Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday, called on old students in the state to join hands with the state government to achieve sustainable progress in the education sector.
The governor made the call in his address at the reunion ceremony of Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH) Alumni, held in London, United Kingdom, a copy of which was made available to reporters in Osogbo.
Adeleke who was represented at the event by the chairman of OSCOTECH Governing Council, Prince Diran Odeyemi, said the importance of education in the transformation of societies could not be overstated, noting that he was aware of the challenges facing the state institutions.
Prince Odeyemi urged the alumni to give back, not just financially, but also through mentorship, and collaboration, adding that the state needed them to be an integral part of its journey in shaping leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
The governing body chairman reaffirmed Senator Adeleke’s commitment to working tirelessly to enhance the infrastructure, faculty, and curriculum of the state institutions.
According to him, the governor address read in part: “This reunion is a testament to the enduring spirit of togetherness and shared commitment to the advancement of education, not only in our beloved state but also across the world.
“The significance of education in the transformation of societies cannot be overstated. It is the cornerstone upon which progress is built, and institutions like OSCOTECH play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and talents that will shape the future.
“I am acutely aware of the challenges that our educational institutions face. The demand for quality education continues to rise, and it is our duty to ensure that our institutions are adequately equipped to meet these demands.
“I am committed to working tirelessly to enhance the infrastructure, faculty, and curriculum of OSCOTECH and other educational institutions in Osun State.
“Furthermore, I recognise the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in achieving sustainable progress. I call upon the alumni, who have excelled in their respective fields, to join hands with us in this endeavour. Your expertise, networks, and resources are invaluable assets that can help elevate our educational system to new heights.
“As we look back on the years that have passed, we cannot help but be inspired by the incredible accomplishments of you, our graduates. Many of you have excelled in your respective fields, becoming leaders, innovators, and change-makers, thereby making us immensely proud. Your achievements reflect the quality education and values instilled by OSCOTECH and its management.
“You should take the lead and inspire future generations. It’s touching to see familiar faces and hear inspiring stories from our alumni since their time in the UK.
“But today’s gathering is not just about nostalgia or accolades; it’s about strengthening our ties and forging new ones. We need your guidance and support to excel in education, health, agriculture, economy, and social infrastructure. Your experiences and insights can help us adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing world.
“We urge you to give back not just financially, but also through mentorship, collaboration, and representing our state and the OSCOTECH ideals. Your association with us is a lifelong commitment, and we want you to be an integral part of our journey as we shape the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”