Emeritus Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, national President, Aquinas College, Akure Old Students Association(ACAOSA) asked state governments who have done so to return former schools setup by missionaries to their former owners.
According to him, standard and quality of education would be enhanced in the country if public schools established by missionaries were returned to them.
He made the observation on Friday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during inauguration of a sports pavilion and a clinic at Aquinas College, Akure constructed by the old students association.
The N15 Million pavilion was one of the projects embarked upon by the old students of the college in commemoration of college’s 70th anniversary which commenced from January and would be rounded off in October.
Addressing the old students, who were present at the inauguration ceremony, the emeritus justice disclosed that the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has made positive policy announcement on returning of the college back to the Roman Catholic Church, the original owners of the school before it was taken over by the military government in 1976.
While appreciating the governor for the positive and courageous policy, the ACAOSA national president appealed to the governor to, as a matter of urgency, put in motion the final arrangement that would guarantee smooth take over of the college by the missionaries to actualise his courageous policy.
He emphasized that as the population of students increased, there was no reciprocal increase in number of teachers and infrastructure facilities in public schools due to paucity of fund on the part of government.
The immediate past principal of the college, who is also an old student, Mr. Olusola Adeyeye revealed that he made the request for the construction of the pavilion by the old students association on Friday, March 6, 2020 during the 69th Inter House Sports Competition of the school.
He, therefore, expressed his “profound gratitude to all Aquinarians in general and particularly to the leadership of ACAOSA undertaken the able leadership of the indefatigable Worldwide President, Retired Honourable Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, who worked tirelessly to ensure that my dream come to reality.”
The sports pavilion was inaugurated by Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, who was represented by Rev. Fr. Francis Ogunyankin.
Bishop Arogundade, who had been an advocate of return of schools to owners for the past 10 years, described the projects constructed by the old students as a statement Aquinas College which it’s core value is integrity and excellence.
He, therefore, charged the students of the college to learn from the old students on how to give back to their alma mater.
Among old students present are National Vice President of the association, Mr. Taiye Adeoti, Prof. Aiyelari, the current principal of the college, Mr. Oni Afolabi, National Secretary, Mr. Lanre Abiodun, Asist. National PRO, Mr. Tayo Adu and others.