Wale Jagun & Esther Awote (SIWES Student)
-As the 2003 Set provides furniture, repairs ceilings, floor
Disturbed by the state of the infrastructure in public schools especially in their alma mater, the Class Set of 2003 of Ikorodu High School, Ikorodu, has charged the Lagos State and the authority of the Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), on the need to provide necessary infrastructure and make public schools safe for students.
The set which intervened in repairing ceilings and floor of a block of classrooms in Ikorodu High Junior Secondary School, after seeing its deplorable state and also provided 20 sets of 3-seater chairs, desks, and a marker board, to address the inadequacies in the school.
Mr Sulaimon Mojeed-Sanni (SMS), Chairman, 2003 Class Set of the Ikorodu High School, Ikorodu, gave the charge on Wednesday, when the unveiling of the renovated building was performed.
The Chairman, was represented by the Vice President, Modupe Isaac – Solate, said the set was giving back to the school that moulded members of the set into what they are today.
He said that they are concerned with the conditions under which the students of the school are receiving lessons and intervened in their own little way.
“Today, we gather here as proud alumni of Ikorodu High School, bound by a commitment to give back to the school that helped shape us. It’s a bittersweet occasion — while we’re excited to make a difference, it’s disheartening that our return is driven by the difficult conditions the students of our alma mater have to endure in school.
“For too long, these young students have been forced to sit on bricks, wrappers, and even the bare floor to take classes, right here in Ikorodu, in the heart of Lagos, a city hailed as the economic nerve centre of Nigeria. It is inconceivable that, in the 21st Century, children in a city with an annual budget of over 2 trillion naira and revenue generation of over 800 billion naira are learning in such degrading conditions.
“These donations and repairs came entirely from the monthly dues of members who sacrificed from the little they have in this harsh economy because they could not bear seeing our leaders of today learning on bare floors,” Mojeed – Sanni said.
While appealing to the state and council administration on the need to provide conducive academic environment in the public schools, Mojeed – Sanni, commended his class set for their efforts and further enjoined them to continue to support the initiative of changing the system for the better.
“We appeal to the Lagos State Government, Ikorodu North LCDA, and other concerned stakeholders to please rise to the occasion by supporting our schools, so every child in Ikorodu public school has a chance at a safe, conducive learning environment because a traumatized young person cannot grow to be a passionate advocate for our nation.
“Again, let me use this medium to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Executive Council namely; Modupe Isaac-Solate, Kehinde Badmus, Bose Ilesanmi, Fehintoluwa Ajayi, and Atinuke Samuel. Your teamwork and resilience remind me of the true power of community and shared purpose.
“I appreciate the Project Committee and all members of IHSAA 03 Set for entrusting us with the responsibilities and standing by us to make meaning out of it.
“Let’s continue to break the cycle of neglect, even if in small steps. Our contributions, however modest, will bring joy and purpose to these young students’ lives. It is a #CollectiveTask to fix #OneClassAtATime”, he said.
The Principal, Ikorodu High Junior School, Mrs Sanni, appreciated the gesture of the class set. She was full of prayer for them:
“I want to appreciate all of you, that despite the situation of the country, you still try to bring back your set to contribute to this project. The Lord will continue to expand your coast and you will never run dry of anything in life.”
The school’s head boy, Kazeem Quwam Ayomikun, and head girl, Aiade Rohimot Hilary, expressed their appreciation on behalf of the students. They assured the donors that the facilities would be well maintained.
