Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on financially capable alumni of public schools and other stakeholders to support efforts to address infrastructure deficiencies in public educational institutions, stressing that the responsibility of providing quality education should not rest entirely on government.

The governor made the appeal during the 50th anniversary celebration of Omo’luorogbo Grammar School in Akure, where he urged former students to contribute to the development of their alma mater by investing in facilities that would improve teaching and learning conditions.

Aiyedatiwa, who was represented at the event by the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sunday Olajide, said sustained contributions from alumni, corporate organisations and other stakeholders were necessary to strengthen public education and provide students with better learning environments.

He maintained that the financial demands of the education sector were enormous and could not be addressed by government alone, calling for stronger partnerships between public authorities and individuals who had benefited from public educational institutions.

The governor said the school’s golden jubilee provided an opportunity for its former students to demonstrate appreciation for the institution that laid the foundation for their personal and professional achievements.

He added that collective investment in public education would help bridge existing infrastructure gaps and create more conducive environments for both students and teachers.

Speaking at the celebration, Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee and former Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, described giving back to the institution as a responsibility rather than an act of charity.

Akinmade said the alumni had chosen to commemorate the anniversary through projects aimed at improving the school’s facilities and supporting the academic development of current students.

Among the interventions, he constructed and furnished a four-classroom block and provided a generator to address the school’s electricity needs.

Another alumnus, Dr Munirat Ogunlayi, renovated the school hall, while Oluwole Adelabu undertook the renovation of the staff office and administrative block to improve the working environment for teachers and other personnel.

The alumni also facilitated the construction of a perimeter fence to strengthen security around the school and protect its facilities. Exercise books were equally distributed to students as part of efforts to support their educational needs.

In addition, the old students established a Student Support Programme to provide financial assistance to indigent students preparing for their Junior Secondary School examinations and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Akinmade said the projects were designed to address pressing infrastructure needs, expand classroom capacity and improve the overall condition of the institution.

He urged other former students to identify with their former schools and contribute to their development, noting that sustained investment in education would benefit present and future generations.

The anniversary brought together alumni, teachers, students and other stakeholders to celebrate the school’s five decades of existence and renew their commitment to its continued development.