Emmanuel College Old Boys renovate classrooms, pay exam fees for students
The Progressives of the Unique 1988 Set of the Emmanuel College Owerri Old Students Association have called for sustainable collaboration by the various stakeholders towards improving the education sector in Nigeria.
This call was made on Friday during a ceremony by the old students to unveil the renovated five-classroom block to their alma mater. They also paid examination fees for some financially disadvantaged students of the school.
The projects were unveiled and handed over to the management of Emmanuel College, Owerri, Imo State, during an event attended by old students, government officials, teachers and students.
Speaking on behalf of the Progressive 1988 set, Engr. Obii Madumere urged the students to protect the renovated facilities and regard them as their own property.
Madumere said the intervention was part of the group’s commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped their lives and preparing the younger generation for a better future.
He disclosed that the set had also paid the National Examinations Council examination fees for financially disadvantaged Junior Secondary School III students, stressing that no child should be denied an opportunity to sit for an examination because of financial constraints.
He added that the group also paid the West African Examinations Council centre revalidation fees to support the school’s academic activities and examination readiness.
Madumere said the impact of the intervention should not be measured only by the appearance of the renovated classrooms but also by the quality of lives and futures shaped within the facilities.
He said, “Our mission has always been clear: to contribute meaningfully to an environment where the present generation of students can learn, grow, dream and pursue excellence.”
According to him, the commitment of The Progressives of the Unique 1988 set to their alma mater goes beyond the classroom renovation, as they believe that meaningful development must be holistic, sustainable and responsive to the needs of both students and teachers.
Also speaking, an old student of the college and Commissioner for Science, Technology, Innovation and Engineering, Hon. Ikenna Elezianya, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the institution.
Elezianya, who said he left the school about 40 years ago, noted that its current condition was markedly different from what he knew as a student.
He said, “When we left this school many years ago, Emmanuel College was one of the best in the state.”
He, however, commended the 1988 set for their commitment to improving the school, urging teachers and students to remain focused on acquiring the knowledge and skills required to succeed in life.
The acting National President of the Emmanuel College Owerri Old Students Association, Sir George Nwachukwu, and the Project Lead and member of The Progressives, Chukwueke Junai, also commended the 1988 Unique set of the college for initiating and funding the project.
Nwachukwu called for greater collaboration among old students, stakeholders and friends of the college, saying such partnerships would help restore the institution to its former standard.
He urged the students to remain dedicated, humble and hardworking, and to set goals for themselves as part of efforts to restore the lost glory of the school.
Chukwueke assured the school that the group would extend its intervention to the teachers’ block, stressing that the renovation programme was part of a broader effort to improve the learning environment.
He said, “The Progressives of the Unique 1988 Set are committed to giving the school a facelift to enable the students learn in a conducive learning environment.”
The event also featured a novelty football match involving students of the college and the presentation of awards to some outstanding students and staff in recognition of their performances.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Evaristus Obinna Onyeocha; Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hon. Emeka Mgbudem; and a member of the Progressives Project Team, Dr. Iyke Amadi. Others included the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ECOOSA and the school Principal, Mr Ferdinand Emeka Achonwa.
