The National President of Ekiti Parapo College Ido Ekiti Old Students Association, Mr Dotun Adekanbi, has called on the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, to designate the institution as a legacy school.
Adekanbi stated that such a designation would facilitate infrastructural upgrades and ensure the “historical school” receives adequate attention, emphasising the urgent need for its transformation.
Speaking on Thursday at the school’s 70th anniversary celebration in Ido Ekiti, Adekanbi commended the alumni for their unwavering support over the years.
“This school holds a unique place as the only one established by the people of Ekiti origin. It was founded 70 years ago to commemorate the 16-year Ekiti–Ibadan War, also known as the Ekiti Parapo War, and to provide sons and daughters of Ekiti access to education,” he said.
He further urged the state government to act promptly, stating, “We need the state government to designate the school as a legacy institution to align with its founding vision of fostering educational development.”
An alumnus and Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, echoed Adekanbi’s appeal.
Highlighting the school’s deteriorated state, Arogundade said, “The school needs perimeter fencing and essential facilities. While various alumni sets have been contributing in their capacities, the Ekiti State Government must declare this school a legacy secondary institution.”
Arogundade, who received the EPCOSA Ambassador Award for his “impactful support” to the school, reflected on his mixed emotions about the anniversary.
“There is nostalgia for what the school represented in shaping us, but also sadness about its current dilapidated state. Nevertheless, it is heartwarming to see old students rallying to support the school,” he remarked.
The Special Adviser and Director General of the Office of Transformation and Strategic Delivery, Dr. John Ekundayo, representing the state government, assured the alumni that their appeal would be relayed to the appropriate authorities.
Ekundayo reaffirmed the Oyebanji administration’s commitment to creating conducive learning environments across Ekiti State schools. “On the legacy status, I will forward this request to the Commissioner for Education and other relevant stakeholders. The government is actively working to ensure that no school is left behind in its human capital development agenda,” he said.
