...As Commissioner, Orimolusi, Ogunbanwo Hail Alumni Intervention in Education

The ancient town of Ijebu-Igbo came alive on Thursday as members of the Beje Old Students Association (BOSA), 1981–1986 Set, formally commissioned an ultra-modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at Beje High School, Ijebu-Igbo, as part of activities commemorating their 40th anniversary of graduation.

The state-of-the-art facility, described as one of the most sophisticated alumni-driven educational interventions in recent times, was jointly commissioned by the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, alongside the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, amidst pomp, cultural displays and widespread commendation from stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner lauded the Chairman of the 1986 Set, Chief Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, the Balogun of Ijebu-Igbo Kingdom, and members of his set for demonstrating uncommon commitment towards educational advancement. Prof. Arigbabu noted that education remains a collective responsibility, emphasizing that the contributions of alumni associations to institutional development cannot be overstated.

According to him, the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to prioritise educational development, particularly in technical education, where Ogun State has emerged as a model for several states seeking to understudy its achievements. The Commissioner further pledged government intervention in addressing infrastructural deficits within the school, assuring that dilapidated buildings would be rehabilitated while additional classroom blocks would be constructed.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Dr. Babatunde Ipaye disclosed that the ICT Centre was conceived not merely as an act of giving back to their alma mater but as a strategic investment aimed at preparing students for the realities of the digital age. He stressed that the facility was designed to ensure that students within the school and neighbouring institutions do not lag behind in technological innovations, especially in an era dominated by Computer-Based Testing (CBT) examinations.

Ipaye revealed that the ICT laboratory, equipped with unlimited internet access, uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply, an e-library linked to international repositories and vast collections of digital textbooks, would be accessible to students from other secondary schools, researchers and educational practitioners within and beyond Ijebu-Igbo.

He particularly appreciated members of the Royal Galaxy Club, of which he is a member, for partnering in the procurement of the computers installed in the laboratory. Ipaye, a former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State also paid glowing tribute to his younger brother, Hon. Bosun Ipaye (APC House of Assembly Candidate, Ijebu North State Constituency I), for his unwavering dedication and painstaking supervision of the project from inception to completion. He further acknowledged the contributions of the Oke-Agbo Community and the Bejeroku-in-Council for providing the land upon which the school was established many decades ago.

In an emotional reflection, Dr. Ipaye praised the late Principal, Mrs. A.K. Ogunyemi, describing her as a mother figure whose leadership and mentorship inspired generations of students to aspire beyond limitations. He explained that naming the ICT Centre after the late educationist was a modest attempt at immortalising her legacy, adding that more initiatives would still be undertaken in her honour.

Also speaking, the member representing Ijebu Central Federal Constituency, Hon. Barrister Femi Ogunbanwo, commended the 1986 Set for their foresight, vision and enduring attachment to their alma mater. He assured the gathering that through collaboration with the lawmaker representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, efforts would be intensified to reconstruct dilapidated structures within the institution and provide additional classroom facilities. He however, charged students and school authorities to ensure adequate maintenance and security of the newly commissioned facility so that it continues to serve its intended purpose for many years.

In his royal remarks, the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, expressed immense delight over the project, describing it as a landmark intervention capable of redefining educational standards within the community. The monarch observed that despite Beje High School's humble beginnings as a community institution with limited recognition at inception, its alumni have risen to prominence across various professions, thereby projecting the institution onto national and international platforms. He challenged other affluent sons and daughters of Ijebu-Igbo to emulate the exemplary gesture of the BOSA 1986 Set, while announcing plans to document and preserve the names of indigenes contributing significantly to the development of the kingdom for posterity.

In their goodwill messages, the Bejeroku of Oke-Agbo, Oba Stephen Adekoya, the Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Hon. Bolaji Odusanya, and the King of Royal Galaxy Club applauded the initiative, describing it as a shining example of purposeful leadership and community service. They unanimously urged the school management to safeguard the facility, noting that Dr. Ipaye has consistently demonstrated a passion for humanitarian service and developmental interventions that have positively impacted Ijebuland and Ogun State at large.

The Principals of Beje High School Senior and Junior sections equally expressed gratitude to the donors, assuring that the ICT Centre would be maximally utilised for academic research, practical training and digital learning.

Similarly, the National President of BOSA, Mr Sufi, praised the 1986 Set for what he termed an unprecedented contribution to the growth and development of the institution, urging other graduating sets to emulate their noble example. Similarly, A Consultant Pathologist, Dr Ademola Idowu who was also the 1985 set headboy, urged the school management to ensure the safety of the laboratory and use it for what it is meant for. He congratulated the 86 Set for an impactful legacy and most significantly for immortalising the late Educationist, Mama Beje, Mrs A.K Ogunyemi.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the 1986 Set, Accountant Bayo Ogunsanya, appreciated the dignitaries, alumni members, traditional rulers and guests who honoured the occasion. Reflecting on the transformation of the school, Ogunsanya remarked that while many once dismissed Beje High School as a local institution, the accomplishments of its alumni have proven otherwise. Borrowing from biblical allusion, he declared: "Many once asked, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Today, the answer is clear—come and see."

At the event are Monarchs including the Olokine of Ojowo, Oba Rasheed Banjo–Ph.D, The Keegbo of Atikori, Oba Ibitoye Solaja, Olori Lawrence Adebajo—wife of Orimolusi, Otunba Olaide Oshifeso, Engr Oluyemi, Hon Bayo Adekoya, Members of Galaxy Royal Club, Hon Dayo Seriki, Past and Present Political office holders, PTA Chairmen and their Executives, Community Leaders, Ogunyemi Families, Students and many others.