…Old Students Inaugurate First National Executive 40 Years After Unity High School’s Establishment
…New Exco Targets Toilets, Roofing, Furniture, Teaching Aids, Student Welfare
Ayomide Awe
The Old Students Association of Unity High School, Ago-Ika, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday inaugurated its first National Executive Council, nearly four decades after the establishment of the school.
The historic inauguration, held on the school premises, also rekindled memories of the late business mogul and philanthropist, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who, according to the association’s maiden president, Mr Kabiru Ayinla, built the school after the government said it lacked funds to do so.
Ayinla, a member of the 1992 set, who emerged as the pioneer national president of the Unity High School, Ago-Ika, Old Students Association, popularly known as UNISOSA, pledged that his administration would mobilise former students in Nigeria and the Diaspora to support the development of the institution.
He said the new executive would work with the Ogun State Government to improve the learning environment, assist students, support teachers and strengthen unity among old students.
Ayinla said, “I am not going to let them down. I will try to promote and develop the school and complement the effort of the Ogun State Government.
“Government cannot do it alone. As old students, we need to support them by doing projects for teachers and students. It could be financially, gadgets or teaching aids.”
According to him, some of the immediate projects being considered include the provision of teachers’ chairs and tables, renovation and construction of toilets, roofing works, stationery and other teaching and learning materials.
He appealed to members of the association, particularly those living outside Nigeria, to contribute to the development drive, promising that his administration would operate with transparency and accountability.
‘We Will Never Forget MKO Abiola’
Recalling the history of Unity High School, Ayinla said the old students would continue to honour Abiola for his role in the establishment of the institution.
He explained that the school initially operated from the Akin-Olugbade area before moving to its present location in 1986 after Abiola constructed the school building.
Ayinla said the intervention became necessary after the government reportedly told the community that it did not have the funds to build the school.
He said, “MKO is of Gbagura land. He was a philanthropist. This school is situated in Gbagura land.
“Before now, we were using Akin-Olugbade to start this school and it is in Owu area and all communities were trying to have their own secondary school. Parents do not want their children to go to far schools.
“We were looking for who will build the school for us then. Government said they did not have money then. MKO Abiola now stood up to build the school for the government and handed it over.
“We moved from Akin-Olugbade where Gateway Secondary School is now in 1986 to this place after MKO built this place. That is why we would never forget him.”
He said the new executive would build on the legacy by seeking support from former students and other well-meaning individuals interested in the advancement of education.
First National Exco Emerges
The new executive emerged from an election conducted by the Electoral Committee chaired by Mrs Rofia Ologundudu.
Other members of the Electoral Committee were Mr Jamiu Aramide, Vice Chairman; Mr Saheed Olajide, Secretary; Mrs Iyabo Ogunsiji, Member; and Mr Saheed Shittu, Member.
The newly inaugurated executive comprises Ayinla as President; Mr Rasheed Ogunyinka, Vice President I; Mr Gbenga Ogunbayo, Vice President II; Mrs Olubukola Onabote, General Secretary; and Mr Kehinde Abiodun, Assistant General Secretary.
Others are Mrs Mojisola Ajayi, Financial Secretary; Mr Sulaimon Ogunleye, Treasurer; Mr Olawale Salami, Assistant Public Relations Officer; Mr Ahmed Tella, Social Secretary; Mrs Abosede Balogun, Welfare Officer; Mr Abeeb Ajayi, Auditor; Mrs Temitope Yusuff, Project Coordinator; and Pastor Omotola Oluleye, Ex-Officio I.
The inauguration brings to an end the period in which the association operated under a Caretaker Committee since its formation.
‘New Leadership Has No Excuse Not To Deliver’
A member of the Board of Trustees and 1986 set, Elder Rafiu Olayemi, said the board would continue to provide guidance and ensure that the executive operated within the association’s constitution.
Olayemi said the BOT had an advisory responsibility and would intervene where necessary to ensure that the new leadership delivered on its mandate.
“The BOT according to our constitution makes us play an advisory role. We are to advise them and call them to order. They have gotten the right followers and they have no reason not to deliver,” he said.
Olayemi disclosed that membership of UNISOSA had increased significantly since the Caretaker Committee commenced its activities.
He expressed confidence that the new administration would translate the association’s growing membership into tangible projects, particularly the provision of toilets and other infrastructure at the school.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Ologundudu, described the inauguration as a landmark in the history of the association.
In her welcome address, she thanked members and elders for their support, saying the emergence of the first elected national executive marked the beginning of a new era of leadership, service, unity and development.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of UNISOSA. The inauguration of our first National Executive Officers is not only a celebration, but also the beginning of a new chapter of leadership, service, unity, and progress,” she said.
The event was attended by members of the Board of Trustees, old students from various sets and other stakeholders who witnessed the formal transition to the association’s first elected national leadership.
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