Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State, has emphasised the importance of governments at all levels prioritising the fundamental education of children.
During a ‘welcome home’ reception organised by the alumni of Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, of which he is a member, Aregbesola, who also served as the Minister for Interior, highlighted the educational programmes implemented during his tenure as a governor.
He expressed disappointment that these programmes were discontinued by his successor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola.
The All Progressives Congress leader asserted that sound public foundation education, rather than private schools, is crucial for providing education to all children and fostering grassroots development. Aregbesola emphasised the need to persevere in this endeavor.
He recounted the initiatives undertaken by his administration, such as the construction of 11 state-of-the-art 3,000-capacity model secondary schools, as well as the refurbishment and improvement of existing schools.
“Each school boasted 72 classrooms accommodating 49 students, study group rooms, laboratories, separate toilets for boys and girls, libraries, administrative offices, bookshops, and sick bays,” Aregbesola said.
Aregbesola highlighted the introduction of the ‘Opon Imo’ (the tablet of knowledge), a digital education tool, as well as the promotion of ethics, discipline, calisthenics, and school feeding and health programmes in public schools.
“These efforts aimed to produce exceptional graduates and had already yielded positive outcomes,” he said.
He commended the teachers, principals, and former students of Akoko Anglican Grammar School, describing them as stars deserving of greater recognition.
Mrs. Moji Ajayi, the National President of the AKOGRAMS, praised Aregbesola for his contributions to the country’s development and the association.
She acknowledged the alumni’s efforts in implementing various infrastructure projects in their alma mater.
