Oyo Deputy Gov Inaugurates ICT Centre at Irepo Grammar School, Igboho
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, on Wednesday, officially commissioned a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at Irepo Grammar School in Igboho.
The facility, equipped with 40 computers, was facilitated by the school’s alumni association as a significant step towards enhancing student learning.
The inauguration ceremony drew a distinguished crowd of influential figures, including Oyo State Commissioners Joke Fauzat (Special Duties) and Abdul Waheed Adelabu (Establishment and Training).
Local government chairmen Hon. TT (Irepo) and Hon. Olayanju Qazeem (Olorunsogo) were also in attendance, alongside APM candidates for various political offices, including Hon. Abiodun Oni (House of Representatives for Olorunsogo, Irepo, Oorelope Federal Constituency), Jimoh Adisa Olabisi (House of Assembly for Oorelope State Constituency), and Hon. Saliu Ayinde SASSAY (House of Assembly for Irepo/Olorunsogo State Constituency).
Barr. Hassan Ajibade, Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Legal Matters, and other aides to the Deputy Governor were also present, as well as community leaders, academicians, and APM stakeholders.
During his address, the Deputy Governor, emphasized the principle of reciprocity, stating, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
He lauded the Old students of Irepo Grammar School for their instrumental role in providing the 40-unit computer set.
He urged successful graduates, both within Nigeria and abroad, to remember their alma mater and contribute to its ongoing growth and development.
“Wherever we are, we can impact positivity to the growth and development of the school,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of alumni giving back to their educational roots.
The Deputy Governor also assured the school management of the state government’s commitment to education, promising support for the school’s growth and development.
He said: “I can assure you that we will do whatever is expected for the growth and development of this school. This is the first grammar school in this federal constituency and will remain the leading grammar school here.
“So, on behalf of the Oyo State government, which prioritizes education, just reach out to us. We will push for the growth and development of this school. As chairman of the Board of Trustees, I’ll not relent. This school must flourish and keep producing graduates that benefit humanity.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Abdul Waheed Soliu, highlighted the transformative potential of the new ICT centre, noting that it connects students to the global digital landscape.
While maintaining that the ICT centre will aid students’ JAMB preparation, the commissioner stressed the importance of teaching fundamental computer skills. He urged teachers to train students on basic components before introducing advanced programs like Excel.
Prof. Soliu, who equally urged parents to support their children’s digital learning journey by ensuring access to necessary resources, further emphasized that proficiency in computer usage is crucial for students’ success in the 21st century.
He said: “The facility can teach more than 500 students in three hours using the mouse, desktop and other tools. Parents should allow their children to learn. We have the hardware, software, internet and power, we need the human resources to drive it. So, I commend the alumni and parents for supporting the project.”
The President of the Old Students Association, in his vote of thanks, expressed profound gratitude to the Deputy Governor for gracing the occasion.
He pledged the association’s commitment to ensuring the effective utilization of the computer facilities and expressed confidence that the students would, in turn, contribute to the school’s future.
Notable donations towards the school’s development included N1 million from the Deputy Governor, N500,000 each from the Commissioner for Special Duties and Hon. Abiodun Oni, N200,000 from Hon. JAO, N100,000 each from Hon. Sassay, Professor Adelabu Soliu, and the Irepo and Olorunsogo Local Government Chairmen, as well as N250,000 from aides to the Deputy Governor, among other contributions.
