Osun warns against school encroachment as alumni renovate classrooms

The Osun State Government has assured renewed efforts to protect the landed property of public schools in the state.

The assurance was given during the handing over of a renovated block of three classrooms and a staff room by the 1985 set of Baptist High School, Ede.

The facilities were handed over to the Commissioner for Education, Mr Dipo Eluwole, who was represented at the event held on the school premises on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr Muritala Jimoh.

Speaking at the event, Eluwole said the issue of encroachment was not peculiar to Baptist High School, adding that the government would ensure the security of the schools and stop encroachment.

The issue of encroachment is not peculiar to Baptist High School alone.

“However, I want to assure you that the present administration is working comprehensively to ensure the security of our schools.

“We recognise the importance of safe spaces for students, staff and facilities,” he said.

The commissioner recalled previous interventions by the 1985 set to improve the academic environment of the school and emphasised the importance of alumni contributions to educational development.

He said, “I want to appreciate the old students of Baptist High School, particularly the 1985 set. The Ministry of Education values the contributions of all old students’ associations in the state.

“These students are watching what you are doing in giving back to your school. When they graduate from the university and secure good employment, they will remember this and return to contribute their quota.”

Members of the 1985 set, including the Director of Currency Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Adetona Adedeji, said the renovation was carried out to mark their 40th anniversary.

The representative of the set, Dr Yejide Oseni, said the project was a fulfilment of the desire of members to give back to their alma mater.

Oseni, who described alumni as critical stakeholders in the growth of educational institutions, noted that the set had earlier renovated a block of four classrooms in the school.

She said, “We unanimously agreed that it was time to give back to our alma mater.

Globally, alumni are recognised as critical stakeholders in the growth and development of schools and universities. In January 2023, members of the set renovated a block of four classrooms.

“The year 2025 marks our 40th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, we resolved to renovate some of the classrooms that we used during our time, which had fallen into a deplorable state.

“The renovated block now comprises three classrooms and a staff room with attached toilet facilities. We are here to formally hand over this completed block for use by both students and staff.”

Commending her classmates for their support and cooperation, Oseni disclosed that the set planned to embark on the renovation of another block of classrooms and urged the government to address the challenge of encroachment confronting the school.

The school principal, Mr Owolabi Ayodele, said the renovated facilities would enhance teaching and learning by enabling both teachers and students to carry out their academic responsibilities more effectively.

culled from punch