Wale jagun
-As alumni President calls for unity, pledges more support
Members of the Shams -el -Deen Grammar School Alumni Association has continued to intervene in providing necessary support for their old school to enhance learning.
The association at the weekend presented the school with Flood Lights (4), Printer, Projector and Public Address System.
The items were presented to the school authorities led by the SGS Alumni President, Engr Dr. Idowu Hameed Ademayowa, with assurances that the association will continue to cater for the school’s needs.
Engr. Idowu who said that the association and the school will outlive everyone, emphasised closer working relationship between the association, school management and parents’ forum.
“I want to emphasise the need for continued interaction and walking together between the association and the school authorities. And, one more thing that we were working on before we have administrative gap in the school, was that we were trying to form a union between the school management, association and the parents’ forum.
“This is because there are things, we all need to do together. So, please, if you have the opportunity to bring all of us together, let’s put that structure in place. If there is structure in place, everything will always work as planned.”
He urged the authorities of Shams -el -Deen Grammar School to also improve in relationship with the association especially in attending its programmes.
While calling for unity among members of the association as a way of getting things done easily, Engr. Idowu also stated that its annual conference and sports festival held recently have expanded its membership base.
“If we are together, everything that we do becomes easier because we have the number. Through the alumni conference that we organize every year, we have continued to have increasing number of members every year. In addition was the sports fiesta that we had early this year, which brought our active members to over 3,000.
“That is why within one month, we were able to raise money for these items. So, the more the number of members we have, the easier it becomes for the association to keep doing for the school. If we have just five members and we have to be the one to do all these all the time, we will get tired and possibly run away.”
The alumni President, speaking further assured the school management that the association is working on other items on the school needs list, especially computers in the ICT Lab and dilapidated building.
“I can assure you that we are working on the other items on the list – computers for the ICT lab. We were thinking that it was something that we can do within our power, but we have letters ready to be dispatched to various organisations that can assist us in providing all these for our alma mater.
“And, on the building infrastructure that is dilapidated, we have a letter that we are taking to the ministry in charge of schools. And we are following up to ensure that we get all these done. It’s not everything we are going to do. Those we cannot do; we will solicit for assistance. Those we can do, we will try and get them done.”
He commended the association and its members for being one of the best alumni associations in the state despite being formed not too long ago.
The Principal, Shams -el -Deen Senior School, Mrs Salam R. K. thanked the alumni association for its support since she came to the school over a year ago.
“They have come again today to donate items needed by the school as a way of remembering and giving back to their alma mater. They promised and they have actually fulfilled that promise.
“Today we are proud to say Shams -el -Deen Grammar School, has educational materials needed by the school, courtesy of the alumni association. I’m happy and I also appreciate you for that gesture. There’s no way this gesture will not improve teaching and learning outcomes in the school.
“The government cannot do it alone, and that is why it encourages NGOs, old students’ associations, alumni associations to support. This is why we always tell our students that you don’t just pass through a school, you allow the school to pass through you too.
“So, I appreciate that gesture and we are not going to take it for granted. On behalf of myself, school management, members of staff, students of Shams -el -Deen Grammar School, we appreciate the alumni association for this beautiful gift they have donated to us today and I promise that we will make the best use of them,” the principal said
Like the Oliver Twist, the school principal informed the association that they will still be calling on them for support.
