30th graduation anniversary: Soun High School '95 set donates library/ICT centre to school

30th graduation anniversary: Soun High School ’95 set donates library/ICT centre to school

Niyi AJALA

A milestone was reached Friday at the Soun High School Ogbomoso Oyo state, as members of the 1995 set of the school dedicated a new building they donated to serve as ICT centre and library.

The project is to commemorate the 30th graduation anniversary of the set. The set also promised to supply computers and other facilities to make it a functional ICT centre soon.

President of the set, Dr. Abiodun Oyeleke, said members of the set were desirous of giving back to their alma mater, disclosing “that explains our reason for the gesture.”

He continued, “The school imparted us greatly contributing significantly to what we are today individually. It is only right we also give back to the school at this time. We decided to donate an ICT centre cum library. This is a token of what the school did in our lives ”

Also speaking national president of the alumni, Olateju Kasali Kayode, congratulated the set on the anniversary while expressing thanks for the donation.

He added, “l am happy about the project especially as the world is now migrating to digitalization and so this will contribute to the development of the students.”

Dr.Dele Oyedokun, permanent secretary/inspector general of education Ogbomoso zone 1, in his goodwill message appreciated the alumni for “the big project given to the school,” while asking for more from the alumni. “Despite all, the school is like Oliver Twist that still wants more.”

Revd Dr.Alabi, the pioneer alumni president also thanked members of the 1995 set while encouraging others to emulate them.

The principal of the school, Mr. Adeyinka Ajayi, enthused that despite passing out 30 years ago the set still remembers their alma mater for such an important project, while praying for them and expressing confidence the set would do more in the years ahead. This is as he called on other sets and the general body to assist in revamping the school.

In his keynote address, titled, “Keeping the flame alive: Alumni’s role in educational excellence,” Mr. Sunday Alamu, noted that to keep the flame alive means to “maintain passion, interest, love and dedication to academic excellence as of the old.”

Mr. Alamu said “Educational institutions do more than impart knowledge; they ignite a flame. This flame represents learning, discipline, values, innovation and the ability to think critically and act responsibly in society. However, the sustainability of this flame does not depend solely on what happens within the school environment. It depends, to a large extent, on what happens after students graduate. This is where alumni play a critical and often underestimated role.”

He charged old students on providing mentorship and guidance to current students, providing material and financial support to their alma mater (infrastructure, scholarships, facilities etc), networking and opportunity creation for their members among others.

Mr. Alamu, also an old student and former principal of the school, observed, “Educational excellence is not just about producing graduates; it is about producing generations of impact-makers. Alumni are the link between the institution’s past, present and future. When alumni actively contribute, they help sustain institutional values, improve educational standards, expand opportunities for future students, strengthen the institution’s legacy and lots more. This creates a cycle of continuous growth and improvement.”

He concluded, “Keeping the flame alive is a shared responsibility. Educational institutions may ignite the flame, but it is the alumni who help sustain and pass it on. Without alumni engagement, even the most promising institutions risk losing relevance over time. Therefore, the role of alumni is not optional; it is essential. To keep the flame alive means to stay connected, to give back and to invest in the next generation. It means recognising that the success of an institution does not end at graduation, but that it continues through the lives and actions of its alumni.”

The set also gifted gifts to some of their former teachers in recognition of their efforts.

Among the dignitaries at the occasion were the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III (represented by the Abese of Ogbomosoland High Chief Kasali Oladipo); Olubere of Ibere, High Chief Fajoye O; Iba Abogunde, Oba Tajudeen Aminu; Bishop Ponle Alabi; and the LIE Ogbomoso North (represented by Mrs. Bello).