The Ebenezer Grammar School Abeokuta Old Students Association has called on the Ogun State Government to urgently address security lapses, teacher shortage and infrastructural gaps at the institution as it prepares to mark its 70th anniversary.
The alumni body made the appeal on Monday during a press conference held at the school’s Fujah Hall in Iberekodo, Abeokuta, where it unveiled activities lined up for the anniversary celebration scheduled for May 29 to 31.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its National Chairman, Engr. Tajudeen Olori, said the school was currently without any government-employed security personnel following the retirement of the last officer, a development he described as worrisome.
Olori noted that although the old students had taken it upon themselves to provide security through private arrangements, the responsibility should not rest solely on them.
“We want to appeal to the government to replace the only remaining government-paid security man in the school who has retired,” he said.
“Despite the absence of government-employed security personnel, the old students have continued to ensure security presence both day and night.”
He recalled that the school had in the past been infiltrated by criminal elements, with the Divisional Police Officer in the area reportedly describing it as a “den of robbers,” before the alumni intervened by deploying volunteers and private security operatives to restore order.
According to him, the intervention helped to rid the premises of criminal activities, adding that normalcy had since returned.
On infrastructure, Olori and the National Secretary, Engr. Dr. Adekunle Musa, highlighted several projects executed by the alumni, including the construction of Abayomi Fujah Hall, administrative blocks, hostels, a modern library, boreholes, perimeter fencing, renovated laboratories and sanitation facilities.
They also disclosed that two Information Technology centres had been donated to the school through interventions by the Universal Service Provision Fund under the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Information Technology Development Agency.
The association further revealed that it had been supporting indigent students by paying their West African Senior School Certificate Examination fees.
Despite these interventions, the alumni stressed that the school still lacked adequate teaching staff and modern laboratory equipment needed to enhance learning.
“We urge the government to ensure adequacy of teachers in our school. We need their cooperation to fully realise the potential of this institution as a model school,” Olori added.
Highlighting the school’s academic strides, he said the institution recently won the 2025 Engineering and You Debate Competition organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, as well as the ANCHOPSS National Debate Competition held in Imo State.
The three-day anniversary celebration will commence on May 29 with a thanksgiving service, cultural displays and exhibitions, while May 30 will feature the grand finale, including an anniversary lecture, fundraising, launch of an endowment fund, set parade and cake cutting.
Activities will be rounded off on May 31 with alumni reunion and networking sessions, alongside student competitions.
As part of legacy projects for the anniversary, the association announced plans to construct a commemorative monument, establish an endowment fund for sustainable development and publish a comprehensive history of the school.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Lasisi Hakeem, expressed optimism about the future of the institution, noting that stakeholders would continue to work towards its growth and development.
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