BY ABIODUN AKINLUWA
It was celebration time for the old students’ 1983 set of The Apostolic High School, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State , TAHSIM-OSA, on Thursday 27th July, 2023, as they marked the 40th anniversary of their graduation from the school.
The event commenced with a thanksgiving service at the Apostolic Church, Ilara Mokin, where Pastor Johnson Daramola urged members of the school’s 1983 set to continue to impact positively on society wherever they found themselves, as a way of appreciating God who had kept them so far.
Also, the Presiding Priest, Pastor Samuel Adelegan and the Overseer of the Church Elder Williams Falodun appreciated the old boys and girls for their contributions to the upliftment of their Alma mater in the past years, and encouraged them to do more.
In a lecture on the “Gains of Alumni Association to member’s Sustainability” the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Training, Ondo State Civil Service, Mrs. Funke Dare-Atunse, commended some alumni associations for getting involved in the provision of infrastructure and other supports to their alma maters.
Also, in his speech, the 1983 Set Coordinator and a don at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Dr. Adedayo Afe, advocated joint efforts of stakeholders in the education sector to address myriads of challenges confronting the sector. He enjoined other old students’ bodies to emulate the Apostolic High School Old Students’ Association, TAHSIM -OSA, in helping to give their alma maters a face-lift, thereby contributing to the growth of education sector.
Dr. Afe also emphasized on technology-driven education system to make Nigeria compete favourably in the global community. He expressed that digital innovation would keep youths from idleness, and reduce unemployment, thereby making the country better for it.
As part of the event, prizes were given out to the best three students in each class. In all, Eighteen students benefited from a total package of N450, 000 (four hundred and fifty thousand naira)
Two of the awardees, Sharon Adekunle and Oluwadare Iyiola, on behalf of other beneficiaries, appreciated the old students, saying that the gesture was encouraging, and would motivate to plough back to the school in the nearest future.
Another highlight was the best Student in all the External examinations held this year that was given automatic undergraduate tuition scholarship to any of the public universities in Nigeria by the President, Owolowo Cooperative Multipurpose Union Limited, Akure, Elder Victor Adebusuyi
In his remarks the national president of TAHSIM-OSA, Dr. Femi Aladegbaye, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Kehinde Ekunnrin, congratulated the 1983 set for their contributions to the development of their Alma Mater. He enjoined other sets to emulate the focus-driven set, through the payment of their annual dues and levies, as they attend events of the Association punctually, so that members could jointly make the Alma Mater great.
Responding on behalf of the teachers and Students, the Vice Principal of the School, Mr. Ayodele Akinfolase, appreciated the old Students for their contributions in the past years and encouraged them to do more.
The programme was rounded off with a grand reception for members and their guests, clad in their anniversary attire, they were supplied with good food, assorted drinks and danced to melodious songs.
The programme was a reunion where memories were capitulated with exchanges of love, banters and affections among members. The programme was well attended by parents, teachers, students, guests and old students, within and outside Nigeria.