By Emmanuel Daniji

Members of the 1976 set of the Lagos City College Old Students Association (LACCOSA), Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, are set to give back to their alma mater as they celebrate 50 years since leaving the school.

The golden jubilee celebration will feature donations of educational materials, a medical outreach for teachers and other staff, and cash prizes for outstanding students in science, arts and commercial classes.

Speaking at a briefing held at the college on Monday, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Dave Nwanze, described the anniversary, themed “Uncommon Grace,” as a major milestone for the set.

According to him, the weeklong celebration will also provide an opportunity for former students to reconnect with the school and inspire the younger generation.

Activities include mentorship lectures for current students on the “Path to Success,” the commissioning of the set’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, and an inter-religious thanksgiving service.

The celebration will end on Saturday, October 24, with a gala night at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.

Nwanze was joined at the briefing by other members of the set, including Kunle Sanyaolu, Kayode Adeegbe, Mary Awoniyi, Professor Taiwo Ajala and Tony Bello.

Speaking on the state of public secondary education, Sanyaolu said he would not outrightly agree that educational standards had declined. However, he stressed the need for government to improve school infrastructure, train teachers and employ more educators.

He expressed concern over overcrowded classrooms, noting that the situation makes teaching and learning more difficult for both teachers and students.

The LACCOSA chairman also praised the old students’ association for its previous contributions to the college. These include the rehabilitation of laboratories, the installation of a solar-powered information and communications technology centre, and the provision of furniture and other teaching aids.

The 50th anniversary celebrations reflect the set’s commitment to supporting the institution that helped shape its members, while creating opportunities for present-day students and staff.