the building named the Legacy House.
Arigbabu said no where in the world that government shoulder all the cost of education, hence, the need for the support.
He insisted that all stakeholders must emulate the 1994 set in giving back to their alma mater, stressing that the move will in no small measure help in improving the standard of education in the State.
Pointing out that MAPOLY had produced reputable individuals who were making waves in their various professions, the education commissioner reiterated the commitment of the present administration to the education sector.
Contributing, the Chairman of the Governing Council of MAPOLY, Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, represented by a member of the Council, Dr Robiu Kushimo, said the achievement of the 94 marketing set was a result of how they groomed themselves to be worthy individuals, appreciating them for their contribution to the institution.
In a remark, the Rector, Dr Adeoye Odedeji described alumni associations as critical stakeholders in the education sector, stating that the project had set the pace for other alumni sets to contribute to their alma mater.
The President of the ’94 set of the marketing department, Yanjú Adelakun, explained that the goal of the project was initiated two years ago was to give back to their alma mater with a project that would outlive them, appreciating the members of the set for ensuring the implementation of the project.
“I must put on record that when we visited the department back in 2020, after our consultation on what needed to be done to assist the department, it was suggested that we equip and refurbish an existing conference room.
“However, after considering all options both financially and for the good of the department and further consultations, we eventually came up with this concept of having all of the department’s requirement forsuccess and impact in just one building complex. It is with great pleasure and a sense of pride here today that we shall be officially handing over the “Legacy House” donated by the Ogun Poly Marketing ’94 set to the department. This complex consists of 10 lecturers’ offices, HOD’s office with the secretary and cabinets’ offices, Marketing Mini Mart, Modern Library, Marketing Laboratory, conference room, 9 conveniences and 4 stores. It is our fervent belief that this complex will further ease the future accreditation process of the department of marketing as it was with this hope in mind, coupled with the need tosupport the achievements of the Ogun State Government, the Council and theManagement of this noble Institution that we embarked on this project.
“On this note, I would like to officially and joyously welcome all members of Marketing ’94 Set to our Alma Mater. Your commitment, dedication and strong support brought us this far. To all of you in diaspora; UK, Europe, Canada and America who have made outtime to be here and those who couldn’t make it, those of us at home, here in Nigeria, are happy to receive you all and we say you are highly welcome!
“Our support for the department of marketing in particular and the institution at large goes beyond donating these facilities: it demonstrated our firm commitment to further help in supporting our educational system through contributions towards human capital development. Yet, more still needs to be done after this commissioning and I know we are up to the task.”
The Director of the School of Business and Management Studies, Dr Olasunbo Oyebolu, and the Head of Department, Mr. George Diyaolu, appreciated the 94setst of the marketing department for the project.
The legacy house consisted of ten lecturers’ offices, Hod’s office, a mini mini-mart, a conference room, a marketing laboratory, a library, laboratories, 11 lecture offices, and toilets.