By Elizabeth Osayande 

It was a memorable reunion recently when the 1989/ 1990 set of Ikenne Community High School, Ogun State, converged to give back to their alma mater, 35 years after leaving the school.

Members of the set came from within and outside the country to honour their school. They relieved fond memories of school days and thanked God for keeping them alive.

Chairman of the event and a former teacher in the school, Olusegun Awoyomi recalled his first day in the school and the experiences he has garnered over the years.

Specifically, Awoyemi stated there was a time he got tired of the school but the 1989/1990 set achieved a feat which made him to stay.

He further recounted: “I would take some of them for quiz competitions and we won laurels. We won at the state and inter-state levels. I’m always happy seeing their faces. One of them sent me one million naira. Those are the things we gain by being teachers.  It is heartwarming to see how you have grown and excelled. Your obedience, discipline and thirst for knowledge laid the foundation for the successes you have achieved in life. You have set a remarkable precedent by choosing to give back to your alma mater. Your initiative to organise this debate competition is a testament to your commitment to foster academic excellence and promote healthy competition among the current crop of students. I commend you for this and I know that your efforts will inspire and motivate the students to strive for greatness.’

On her part, the Principal of the Senior School, Adedeji Rukayat Adebisi, enjoined the current students to emulate what their seniors have done by giving back, adding: “When you give back, it is an inspiration to the younger ones wherever they go.”

Speaking in a similar vein, the Senior Prefect of the set, Omotayo Damola, enjoined the students to keep learning, reminding them that knowledge is power. On her part, the Head Girl of the set, Iyabo Lawal, said the school moulded them into who they are, hence they have a responsibility to give back.

“It is always good to appreciate and give back. Besides, government cannot do it alone, so, it is the responsibility of the alumni to give back.”

 It is also a way to encourage the current set of students to aspire and make it in life, so that they, in turn, can return to give back to their alma mater.

Lawal also advised the students on the responsible use of social media, noting that there it has both positive and negative sides, and the onus is on them to use it to be better informed and advance their knowledge.

The Director of Socials, Olumuyiwa Lukan also advised the students to love and respect one another, and never look down on anyone.