The multimillion-naira library and science lab facility at Community Grammar School, Igboegunrin, in the state’s Ilaje Local Government Area, was inaugurated on Saturday by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The philanthropic Aduro Foundation constructed a science lab and library, and it was furnished with millions of naira’s worth of books and supplies.
Speaking on behalf of the State Ministry of Education’s Victor Ojuola, a senior education officer, Mr. Aiyedatiwa underlined the value of the scientific lab and library within the educational framework.
The governor commended the donor and Chief Executive Officer, Aduro Foundation, Dr Anthony Aduro, for the initiative.
Mr. Aiyedatiwa pointed out that the facilities would raise the bar for students’ study and support state government initiatives to develop education.
“I quite laud the initiative of the Foundation because both facilities are the best for the teaching and learning process, especially research work. I urge other citizens of the state who can feed themselves and have surplus to emulate Mr Aduro’s gesture, as the government alone can no longer provide everything for the people,” the governor said.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, said that the facilities’ provision was evidence of the donor’s strong regard for education.
Mr Ologunorisa, represented by Prof. Fredrick Ajebomagun, the Chief Librarian at OAUSTECH, admonished parents, staff and students, as well as those who would be using the facilities, to ensure that they were well protected.
Additionally, the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Rector, Dr. Olorunwa Adegun, praised the Foundation for raising the community’s educational standards.
Referring to the library as a “educational monument,” Mr. Adegun demanded adequate protection for the establishment.
The school’s principal, Daniel Olowodasa, urged other alumni to follow in the footsteps of the donor while expressing gratitude to the foundation for the contribution of the science lab and library facility.
According to Mr. Olowodasa, the school is still in need of staff quarters and computer teachers, among other things.
During his speech, Mr. Aduro offered a scholarship worth N5 million to the top three students from the school who were accepted into OAUSTECH, Okitipupa.
The philanthropist, an Igboegunrin native, explained that the purpose of the gesture was to support the community’s future leaders’ educational goals.
He pledged to hire a librarian to keep an eye on the well-stocked library until the government or the local community hires one.
The occasion was graced by government officials, educationists, political stalwarts, traditional rulers, teachers, students and community leaders.