Alumni seek Ekiti school’s return to its 70-year-old site

The Alumni Association of Egbeoba High School, Ikole Ekiti, has appealed to the Federal Government to return the school to its original location.

The National President of Egbeoba High School, Ikole Ekiti Alumni Association, Prof. Femi Omotoso, said that the displacement of the school from its original site in 2000 “dealt a devastating blow to the physical development of the school and dampened the morale of both old and new students.”

Omotoso spoke at a press conference held by the association in Ikole Ekiti on Thursday, following a visit by alumni members and students to the school’s old site as part of activities celebrating the institution’s 70th anniversary.

He said, “Between 1998 and 2000, a Federal Government restructuring resulted in the displacement of Egbeoba High School from its original location and historical campus of 46 years to make way for a Federal Government College. The displacement disrupted decades of tradition, identity, and infrastructure.”

Omotoso noted that before the relocation to its present site, the school had firmly established itself as a centre of academic excellence and character formation, ranking among the top schools in South West Nigeria.

The alumni president said the association, which has been a rallying force for restoration and renewal, would continue to mobilise resources, partnerships, and advocacy efforts to reposition the school through reconstruction, renovation, and facility upgrades.

According to him, the alumni are committing over N300 million to legacy projects at the school to mark its 70th anniversary.

He said, “The celebration of legacy projects includes a state-of-the-art ICT centre valued at N250 million, a N50 million school bus, expanded mentorship initiatives, and the preservation of the school’s historical records.

“These projects are aimed at strengthening the institution’s infrastructure and positioning it for greater academic excellence in the digital age. They are a renewal of our commitment to the growth and transformation of our alma mater.”

Omotoso added that the growing adoption of computer-based tests for external examinations in the country makes it imperative for students to be exposed to modern ICT techniques.

He said, “Despite past setbacks, Egbeoba High School continues to excel in WAEC and NECO performances, state and national academic competitions, leadership training, and extracurricular achievements. The school remains a respected custodian of educational heritage and a vibrant incubator of future leaders.”

The alumni president also commended the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration in Ekiti State for its support of the education sector, urging the government to invest further in technology-driven learning to make students nationally and globally competitive.

Speaking alongside other association members, the Chairman of the 70th Anniversary Planning Committee, Ayodele Ajiboye, appealed to the Federal Government to return the school to its original site.

Ajiboye said, “The displacement disrupted decades of tradition, identity, and infrastructure. Some of our old students said they would not attend this anniversary because of this; they said this is not the school they attended.

“In fact, when we visited this site this morning, some of our colleagues were moved to tears by nostalgia. We are pleading with the Federal Government to take us back to our historic site for the proper development of this institution.”