*mobilises old students for Iroko Community Grammar School
Adeyinka Adeniran
A former director of Economic, Trade, and Investment at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi has decried the frequent incursion of herders into the vast land of Iroko Community Grammar School, Akinyele local government, Ibadan, Oyo state
This he said has largely killed the morale of students who are cultivating the school farmland for practical learning.
To reverse the trend, the Veteran Diplomat said plans have been concluded by the Old Students Association of the school to commence the building of the perimeter fencing for the alma mater.
He spoke while addressing the press to highlight events to mark the 60 years of the foundation of the school.
Flanked by other Executive members of the association, Akinremi who is the pioneer Global President of the Association also unveiled plans to restore the institution to its former glory.
He stressed that the school, which has produced notable alumni who have excelled in various fields, has faced challenges over the years that have affected its infrastructure and learning conditions.
He said the 60th anniversary celebration is not just a commemoration of the past, but a strategic moment of renewal, adding that the Old Students Association has resolved to take collective responsibility for restoring the school to its former glory through a number of legacy projects.
According to the former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, New York amongst others, the proposed projects include the rehabilitation of key classroom blocks and learning facilities, support for science, ICT, and library development, improvement of the school environment and essential infrastructure, and initiatives that directly enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
He said the association is mobilizing all old students, parents, families, and friends of the school, the host community, and traditional institutions, as well as corporate organizations and well-meaning Nigerians to support this noble cause.
He noted that the one-week programme of activities to mark the milestone will include: academic, social, cultural, and humanitarian engagements that reflect the values upon which the school was founded.
He assured the public and all stakeholders that it is committed to accountability, transparency, and unity of purpose in the execution of both the anniversary events and the legacy projects.
He added that the celebration is an opportunity to reignite pride, restore excellence, and secure a stronger future for Iroko Community Grammar School, adding that, with the theme “Honouring the past, serving the present, and inspiring the future,” the anniversary celebration promises to be a memorable occasion.
Ambassador Akinremi said, “Herders in those days when we were there dare not bring their cattle into the school premises, even with our vast land.
“However, we have observed lately that, they come in freely in. So, one of the projects we had on mind is perimeter fencing because of the herders whose cows wat up farm produce on the school farm.
“The farm was supposed to be for teaching and learning but many of the indigent students are now discouraged to even cultivate the land or even the school using it for agricultural teaching purposes.”
He said further, “Established sixty years ago through the collective vision and sacrifice of our forebears, Iroko Community Grammar School has produced generations of men and women who have excelled in public service, business, academia, the professions, and community leadership across Nigeria and beyond.
“This school is not just a place of learning; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and shared heritage.
“However, like many long-standing public institutions, our alma mater has faced challenges over the years—challenges that have affected infrastructure, facilities, and overall learning conditions. Today, we speak not in complaint, but in renewed determination and optimism.
“The 60th anniversary is therefore not merely a celebration of the past; it is a strategic moment of renewal.
“As the Old Students’ Association, we have resolved to take collective responsibility for restoring Iroko Community Grammar School to its old glory. This anniversary provides a rallying point for us to give back in a meaningful, sustainable, and transparent manner.
“To this end, the Association is embarking on a number of legacy projects, including but not limited to: rehabilitation of key classroom blocks and learning facilities
“Support for science, ICT, and library development, improvement of the school environment and essential infrastructure as well as initiatives that directly enhance teaching and learning outcomes
“These projects are deliberately designed to outlive the anniversary celebrations and positively impact current and future students.”
