FROM: Dappa Maharajah

OLD Students Association of Stella Maris College (SMC), Akure Branch, has urged the government to return the missionary schools in the country to their owners so as to redeem the falling standard of education in the country and impact positive moral values on the youths for a better future.

The President of the association, Chief Samuel Adetuyi said this on Thursday at the school premises during the official commissioning of a three classroom blocks and biology laboratory renovated by the alumni to the school management at Okitipupa, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Other alumni at the event included Mr Tola Olokungbemi, Chief S.A Ogayemi and retired SMC principal, Chief Michael Ogunnowo, Chief Arowojolu, Pastor Gbegudu, Mrs Akinnusi Margaret, Mr. Akingbo Felix, the LGA Zonal Education Officer, just to mention a few.

Adetuyi iterated that every Nigerian student deserves the right to education in a conducive environment, reminiscing that “during our own time, it was perfectly conducive. The atmosphere then encouraged us to benefit maximally from the studies. This made the association to pool huge amount of money together to renovate the buildings that were in sordid and decrepit states.”

He noted that the pressing demands from government, coupled with the present economic hardship, make it extremely difficult for government to perform to expectation, thereby advocating for the return of the missionary schools to their original owners.
“We think most of the burden can be shed off through this. I am using this opportunity to plead with government to allow Stella Maris College to go back to the Roman Catholic Mission so that the young ones can benefit like we did when we were young, and all of us can benefit together.”

The President, alongside other alumni that were present lauded the SMA missionaries and principals like Rev. Fr. FH Mclalghlin, Rev. Fr. P. Nelly, Rev. Fr. Owen Mckenna among others for their outstanding performances, urging the school management to prioritize the interests of the students.
Adetuyi, who sought the support of other alumni for the development of the school, also tasked parents and guardians to positively complement the roles of the teachers, imploring the students to be obedient, hardworking and aspire to be good ambassadors of the college.

“All old students must join us to assist government to be able to provide the enabling environment for students to learn. Despite some resistance in the past, we will continue to reach greater heights. I can assure you in no distance future will provide a school bus for this school,” he said.

The Principal, Mr. Joseph Olowogboyega, commended the association for giving back to their alma mater, pledging that he would continue to instil discipline in the college and improve tremendously upon the brilliant academic performance of the students.