A renovated five-classroom block has been handed over to Emmanuel College, Owerri, a foremost college in the state, with an advice to protect the facilities meant for teaching and learning.
In a welcome address on behalf of the Old Boys, the ‘Progressives of Unique’ 1988 Set, Engr Obii Madumere, urged the students to ensure they see the facilities as their own property by maintaining them and making the most of the opportunities the facilities provided.
He recalled that the 1988 Set have also fully paid the NECO examination fees for JS3 students who were financially unable to meet the obligation, to ensure that no child was left behind because of financial constraints.
Also intervened, according to the Set, was the payment of the WAEC Centre Revalidation fees to support the school’s continued academic standing and examination readiness.
He advised them to always remember that the value of their intervention will ultimately be measured not only by the beauty of the renovated classrooms, but by the quality of lives and futures that are shaped within them.
Describing their efforts as a significant milestone in their collective journey of giving back to the institutions that helped shape their lives, values and future, Madumere said that the 1988 Set has returned to the college not merely as alumni, but as partners in progress.
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.’
Madumere affirmed that the commitment of the Progressives of Unique 1988 Set to their alma mater goes far beyond the project, while assuring that the meaningful development must be holistic, sustainable and focused on the needs of both students and staff.
Speaking, an Old Boy of the college and Commissioner for Science, Technology, Innovation and Engineering, Hon Ikenna Elezianya, expressed dismay over the present deteriorating condition of the college.
He said that after leaving the college 40 years ago, the present college does not represent the same college where he attended.
He said: ‘When we left, Emmanuel College was one of the best in the state.’
He, however, commended the 1988 Set for their high commitment towards rescuing the college, to encourage both the teachers and the students to continue to acquire basic educational skills and knowledge.
In their separate speeches, the Acting National President of Emmanuel College Owerri Old Students Association (ECOOSA), Sir George Nwachukwu, and a member of the Progressives of Unique 1988 Set, Chukwueke Junai, acknowledged the presence of their invited guests and the members of the 88 Set for their vision to renovate and rebuild the facilities in the college.
While calling for partnership with other stakeholders and friends of the college, he assured that the college would be turned into a model school and one to be proud of in a few years to come.
Both leaders advised students to be dedicated and humble, and to set themselves targets by working hard to ensure that the college retains its lost glory as one to reckon with.
While Junai assured of the renovation of the teachers’ blocks, the Acting National President promised to make the school one to reckon with.
Highlights of the event included a novelty football match among the Emmanuel College students and award presentations to some deserving students and staff in recognition of their excellent performances in the college.