Oluchi Chibuzor
The Baptist Academy Old Students’ Association (BAOSA) has unveiled seven legacy initiatives at its alma mater, committing assets to rehabilitate laboratories, enhance campus safety and restore the college’s inexperienced surroundings because the establishment marked its 171st Founder’s Day.
The initiatives, undertaken by completely different units of previous college students, embody the renovation of the Physics and Chemistry laboratories, rehabilitation of the Home Economics and Agricultural Science laboratories, set up of photo voltaic lighting throughout the college premises and inauguration of the BAOSA Garden.
The affiliation additionally unveiled a redesigned college badge and carried out the groundbreaking ceremony for a proposed lecture theatre, medical clinic and preparation room.
BAOSA Global President, Olumide Ajomale, mentioned “the interventions were aimed at addressing infrastructure deficiencies, improving the learning environment and preserving the institution’s heritage. The renovation of the laboratories was necessary after years of inadequate maintenance, as the installation of solar lights will improve security and visibility within the premises, particularly during power outages.”
Ajomale mentioned the landscaping and tree-planting initiative was additionally designed to restore the greenery that after characterised the college and promote environmental consciousness amongst college students.
“When we were in school, this was a massive green land,” he mentioned, urging college students to recognize nature and perceive the significance of defending the surroundings.
He careworn that the affiliation’s dedication to the college extends past bodily infrastructure to embody scholarships, mentoring, abilities improvement and character formation.
He disclosed that the affiliation had awarded prizes and scholarships value tens of millions of naira via its annual actions, supporting college students with disabilities and people from financially deprived backgrounds.
According to him, BAOSA additionally sponsors initiatives to strengthen college students’ public-speaking and debating talents, together with the ‘Have Your Say’ debate competitors organised by BAOSA, UK.
“Our intervention goes beyond money. It goes beyond the physical infrastructure. It’s wholesome, and we’re proud to be able to do this,” Ajomale mentioned.
He said that the affiliation is set to protect the college’s 171-year historical past and make sure that its legacy continues to encourage future generations.
As a part of the heritage preservation effort, he disclosed that the college’s heritage room could be developed additional with historic paperwork, commencement programmes and different memorabilia documenting the establishment’s evolution and the achievements of its alumni.
He additionally highlighted the BAOSA Order of Excellence, established to recognise former college students whose tutorial accomplishments, skilled achievements, management and repair to society mirror the establishment’s beliefs.
Ajomale mentioned the initiative would expose present college students to the achievements of distinguished alumni and encourage them to pursue excellence.
The President of the Lagos East Baptist Conference, Rev. Matthew Olawale Awujoola, who represented the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. David Olusola Idowu, recommended the alumni for investing of their former college.
He mentioned sustained alumni involvement may assist bridge infrastructure gaps, strengthen tutorial improvement and supply college students with function fashions.
“If we have this replicated all across the land through our schools by our old students, I am very sure that education will greatly increase in Nigeria,” Awujoola mentioned.
The cleric expressed optimism that the investments would considerably enhance Baptist Academy over the subsequent decade and urged college students to uphold the values exemplified by the affiliation.
The college Principal, Mr. Solomon Ajagunmo, mentioned the initiatives would assist enhance instructing and studying. He assured the alumni that the administration would keep the services and defend the investments.
Zonal Administrator of Baptist Mission Schools, Lagos Zone, Mrs. Titilayo Amune, described alumni interventions as important to restoring the requirements related to established faculties.
According to her, contributions from previous college students went past buildings and gear to embody scholarships, mentoring and different types of instructional help which may in any other case be troublesome to present.
Amune mentioned such initiatives may instill a tradition of generosity and accountability in youthful college students, encouraging them to help future generations after they change into profitable.
