Old students launch national body

The Unity High School Ago-Ika, Abeokuta Old Students Association has inaugurated its pioneer national executive officers, with its pioneer National President, Kabiru Odusiji, pledging to prioritize infrastructural development, student and teacher welfare, and organizational consolidation.

The inauguration, held on Thursday, marked what members described as a new chapter in the history of the alumni association.

Odusiji, a former Secretary to Abeokuta North Local Government who graduated from the school in 1992, said his election as pioneer national president was both an honor and a call to service.

“It means a lot. First of all, I would like to thank all my members for honoring me, assisting me, and allowing me to be their leader. It’s an honor.”

“It means that I am important to them, and I am not going to let them down. I will try as much as possible to promote the school, develop the school, work with my elders and teachers, and complement the efforts of the government and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology,” he said.

Speaking on the role of alumni in advancing education, Odusiji stated that the government could not shoulder school development alone.

“Government will build schools, pay teachers, and monitor students. We who have finished school as old students need to support the government by doing some small projects to assist the school so that they can achieve their goals,” he said.

He noted that support should extend to teachers, who require teaching aids, financial support, and better facilities to perform effectively.

Outlining his administration’s four-point focus on improving school infrastructure, assisting students, supporting teachers, and consolidating UNISOSA, Odusiji highlighted several planned interventions.

“The association has several projects in mind, subject to the availability of funds. We want to give them chairs. We can decide to give them pencils, books, and stationery. We can get tables and chairs for the teachers in the classroom and staff room so that they can have a convenient place to do their jobs.

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“We can do many things. We can decide to build toilets for the students, paint all the buildings in the school, or do roofing for them. It will be based on the income of the old students,” he said.

The UNISOSA president appealed to members for moral and financial support, promising accountability.

He also urged members to put aside personal differences to advance the association’s growth.

The newly inaugurated national executives include Odusiji Kabiru Ayinla (President), Ogunyinka Rasheed Olu (First Vice-President), Ogunbayo Gbenga Olatoye (Second Vice-President), Onabote Olubukola Bamidele (General Secretary), Abiodun Kehinde Ibrahim (Assistant General Secretary), and Ogunleye Sulaimon Ajasa (Treasurer).

Others are Ajayi Mojisola Olajumoke (Financial Secretary), Salami Olawale Adigun (Assistant Public Relations Officer), Tella Ahmed Yemi (Social Secretary), Balogun Abosede Mariam (Welfare Officer), Abeeb Ajayi (Auditor), Yusuff Temitope Simbiat (Project Coordinator), and Pastor Oluleye Odofin Omotola (Ex-Officio 1).

Speaking at the event, the Electoral Committee Chairperson, Mrs Rofia Ayoade, described the inauguration as a historic milestone for UNISOSA.

Mrs Ayoade commended committee members, elders, and the former caretaker chairman, Rasheed, for their contributions to a smooth transition, urging members to cooperate with the new leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Elder Olayemi Akeem Rafiu urged the executives to maintain cohesion and prioritize key needs.

“They are lucky; they have good followers. If you see their emergence, it’s through consensus. No rancour. So, they don’t have any reason not to deliver,” Rafiu said.

He added that the decision of the former caretaker chairman to serve as First Vice-President ensured leadership continuity and noted that projects like toilet construction and perimeter fencing require urgent attention.