The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has pledged to support educational programmes and infrastructure development in schools across Oyo town, with particular attention to Oliveth Baptist High School.
Drivetvnews gathered that the monarch made the commitment on Sunday during a fundraising ceremony and thanksgiving service organised to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1972–1976 set of the school’s old students’ association. The event took place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Oba Owoade commended the alumni for investing in the development of their former school, stressing that responsibility for maintaining and improving educational institutions should not be left entirely to the government.
He praised their efforts to preserve the legacies of the school’s founders and past principals, who contributed to its growth over the years.
The Alaafin assured the association of his support for initiatives aimed at improving educational standards at Oliveth Baptist High School. He also pledged to support similar programmes by other schools across Oyo town.
Speaking at the event, Chief Wale Babalakin emphasised the importance of cooperation among different sets of old students to achieve the school’s development objectives.
On the proposal by the 1972–1976 set to take over the school’s management, Babalakin argued that its administration should not be left exclusively to either the government or the mission. He expressed concern that the mission’s approach to running the school as a commercial venture could hinder its overall development.
Earlier, the president of the 1972–1976 set, Adeoye Mapederun, said the association was determined to complement government efforts to restore the school to its former standard.
Mapederun spoke during the unveiling of renovated classrooms at the school in Oyo, disclosing that the association had spent slightly less than ₦10 million to renovate a block containing three classrooms.
He explained that the classrooms were in extremely poor condition before the intervention, with damaged or missing roofs, windows and blackboards. The association therefore decided to begin its rehabilitation efforts with the block to make the classrooms suitable for learning.
According to him, the renovation also included installing ceiling fans and providing other facilities to improve students’ comfort.
Mapederun described the project as the beginning of further interventions planned by the association. He disclosed that members intended to raise additional funds to renovate other parts of the school, including another classroom block in poor condition.
He added that the initiative was being carried out alongside projects by the national body of the old students’ association, noting that members remained committed to improving the school’s facilities.
Explaining the motivation behind the project, Mapederun said the alumni wanted to give back in appreciation of the quality of education and learning environment they enjoyed while attending the institution about 50 years ago.
He recalled that the school had well-maintained facilities and provided an excellent learning environment during their time there. However, he expressed concern over the deterioration of its infrastructure over the years.
Mapederun maintained that government efforts alone might not be sufficient to address the school’s challenges, making contributions from former students and other stakeholders necessary.
He further disclosed that the national body of the Oliveth old students’ association was considering taking over the school’s administration, provided it could raise enough funds to sustain the arrangement.
