Alaafin pledges to support infrastructure development for Oyo schools

According to him, the classrooms lacked basic facilities, including a roof, windows and blackboards, making their renovation necessary to improve the learning environment for students.

“We found that this particular block was totally in disrepair. There was no roof, no windows, no blackboard, nothing. So, we decided to start with these three classrooms to ensure that we brought them up to standard,” Mapederun said.

He added that the renovation included the installation of ceiling fans and the provision of other facilities intended to make the classrooms more comfortable for students and support teaching and learning.

The association described the project as the beginning of a broader effort to improve infrastructure at the school. Mapederun said the expenditure, which was slightly below N10 million, represented an initial step towards addressing the institution’s facility needs.

The renovation forms part of the alumni’s commitment to supporting the school’s development through practical interventions that complement public efforts to improve education.

Babalakin Calls for Collective Responsibility

Also speaking at the event, Chief Wale Babalakin emphasised the importance of collaboration among different generations of old students in achieving the school’s development objectives.

He argued that the responsibility for the institution’s administration and improvement should not be left exclusively to the government or the mission.

Babalakin’s remarks followed the 1972–1976 set’s plan to take over the management of the school, a proposal he said required careful consideration of the interests of the institution and its future development.

“The Mission will be doing commerce with the running of the school. This will not augur well for its all-round development,” he said.

He stressed the need for old students from different graduating sets to work together, suggesting that a coordinated approach could strengthen the association’s ability to support the school.

His comments placed emphasis on shared responsibility for the institution’s future, with alumni contributions expected to complement the roles of other stakeholders involved in its administration and development.

Alaafin Extends Pledge Beyond Olivet Baptist High School

Beyond Olivet Baptist High School, the Alaafin pledged support for educational programmes and infrastructure development across schools in Oyo town.

His assurance signals an interest in supporting initiatives beyond a single institution, although details of specific projects, funding commitments or implementation timelines were not provided at the event.

The monarch’s remarks also reinforced the importance of partnerships involving traditional institutions, alumni associations, school authorities and government in efforts to improve educational facilities.

For the 1972–1976 set, the classroom renovation represents an early intervention in its broader plan to help restore the school’s former standing.

The nearly N10 million investment has provided three renovated classrooms, while the association has indicated that further interventions are planned.

The anniversary fundraising and thanksgiving ceremony therefore combined a celebration of the alumni’s shared history with renewed commitments to the institution’s future.

As the association pursues its development plans, the renovation project and the Alaafin’s pledge have highlighted the potential role of alumni and community stakeholders in supporting school infrastructure and raising educational standards across Oyo town.