Titus Eleweke, South East Editor
AWKA, Anambra – The Class of 1981 of the Igwebuike Grammar School Old Boys Association (IGSOBA), Awka, Anambra State, has built and donated an ultra-modern toilet facility to their alma mater, 45 years after graduating from the school.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Barr. Alfred Obuka, on behalf of the IGSOBA Class of 1981, expressed gratitude to members of the set for remembering their alma mater and giving back to the institution that helped shape their lives.
He urged other graduating sets to emulate the gesture by contributing towards the completion of the school’s ongoing mini-stadium project.
He also commended the teachers and students for their exemplary conduct, noting that the old boys were proud of the achievements of both staff and students.
According to him, it was encouraging to see former students thinking about meaningful ways to support the school that trained them and contributed to their success in life.
Barr. Obuka appealed to other sets of old boys to reflect on what they could do to improve the school and elevate it to greater heights.
Also speaking, the President-General of Igwebuike Grammar School Old Boys Association, Sir Nnamdi Nwobu, represented by the General Secretary of IGSOBA, Chief Ndu Chris Nwannah, described the occasion as a moment of great honour and pride.
He said the commissioning of the ultra-modern toilet facility, conceived, funded, and donated by the Class of 1981, with Chief Felix Okwy Ogbuefi serving as the chief facilitator and benefactor, demonstrated the enduring commitment of old students to their alma mater.
“This is a legacy in action. Forty-five years after leaving school, the Class of 1981 has returned not only with fond memories but with a project that will have a lasting impact on the lives of students,” .
“They identified a need, took responsibility, and delivered a facility that will protect the health, hygiene, and dignity of every student who passes through this school. That is the true spirit of Igwebuike—strength in unity.”he said.
According to him, the Class of 1981 had set a remarkable example of giving back and established a standard worthy of emulation by other sets.
Chief Nwobu also appealed to all old boys to support the ongoing mini-stadium project.
He noted that, when completed, the facility would help engage students in productive sporting activities and provide opportunities to discover and nurture hidden talents.
“The vision is clear and the project has already begun, but we need collective support to bring it to completion. As we commission this toilet facility today, I appeal to the Class of 1981, other old boys’ sets, parents, friends, and well-wishers to support the mini-stadium project. Every contribution, regardless of size, will help write the next chapter in the history of Igwebuike Grammar School,” he stated.
He assured the school community that the old boys remained committed to supporting Igwebuike Grammar School and helping to address its challenges.
He further urged the school management to always reach out to the association whenever assistance was needed.
Representing the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Oguguo, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Charles Soludo on Education, Dr. Chukwuemeka Christian, thanked the Class of 1981 for their love and commitment to their alma mater.
He described the construction of a modern toilet facility for students of a school they left many years ago as a clear demonstration of unity of purpose and commitment to educational development.
Dr. Oguguo commended the Principal of the school, Mrs. Amaka Ifebili, and her staff for their dedication to nurturing students academically and morally.
He also praised the old boys for their contribution towards improving infrastructure in the school.
According to him, the gesture reflected the association’s determination to move the school forward and create a better learning environment for future generations.
He encouraged the old boys to strengthen their partnership with the Ministry of Education in advancing the development of the school and assured them that their efforts would not go unnoticed.
The commissioner further urged them not to be discouraged in their commitment to supporting the school, adding that the ministry would soon engage old students’ associations across the state in collaborative efforts aimed at improving educational facilities for Anambra children.
In her remarks, the Principal of Igwebuike Grammar School, Mrs. Amaka Ifebili, expressed profound appreciation to the Class of 1981 for the donation.
She noted that the provision of the toilet facility would significantly improve sanitation within the school and discourage indiscriminate urination and defecation on the school premises.
Mrs. Ifebili commended the commitment of the Class of 1981 to giving back to their alma mater and described the project as a major intervention in the welfare of the students.
“Before now, the students lacked adequate convenience facilities. This project has addressed a critical need and will promote proper sanitation practices among the students,” she said.
She appealed to the old boys not to relent in supporting the school, highlighting other pressing needs requiring intervention.
According to her, the school’s kitchen roof is in a dilapidated condition and urgently requires replacement.
She also appealed for assistance in providing beds and mattresses for students, noting that increasing enrolment in the boarding section had created additional accommodation needs.
“On behalf of the students and staff, we sincerely appeal for your continued support and assistance in addressing these challenges,” she added.
The Chairman of the Toilet Project Committee, Mr. B. C. Ilodigwe thanked God for the successful completion of the facility.
According to him, the committee was given less than 20 days to complete the project and, through dedication and teamwork, successfully delivered it within the stipulated timeframe.
“I am grateful that we are commissioning this project today. The Class of 1981 has set a worthy example. Let us continue to work together in unity to provide more modern facilities for the school.
Not every contribution must be financial. Your time, expertise, and commitment are equally valuable because money alone cannot achieve results without people willing to organize and drive projects,” he said.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ken Nwuba, alongside other old boys of the school, also commended the Class of 1981 for the laudable initiative.
According to him, the set had made an indelible mark on the history of the school through the successful execution of the project.
He urged the school management and students to ensure that the facility is properly maintained so that future generations would continue to benefit from it.
