By Mutiu Abdullah
The 1983 Set of the Pedro Primary School Somolu Old Students Association has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting quality education by rewarding outstanding pupils, honouring teachers, and donating educational materials to their alma mater.
The commitment was demonstrated during the third edition of the association’s Annual Award and Recognition of Excellence Programme held at Pedro Primary School, Somolu, Lagos State.
As part of the initiative, the alumni donated an HP LaserJet printer to enhance the school’s administrative operations, presented learning materials to high-performing pupils, and, in partnership with the Love Effect Initiative, distributed water bottles to every pupil in the school to promote healthy habits.
In her opening remarks, the Headteacher of Pedro Primary School, Mrs Sadiku Oluyemisi, commended the 1983 alumni set for their generosity and commitment to the school’s development. She said the initiative would motivate pupils both academically and morally, while appealing to other alumni sets to emulate the gesture by supporting the institution. She also urged the pupils to remain focused on their studies and strive for excellence.
Speaking at the event, President of the association, Professor Rahmat Adisa, said the gesture symbolised the group’s desire to give back to the institution that laid the foundation for their success, 43 years after leaving its classrooms.
According to her, the programme was designed to celebrate academic excellence, motivate pupils to work harder, and appreciate teachers whose dedication had contributed significantly to the achievements of many former students.
Professor Adisa explained that awards were presented to the three best-performing pupils in Kindergarten, Nursery, and Primary One to Primary Six. She noted that recognising academic excellence boosts pupils’ confidence, promotes healthy competition, and inspires others to strive for outstanding performance.
Professor Adisa expressed appreciation to parents for their unwavering support for their children’s education and acknowledged the vital role teachers continue to play in nurturing future professionals, responsible citizens, and community leaders.
She added that the donations and awards were intended to ease the financial burden on low-income families, improve the learning environment, and encourage healthy practices among pupils.
The association also honoured serving teachers for their dedication and recognised retired teacher, Mrs Bernice Kobari, for her exceptional years of service and lasting contributions to the education of generations of pupils.
Expressing her appreciation, Mrs Kobari thanked the alumni for finding her worthy of being celebrated during her lifetime. She prayed for God’s continued blessings, greater accomplishments, and lasting success for every member of the association.
Representing the Basic Education Quality Assurance Office, Mr Osunmakinde Oluwaseyi commended the alumni for complementing government efforts to improve the quality of education. He urged other old students’ associations to emulate the initiative by supporting schools within their communities.
Also speaking, a representative of the Social Mobilisation Section of the Somolu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Mrs Obasoyin Felicia, applauded the association for its unwavering commitment to educational development, describing the intervention as a worthy investment in the future of the children and the community.
Some of the teachers and stakeholders commended the alumni for sustaining an initiative that continues to inspire excellence and strengthen support for public education.
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