The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology of Oyo State, Barrister Rahman Abdul-Raheem, praised the old girls of St. Anne's School, Ibadan, for their impactful projects aimed at enhancing the school. He emphasized that alumni association anniversary events significantly contribute to students' academic performance and support the government's educational development initiatives.
Abdul-Raheem made these remarks during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and luncheon of the Seminary-St Anne's School Old Girls Association (SSASOGA), held on the school grounds on Saturday. "Alumni associations in the state play a vital role in complementing the government's efforts to deliver quality education," he stated. "The state government appreciates your contributions and relies on you to help cultivate well-informed, disciplined, and responsible citizens among our youth."
Pastor Akinade Alamu, representing the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), commended the association for its achievements in just two years since its formation, highlighting the potential of empowered women.
"Oyo State is committed to elevating education across the region," Alamu added. The national president of the association, Mrs. Similola Oluwa Onabanjo, shared that the event was a chance to reflect on their stewardship over the past two years, marking the inaugural tenure of the association in the school's 150-year history. "We are focused on reigniting the unique St. Anne's brand that we cherished as students," Onabanjo stated. "Our goal is to create a lasting legacy that will endure and restore our school's esteemed position in the nation."
Dr. Adewale Babalakin SAN, president of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), suggested that if alumni bodies demonstrate commitment and capability, they could effectively take over school management from the government. "Alumni associations can invest in schools, while the government focuses on policy-making," Babalakin explained. "Together, they can work symbiotically to improve education for the community."
Following the luncheon, the commissioner and Babalakin laid the foundations for two new classroom blocks at the school. Additional projects were proposed, including the St. Margaret Multipurpose Centre and enhanced boarding facilities.
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