By Aderemi Bamgbose
Old students of Stella Maris College (SMC), Okitipupa, Ondo State, have spent over N30 million on renovation of dilapidated infrastructure and equipment to restore the past glory of their alma mater.
Mr Desmond Durojaye, representative of SMC Revamp Group, disclosed this on Friday in Okitipupa during the inauguration of another project, security house and utra-modern gate to compliment the renovation projects in the school.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the alumni, tagged “SMC Revamp Group”, had in October 2021 inaugurated 17 renovated classrooms with furniture and laboratory equipment.
“Students of this great citadel of learning are all over the world, the school was becoming old and in dire need of infrastructural renovation, so we decided to give back to our alma mater.
“Various sets from 1966 formed the “SMC Revamp Group” in order to salvage the situation for the school to reclaim its old glory, image and standard.
“The 1979 set initiated the gate we are inaugurating today in conjunction with the Revamp Group to beautify the school in order to compliment the facelift and all these have gulped almost N30 million.
“We are appealing to the state government to help in tarring of the roads from the gate and through the school for it to also compliment efforts of the old students who have worked with zeal and deidacation,” Durojaye said.
Mr Femi Adefolaju, President, 1979 set said he was impressed with the vast renovation witnessed by the school within a year when the group was formed and voluntary donations made through the social media.
“It’s great to have achieved these lofty heights recorded to bring back the old glory of our alma mater, I salute the courage, dedication and cooperation of the Revamp Group for this great achievement,”Adefolaju said.
Chief Samuel Adetuyi, the National President, SMC Old Students Association, noted that government alone can not fund education and urged old students to support education in their various capacities.
“The gate is just an icing on the cake of various renovations and facelift, I commend the old students for this and urge teachers to always monitor students not to damage these facilities for more to be done,” Adetuyi said.
Earlier, Mr Simeon Akindutire, the Principal of the school, said the old students had performed beyond expectation, saying their gesture has restored the glory, image and raise standard of the school in Okitipupa and beyond.
“The old students have restored the glory, image and raise the standard of the school, they have indeed done beyond expectations. I pray that God will continue to be with them and support them in all ramifications,” Akindutire said.
NAN reports that government officials, traditional rulers, educationists, teachers and students graced the inauguration of the utra-modern gate at the school established by Catholic missionaries in 1960. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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