The Old Students Association of Isan-Ekiti Secondary School, Ekiti State, has commenced preparations for the institution’s Golden Jubilee anniversary with a mock programme designed to test its readiness and strengthen collaboration among different sets of alumni ahead of the 50th anniversary celebration scheduled for September 12-18, 2027.
The mock programme, which brought together old students from different sets and generations, also provided an opportunity for the alumni to unveil plans for the future development of the school, including the development of a comprehensive master plan to guide infrastructural projects and interventions.
Speaking with journalists in Isan-Ekiti on the significance of the mock programme, the Coordinator of the Golden Jubilee Planning Committee, Babalola Folorunsho, said the initiative was aimed at ensuring adequate preparation and preventing possible challenges during the main anniversary celebration.
Folorunsho said the alumni decided to commence preparations early because effective planning was essential to the success of the Golden Jubilee.
According to him, the preparation has three major objectives, with the first being the creation of a united alumni community capable of working collectively for the development of their alma mater.
The Cordinator disclosed that another major priority was the development of a master plan for the school to guide future infrastructure and development projects.
He added that the alumni were also planning to honour past heroes and community leaders who had contributed to the growth and development of the institution.
His words, “It is commonly said that great preparation prepares the ground for mighty manifestation. Poor planning amounts to poor implementation. Even though we are looking towards 2027 for the Golden Jubilee, we felt that it was important for us to start coming together and form a formidable team that can do the work towards the Golden Jubilee.
“That is the reason why we decided to hold a mock Golden Jubilee, at least to test our capacity for what we want to do. By virtue of what you have seen on ground today, you will know that, by the grace of God, we are well prepared for the Golden Jubilee come September next year.
“The first agenda is that it has brought us together to be able to work as a team. What we had before now was alumni operating set by set. We had not been coming together as a community of alumni association. But now, we have worked across sets to be able to come together as a team.
“You will see buildings scattered all over. There is nothing like a master plan. This is one of the things that all students should be able to do: develop a master plan for this institution.
“Therefore, if anybody or a development partner is bringing a project to us, we will have where such projects can fit into, rather than just dumping the project on the ground and then it becomes of no value.
“We are trying to develop that master plan to be able to put a strong foundation for the future development of this institution.”
The Principal of the school, Iyabo Kupoluyi, described the alumni association as a union of people whose lives, memories and achievements remained connected to the institution.
She noted that the school had, over the years, served as a centre for learning, character formation and community development, producing graduates who had made meaningful contributions to society.
The principal expressed appreciation to all sets of old students who had contributed to the school through equipment, infrastructure, financial assistance, academic materials, mentorship, encouragement and personal service.
She said their interventions had continued to contribute to creating a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Also speaking, the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, commended the alumni for organising the first major joint gathering of old students from different generations.
Adejuwon said the gathering was significant because it brought together alumni from different sets to work towards a common objective and prepare for the institution’s Golden Jubilee.
He described 50 years as a significant milestone worthy of celebration, noting that the school had produced men and women who had distinguished themselves in various fields, including education, engineering, medicine, law, business, public service and community leadership.
The traditional ruler, who also identified himself as an alumnus of the institution, said the achievements of former students in different sectors remained a source of pride to Isan-Ekiti.
He urged the alumni to sustain the spirit of unity, love and commitment demonstrated through the Golden Jubilee preparations.
Adejuwon said the anniversary should not be viewed merely as a celebration of the past but as an opportunity to establish a stronger foundation for the future.
