Ogun State Government has applauded the unwavering determination of a group under the aegis Build A School in Africa (BASIA), for ensuring development of education, especially in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele gave the commendation during the handover ceremony of a block of four classrooms and school start-up kits to Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Osiele, Abeokuta, by BASIA group, in collaboration with the school's Old Students Class of '85.
According to Salako-Oyedele, the donation marked another significant milestone in their efforts at supporting public schools in the state and joining government's drive to position the education sector through provision of conducive learning environment in public school across the state.
The Deputy Governor revealed that the initiative had engendered transformative changes in the state’s education landscape, stating that the organisation was instrumental to the completion of several projects across the country, which she said, showcased the relentless drive to foster education, despite the escalating costs, unfavourable terrain and logistics.
She urged the school authority and students to make judicious use of the facility for the overall betterment of the school.
"This new classroom block will not only alleviate overcrowding, but will also offer a more engaging and effective learning environment for students of Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High school", she said.
Also speaking, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Right. Honourable Oludaisi Elemide, who expressed delight at the donation, noted that it was a worthwhile gesture which would spur the students to be more interested in learning, promising to partner the organisation for more developmental projects in the state.
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, represented by the Director, Secondary and Higher Education in the Ministry, Mr. Oluwole Majekodunmi and his counterpart from Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, who is the President of the Old Students Association, Hon. Gbenga Oyerinde, appreciated BASIA and COAFRICA for the donation, to complement government's efforts in providing a conducive learning environment for students in the state, calling on the school management and students to protect the edifice and put it to good use.
Equally speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi, commended the efforts of the donor, saying government alone cannot provide the wherewithal for its citizens and assured that the state government would continue to encourage private entities in its 'Building Our Future Together" agenda.
While urging the students to use the project wisely, Director, COAFRICA USA, Mrs. Marci Romney, informed that the project was part of the group's commitment to providing a conducive environment for learners in the state, due to the prevailing numbers of out-of-school children
She implored the teachers to continue to inspire the students through effective teaching.
Remarking, the donor, Dr. Victor Ukorebi, disclosed that the organisation was committed to construction of classrooms, building of toilets and providing portable water in schools across Africa, due to the high rate of out-of-school children, as well as help the young ones to actualise their dreams
According to him, the organisation had donated 10 blocks of classrooms to the state government
He promised to continue to partner with government and private organisations in the education sector.
Earlier, the Principal, Junior Secondary School, Mr. Taoheed Bankole, expressed gratitude to the donor for providing modern classrooms for learners and also appreciated government for Private-Public Partnership initiative, while urging the students to make good use of the facility and continue to be good ambassadors of the school.
Appreciating the donor on behalf of the students, the Head boy of the school, Master Junior Abdulrahmon, said the facility would aid learning, just as it had made the school to stand out among other schools in the state.
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