By Rotimi Ojomoyela

Ado-Ekiti—The Alumni Association of Egbeoba High School (EHS), Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have appealed to the Federal Government to restore the Citadel of Learning to its original campus, describing its relocation as a painful loss of heritage and identity.

Ayodele Ajiboye raised this concern over the weekend while addressing journalists during a press conference heralding the 70th anniversary of the School themed: “Impacting The Younger Generation Through Quality Education”.

Ajiboye, who is the Chairman of the Planning Committee explained that the school was relocated in 2000 as a result of a Federal Government restructuring, that paved the way for the establishment of a Federal Government College on its historic site.

According to him, this move by the Federal Government, has brought an abrupt end to 46 years of history tied to the original campus.

He lamented that the relocation has severed the emotional and historical connection generations of students had with the institution, leaving alumni with deep nostalgia for the old environment where traditions were built and memories forged.

Ajiboye explained that the relocation not only erased physical landmarks that symbolised the school’s legacy but also disrupted decades of carefully nurtured identity and culture that defined Egbeoba High School in its formative years.

While acknowledging the importance of federal educational expansion, he urged the Federal Government to consider restoring Egbeoba High School to its original location, insisting that reclaiming the school’s heritage would help rekindle unity, pride and continuity among its stakeholders and old students.

His words, “In 2000, a Federal Government restructuring ‘resulted in the displacement of Egboba High School from its original location and historical campus of forty six years to make way for a Federal Government College. The displacement disrupted decades of tradition, identity and infrastructure

“This dealt a devastating blow to the physical development of the school and dampens the morale of both the old and new students.

“Let me be sincere with you, some of our old students said they would not come for this anniversary because of this, they said this is not the school they attended.

“In fact, when we visited this site this morning, some of our colleagues were crying as a result of the nostalgia. We are pleading with the federal government to please, take us back to our historic site, for the proper development of this Institution”.

On his part, the National President of the Alumni Association, Professor Femi Omotoso described the 70th Anniversary Celebration as a milestone which represents not only longevity but renewal of hope and dignity.

He also outlined the celebration of legacy projects to include procurement of a school bus worth N50m and the establishment of a 500-capacity modern ICT centre with N250m, calling on well-meaning individuals to support the Association in realising the vision.