· Begs Oyebanji government to give more attention to college

· Lauds the roles of Bayo Adeniran, Ayo Ogunruku, others in alumni activities

Mr Abiodun Abe is a retired Director at the National Theatre. Abe, who is also the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the 45th anniversary of leaving school of the Ekiti Parapo College Ido-Ekiti (EPC) Dynamic 1980 Set, in this interview, speaks on the programmes lined up for the celebrations and other issues relating to EPC and the alumni association. Excerpts:

Tell us about EPC Dynamic 1980 Set. Who are they? What do they do? Where are they from?

Dynamic ’80 Set is made up of old students of Ekiti Parapo College Ido-Ekiti between 1975 and 1980. A few students didn’t start the journey which commenced on September 5, 1975 though. Some students crossed from other schools to join us. We are scattered around the globe, making waves.

The Set is celebrating 45 years of leaving school. Why is this celebration important?

Celebrating 45 years since graduating from secondary school is a momentous occasion that goes beyond nostalgia. It symbolises a remarkable journey marked by personal growth, shared experiences, and enduring bonds. This milestone invites us to reflect on the formative years that shaped our values and ambitions, to express gratitude for the teachers and mentors who guided us, and to honor the memory of those no longer with us on this side of the divide. It rekindles friendships and strengthens our network, fostering renewed connections that enrich both our personal and professional lives. More importantly, it presents a meaningful opportunity to give back to our alma mater – supporting current students, improving infrastructure, and contributing to the legacy that nurtured us. Such a celebration not only reaffirms our collective identity but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for younger generations, demonstrating the enduring power of unity, education, and commitment to the community.

What are the programs lined up for the celebration? Who is attending?

We have an array of programmes lined up which include but not limited to book launch, turning of sod for the establishment of a war museum, mentoring session for students, recount of experiences by alumni, recognition awards to deserving former teachers and alumni, gala night. People expected are members of ’80 Set, old students from other Sets, former teachers, students and teachers of the school, and the general public.

Has your alma mater benefitted in any way from this Set in terms of projects as in giving back to the school that molded you into what you are today? And will it benefit in any way from this celebration?

Yes. Projects handled in the past include sinking of an industrial borehole, and complete renovation of a block of classrooms. At the end of this 45th anniversary, there would be projects initiated and short time projects concluded. We are proposing a meeting with the state governor towards securing an executive permission to site a Museum of War in the school. If permission is granted, turning of sod for that purpose will take place during the anniversary.

How is this Set collaborating with other old students to make a difference in the life of this school?

Aside the joint national infrastructural development projects to which my 1980 Set contributes to from time to time, my Dynamic ’80 set has carried out some stand-alone projects.

What role should the alumni play in the life of their alma mater using your Set and other old students as a case study?

Alumni are an enduring extension of their alma mater’s legacy and play a critical role in its continued growth and relevance. As ambassadors, they uphold and promote the school’s values, reputation, and achievements in wider society. Through purposeful engagement, alumni contribute to the academic and infrastructural development of the institution by offering mentorship, scholarships, donations, and support for key projects. In the case of our school, Ekiti Parapo College, aside the intervention of the national body headed by our indefatigable National President, Mr. Dotun Adekanmbi, various Sets, in the spirit of giving back to the school that has made us into what we are today, have impacted the school in many ways including mentoring, capacity building, and infrastructural development. Alumni serve as bridges between the classroom and the professional world, facilitating career guidance, internships, and employment opportunities for current students. In strategic matters, alumni bring valuable insight and experience to bear through participation in advisory and consultative roles, helping to shape the school’s vision and priorities. The roles played, and still being played by Prince Israel Adebayo Adeniran and Mr. Ayo Ogunruku, both alumni and leaders of the association in this regard, cannot be overemphasized. The alumni’s active presence reinforces a culture of continuity, excellence, and communal pride, ensuring that the bond between past and present generations remains strong and productive. Ultimately, alumni are partners in progress, committed to nurturing the institution that once nurtured them.

Let’s talk about the historical significance of EPC

Ekiti Parapo College is more than an educational institution. It is a living monument to reconciliation, resilience, and renewal. Sited in Ido-Ekiti to commemorate the end of the legendary Ekiti-Parapo War – the longest intertribal conflict in Yoruba history – the college stands as a symbol of peace and unity among the Yoruba people. Its foundation marked a new chapter: from the ashes of war rose the promise of knowledge, progress, and common purpose. It remains a proud reminder that education can heal divisions and light the path to a shared future.

Is EPC getting the desired attention from the government and other stakeholders?

Far from it! It is disheartening that Ekiti Parapo College, once a proud beacon of learning and character formation in our state, now stands neglected, its glory dimmed not by time, but by the silence of those who should care. This great institution, which has produced leaders, professionals, and patriots across generations, scattered across the globe, deserves far more than the fading echoes of its past. The state government and other key stakeholders now turn a blind eye while the roots of our educational heritage weaken. Ekiti Parapo College needs attention, support, and revival, not just for the sake of its name, but for the countless dreams it still holds within its walls. To ignore it is to forget the future we all claim to build.

EPC is among the oldest schools in Ekiti next to Christ’s School. What do you expect for the school from the government?

Well, given Ekiti Parapo College’s historic standing – being one of the oldest schools in Ekiti, next only to Christ’s School, it is only proper that the government treats it as a priority in the educational development agenda of the state. While the absence of a boarding system may reflect changing times or challenges, the school’s legacy and potential remain too valuable to ignore.

We of the Dynamic ’80 Set expect the following for our dear alma mater:

• Revitalization of Infrastructure: Modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and ICT facilities to match current educational standards.
• Restoration of the Boarding System: This would not only revive the school’s character-building ethos but also help decongest day schools and support academic focus.
• Teacher Recruitment and Motivation: Deployment of qualified teachers and motivation through training and welfare support.
• Status Elevation and Heritage Recognition: Special status or recognition as a heritage institution, deserving of annual budgetary allocation for preservation and enhancement.
• Alumni-Government Partnership Framework: A structured partnership where government supports alumni-driven development initiatives rather than leaving them to carry the full burden.

The intervention being sought here is not just for maintenance, but for restoration with purpose, so that Ekiti Parapo College does not just survive but shines again as a symbol of excellence and pride for Ekiti.

If you are to set an agenda for EPC for the next 10 years, what will it be?

Pay-off for my 10-Year Agenda for Ekiti Parapo College (2025–2035) would be ‘Restoring Glory, Building the Future’. The agenda will include:

1. Infrastructure Renewal (2025–2027)

• Renovate classrooms, hostels, laboratories, staff quarters, and administrative blocks.
• Upgrade sports facilities and the assembly hall.
• Install solar power systems and improve water supply infrastructure.

1. Restoration of the Boarding System (2026–2028)

• Reintroduce male and female boarding, starting with one hostel each.
• Provide standard dining halls, healthcare units, and supervisory staff.
• Train housemasters/mistresses and support staff for effective boarding management.

1. Academic Excellence Drive (2025–2030)

• Establish science, technology, and digital learning hubs.
• Collaborate with government and alumni to recruit and retain qualified teachers.
• Introduce student incentives for academic and co-curricular achievements.

1. Alumni & Stakeholder Engagement (2025–2035)

• Form an Alumni-Government School Development Board.
• Organise annual alumni week with mentoring, donations, and project launches.
• Attract corporate and NGO partnerships for scholarships and infrastructure support.

1. Leadership and Civic Education Programme (2026–2032)

• Launch training in leadership, ethics, and civic responsibility.

Promote clubs and societies that nurture responsible, value-driven students.

6. Heritage & Legacy Centre (2027–2029)

• Create a school museum/archive to preserve the institution’s history. The college was sited at Ido-Ekiti to mark the end of the longest inter tribal war in the history of the Yoruba, Kiririji war, which was between Ekiti and Ibadan. A museum of war in the school will compliment its historical significance.
• Publish a commemorative book and digital archive capturing alumni stories and milestones.

6. Financial Sustainability Plan (2026–2035)

• Establish an endowment with contributions from alumni, government, and donors.
• Develop school-owned ventures (e.g., poultry, snailry, printing press, ICT centre) to generate income.
• Ensure transparent financial management and reporting.

6. Digital Transformation (2025–2028)

• Launch a school website and automate student/administrative records.
• Integrate e-learning platforms and train teachers in digital education tools.
• Provide internet access and digital literacy programmes for students.

This 10-year strategic agenda represents a bold commitment to restoring Ekiti Parapo College to its rightful place of pride. It combines heritage preservation with forward-looking reforms that will not only elevate academic standards but also secure the school’s future sustainability. We call on all stakeholders – government, alumni, private sector, and community leaders to unite behind this vision and turn it into a reality.