By Lukman Olabiyi
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on the Nigerian government to prioritise investment in education and social infrastructure to foster a better society.
Adams made the call while delivering the keynote address at the First Reunion and 38th anniversary of the 1987/88 set of Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos (AUDSS 87/88 GOLD).
Speaking on the theme “Back to Our Root, From Seed to Legacy – How Far We Have Grown,” Adams highlighted the importance of providing a conducive learning environment and essential facilities in schools, stressing that these are critical to achieving positive educational outcomes.
He urged governments at all levels to replicate the successful free education initiative implemented by the late Chief Lateef Jakande’s UPN-led administration in Lagos State.
Recalling his own days as a student, Adams said the government at the time provided free textbooks, notebooks, and mathematical sets to students every term.
He also reminisced about access to public pipe-borne water, which made it easier for students to stay refreshed while trekking to and from school. According to him, students were also able to access free medical attention at health centres when they fell ill.
Adams fondly recalled the vibrant sporting culture that once existed in schools through competitions such as the principal’s cup, inter-secondary school football, and inter-house sports, describing them as avenues where talents were discovered for national and continental competitions.
“The strong foundation laid by that era of free and quality education is the reason many of my classmates today are top professionals, medical doctors, legal luminaries, engineers, accountants, and more,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Ibode Olumide delivered a health talk, advising alumni members to prioritise regular health check-ups, including annual MRI scans.
He listed diseases associated with ageing such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and kidney failure—and offered tips for managing them.
Two former teachers of the alumni set, Mr. Segun Bashorun and Mrs. Abimbola Puddicombe, were in attendance and received awards of recognition.
Bashorun commended the students for their initiative, noting it would inspire other alumni to reconnect and aim higher. Puddicombe, a former Biology teacher, expressed joy at seeing her former students become accomplished professionals.
Alumni President, Austin Hunpe, encouraged members to appreciate the impact of small, consistent actions in achieving personal and collective growth. He emotionally paid tribute to deceased classmates and urged members to maintain unity, strengthen their network, and support one another.
Chairperson of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Mrs. Kehinde Arigbabuwo, described the reunion as a homecoming and a time to reflect on cherished memories. The event featured recognitions for outstanding alumni and concluded with a call to sustain the platform for future collaboration and impact.
