AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The 2025 Reunion, Annual General Meeting (AGM), and project commissioning of the Seminary-St Anne’s School Old Girls Association (SSASOGA), held at St Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan, marked another milestone in the association’s sustained effort to enhance the school’s infrastructure and the academic prospects of its students.
Reaffirming their commitment to uplifting the school through a Public–Private Partnership model, the Old Girls urged the Oyo State Government not to relent in its statutory responsibility to education, despite the association’s supportive interventions.
The National President of SSASOGA, Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Kehinde, noted that while the association has consistently invested in improving facilities and student welfare, government support remains fundamental.
“We appreciate the government’s recognition of alumni as key stakeholders in the education sector. However, this should motivate the authorities to do even better. SSASOGA is working tirelessly to ensure that today’s St Anne’s School reflects the high standards we once enjoyed, with facilities that adequately support learning,” she said.
Mrs Kehinde highlighted the association’s numerous contributions, which include upgrading physical infrastructure, providing equipment, textbooks, uniforms, and sponsoring indigent students for external examinations.
While commending government collaboration, she expressed concern over the slow pace of infrastructural development in the school.
“We are doing our best, but the students ultimately belong to the Ministry of Education. When will new classrooms be constructed? When will we have more desks and chairs? These are questions we want answered,” she stated.
She, therefore, appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to intensify efforts by providing additional infrastructure, teaching aids and learning equipment to further enhance academic performance in the school.
Representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, a Director in the Ministry, Mrs Titilola Omotosho, commended the Old Girls for complementing government efforts.
“Your support is making a real difference in the lives of the students, and we are grateful for the partnership,” she said.
Two major projects, the Fayemi Vocational Centre and the St Catherine’s Reading Room, were officially inaugurated on Friday. The facilities, beautifully executed and adorned in the school’s signature purple colour, were described as critical additions that would enrich both academic and vocational learning.
During the commissioning, the Ministry urged staff and students to maximise the benefits of the new facilities.
The Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Zone 1, Mr Akinlolu Akinwale, emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in sustaining quality education.
“The government cannot handle public education alone. Old students must continue supporting their alma mater. TESCOM will continue to support St Anne’s School,” he assured.
School principals from the senior and junior sections, Mrs Olufunke Ajani, Mrs Hannah Omoloyin, Mrs Oluronke Babalola and Mrs Helen Farinde, were also present.
The AGM/ reunion celebration continued on Saturday, with members of the association joyfully reconnecting, dancing to nostalgic tunes, and reliving cherished memories of their school days. Many described the event as an opportunity to rekindle bonds and strengthen their shared commitment to the school.
In her goodwill message, Mrs Kehinde applauded the Old Girls’ dedication, describing the reunion as both “therapeutic and unifying.” She urged members not to relent in their support for the school. “Let us each lay something meaningful on the sands of St Anne’s,” she said.
She further disclosed that SSASOGA has prioritised the construction of a boarding house in 2026, describing the project as “non-negotiable.” She also encouraged members who are teachers to return and contribute academically to the school.
“St Anne’s was more than a school; it was a community and a second home. We owe it to the next generation to keep its heritage alive,” she added.
Delivering the Alumni Talk titled ‘Excellence Demands Sacrifices’, the immediate past National President and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Lady Similola Onabanjo, emphasised the role of collective effort.
“Together we can. Yes, I can, but ‘yes, I can’ is the best,” she said.
She underscored the need for timely payment of dues and encouraged members to adopt indigent students.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Mrs Doja Labinjo, also outlined the board’s ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the association despite existing challenges.
Reports from executives, branch representatives in Nigeria and the diaspora, house representatives, school principals, auditors and other stakeholders were presented.
The association also highlighted its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, anchored on three pillars, Intention, Implementation, and Impact, in alignment with its motto: “Giving our best to the school that we love.”
