PHOTO: L-R: Public Relations Officer of Alakoto High School Old Students Association (AHSOSA), Amb. Ifeanyi Marshall Chinaka; Vice Principal Alakoto High School, Tolu Complex, Ajeromi Ifeledun LGA, Lagos State, Mrs Lamido Beatrice Adunni; President, AHSOSA, Mr. Chukwudi Uche; Principal, Alakoto High School, Mrs Adejumoke Rajkot, and General Secretary, AHSOSA, Stephen Akpeokhai, during the pre event press conference at Alakoto High School… recently.
BY: Mandy Park
The Alakoto High School Old Students Association (AHSOSA) has hinted of a renewed partnership with the Lagos State Government aimed at mentoring students and improving learning conditions at the historic Tolu School Complex in Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
Speaking ahead of the association’s grand reunion on Saturday, November 29, 2025, AHSOSA President, Mr. Chukwudi Uche, said the return of alumni to the school was not only symbolic but a “statement of hope, faith, and responsibility.”
Uche, who graduated over three decades ago, said revisiting the school evoked powerful memories and reignited a sense of obligation to guide the younger generation.
“Personally, I left this school about 31 years ago,” he said. “Seeing these children, I remembered who I was back then. The question became: how do we impact them? These students are just like we once were.”
According to him, the renewed alumni engagement marks a major shift from the past when old students’ associations were seen largely as “remittance machines” for infrastructure funding.
“That mentality is changing,” he stated. “Today, our biggest responsibility is mentorship—showing these children that there is hope. Whatever the obstacles, they can be overcome. It is one thing to tell them, but another to demonstrate it. Seeing is believing.”
He disclosed that selected students will attend the reunion to witness first-hand the achievements of past students and understand that “greatness is possible from these same classrooms.”
Uche commended the Lagos State Commissioner for Education and the Governor for supporting alumni-driven initiatives that strengthen public schools.
“The commissioner shared his vision, the governor embraced it, and that is why we are seeing development today. Government cannot do everything. Our job is to complement their efforts,” he said.
One of the key focus areas for AHSOSA, he revealed, is reviving the once-vibrant sporting culture of the school.
“Sports shaped us—invitation relays, football competitions, the energy. We want to bring that spirit back,” he added.
To institutionalise their interventions, the association will, during the reunion, set up a committee to draft a proposal on expanded mentorship and sports development programmes for submission to the Ministry of Education.
“The commissioner has assured us he is here to serve. If we bring a solid proposal, he will support us,” Uche said.
Speaking directly to the students, Uche urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and hopeful.
“I remember how difficult things were—the struggles, even buying a cup of garri. But we made it. Your dreams are valid,” he told them.
“Say no to drugs. Concentrate on your studies. Believe in yourself and work hard. Education is your foundation—the sky won’t be your limit; it will be your starting point.”
Chairman of the Organising Committee and AHSOSA Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Marshall Chinaka, said the school is marking its 44th anniversary with a reunion expected to attract over 1,000 alumni, students, teachers, government officials, and education stakeholders.
He noted that the activities leading to the reunion—including a press briefing and an awareness walk through the community—have generated excitement.
“We are not only giving material support but intangible gifts: mentorship, encouragement, inspiration,” he said.
“If we passed through this school and became successful, then these students can achieve even greater heights.”
Chinaka also highlighted Alakoto High School’s prominent place within the Tolu Schools Complex—Africa’s largest school complex with 36 schools, built by the late Governor Lateef Jakande.
“We are pace setters. Alakoto High School remains the shining light,” he said.
Principals of both the Senior and Junior High Schools—Mrs. Adejumoke Rahmot Savage and Mrs. Amdy Bilquees Omolere—along with their vice principals, lauded the alumni for their commitment and urged them to maintain regular engagement with the students.
