Review Your Policy On Education, BBHS Old Boys Association Urges Ogun Govt

Michael-AzeezOgunsiji

ABEOKUTA – Old Students of Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta have enjoined Ogun state government to review its policy on education to allow active participation of associations like PTA and Old Boys.

The Global President of the Baptist Boys High School Old Boys Association (BBHSOBA), Prof. Olukayode Oyesiku disclosed this on Thursday at a world press conference heralding the 100years anniversary of Baptist Boys High School, Saje, Abeokuta.

Oyesiku said engagement of other stakeholders in the educational sector of the state would allow for proper monitoring and inculcate discipline among the students.

He, however, lamented that over population of students in a classroom without sufficient amenities and infrastructure in schools promotes indiscipline among students.

According to him, government refusal to hand over missionary schools to their owners, and insistence on funding education solely without the support of other stakeholders and associations like PTA and Old Boys Association contributed to the poor standard of education and lack of discipline in the schools.

“There are so many people who believe government should continue to run the schools like this, but the fact on the ground shows that with some amount of cooperation, all stakeholders can be interested. The kind of free education we had at that time was not a no-hold bar education. Our parents still pay school fees, but so economical school fees that we paid. Our parents still bought books. There was a lot of collaboration, but it was the government’s responsibility to employ and pay teachers. But today, government wants to do everything and they can not do anything. That’s just the problem.

“If they allow the societies (associations) to partner with them, provide the basic infrastructure, but they have taken education out of reality into the realms of politics. And it is important for government all over the country to sit down and reconsider its policy.

“Unfortunately, the government’s attitude towards this school and other schools like us is not cooperating. When we improve the facility, government tends to put more students. The level of discipline has been watered down by its politics.”

He called on the state government to embark on the construction of the road leading to Baptist Boys High school, Saje.

Speaking on the BBHS, Abeokuta 100years anniversary, professor Oyesiku said the one week meritorious celebration will begin with a road walk around Abeokuta metropolis on Monday, January 16, 2023 and round off with dedication of the N85million 600-seater mini stadium on Monday, January 23, 2023.

The BBHSOBA global President further highlighted other programmes slated for the week-long event including inter-school competitions, distinguished annual lectures, and distinguished old boys award to 100 individuals both dead and alive for their contributions to the school.

He added that on Friday, January 20, 2023, a special Jumat service would be held at Abeokuta Central Mosque, Kobiti while the annual congress and Distinguished Old Boy of the year award be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

He noted that the association is involved in various aspects of the improvement of the school ranging from infrastructural and social interventions to mentoring of the students.

These include renovation of the Library with 38 sets of computer, book shelves, reading tables and chairs, ultra-modern Assembly ground constructed by 1986 set, renovation of the science laboratory complex, construction of the administrative block, construction of school clinic and health centre, donation if 5KVA solar power system, reconstruction of the school gate among others.