RismadarVoice Reporters
October 12, 2026
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has pledged to support educational development and improvements in school infrastructure across Oyo town, particularly at Olivet Baptist High School.
The monarch committed to a fundraising and thanksgiving ceremony held in Ibadan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the school’s 1972–1976 set of old students.
Oba Owoade commended the alumni for their efforts to improve facilities at their former school, stressing that the responsibility for educational development should be shared among government, communities, private organisations and former students.
He assured the association of his willingness to support initiatives aimed at improving learning conditions and strengthening educational standards in Oyo.
Speaking at the ceremony, the president of the 1972–1976 set, Adeoye Mapederun, disclosed that the association had invested nearly ₦10 million in renovating a block of three classrooms at Olivet Baptist High School.
Mapederun explained that the classrooms were previously in poor condition, with damaged roofing, missing windows and inadequate teaching facilities.
According to him, the renovation involved roofing repairs, installation of ceiling fans and other improvements intended to provide students and teachers with a more suitable learning environment.
He described the completed work as the first phase of a broader rehabilitation programme, adding that another classroom block required urgent attention.
The alumni president said the association was seeking additional financial support to continue the rehabilitation of school facilities and address other infrastructure challenges.
Mapederun explained that the intervention was motivated by the desire of former students to contribute to the development of an institution that played an important role in their education.
He recalled that the school provided quality teaching and adequate facilities during their years as students, expressing concern over the deterioration of some of its infrastructure.
He maintained that restoring the institution’s standards would require sustained collaboration between the government, alumni and other stakeholders.
Also speaking, Chief Wale Babalakin called for stronger cooperation among different generations of Olivet Baptist High School graduates.
Babalakin said alumni associations should play a more active role in supporting school administration, infrastructure development and educational programmes rather than leaving those responsibilities entirely to the government or the school’s founding religious mission.
He emphasised the importance of coordinated contributions and long-term planning to achieve meaningful improvements.
Meanwhile, Mapederun disclosed that the national body of the school’s old students’ association was considering a proposal to assume responsibility for its administration.
He explained that any such arrangement would depend on the association’s ability to mobilise sufficient financial resources and establish a sustainable management structure.
The proposal, if pursued and approved by the relevant authorities, would form part of wider efforts to improve educational standards, rehabilitate infrastructure and strengthen the institution’s long-term development.
The anniversary celebration also served as an opportunity for former students to renew their commitment to supporting the school and expanding educational opportunities for future generations.
