Old Students Association of Ekiti Parapo College located in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State have called for renewed national attention to public secondary education, describing the action as a cornerstone of national development.
The celebration, themed: “Excelling in Academics: Building a Future Career”, brought together alumni from across generations, education stakeholders and public figures, discussing the enduring national relevance of legacy public schools in Nigeria’s human capital development.
Speaking with journalists at the 72nd Founder’s Day of the Citadel of Learning, the National President of Ekiti Parapo College Old Students Association (EPCOSA), Lanre Arogundade, described the College as a product of a visionary movement that began on January 29, 1954, with the goal of building a centre of academic, cultural and social excellence.
Arogundade noted that the college’s impact is reflected in the quality of professionals it has produced, including academics of international standing, while stressing that sustaining such legacy institutions must be treated as a national priority.
The President warned against ignoring the visible decline in physical infrastructure confronting the school, urging alumni, governments and the private sector to see school rehabilitation as a shared responsibility.
He also urged alumni sets to pool resources to rehabilitate staff quarters and other critical facilities, describing the initiative as a practical model for sustainable alumni-driven school development.
He added, “Ekiti Parapo College is not just a school, it is an idea that has shaped generations of Nigerians academically, morally and socially.
“That dream was realised and it continues to speak through the achievements of its alumni across Nigeria and beyond.
“We must not play the ostrich. There are real challenges with infrastructure, but the Ekiti Parapo spirit is unconquerable. Our response is unity of purpose and concrete action.
“If two or three sets come together to rehabilitate one building at a time, the burden becomes lighter and progress faster”.
The Guest Speaker, Dr. Tiwalola Obajuluwa, charged students to see excellence as a daily personal decision, explaining that honesty, discipline, and hardwork are necessary tools to achieve success.
“Excellence is a decision you must make everyday. Be honest, disciplined and hardworking. Take your education seriously, pursue your dreams with passion, and build your life with purpose”.
Also, the Chairman of the Occasion, Prince Bayo Adeniran stressed that the survival and growth of historic public schools across Nigeria must move beyond nostalgia to structured national support, saying this deliberate action would sustain quality and functional education in the country.
