The Lagos State Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Education, District 1, Dr. Olufunke Idowu Oyetola, has emphasized the importance of partnerships between government, alumni, and other stakeholders in creating an enabling environment for students’ learning and development.

Dr. Oyetola made the remarks at the commissioning and handover of renovated facilities by the Stadium Grammar School Old Students Association (Alumni) in Lagos on Tuesday. She was represented by Mrs. Maria Ojo, Director of School Administration, Education District 1.

She praised the alumni for complementing government efforts by providing dual seats, a well-equipped laboratory, and ICT rooms, noting the need for students, teachers, and principals to maintain the facilities. “In our schools, we have a policy: if you spoil it, you replace it. We trust these students are well-cultured to preserve what they’ve been given,” she said.

Dr. Oyetola also highlighted the alumni’s request to restore the school to a senior secondary institution, noting that their commitment to giving back could influence government decisions in the future.

Mr. Olowe Oluwatayo, National Coordinator of the Alumni Association, stressed that community development should not rest solely on government efforts. “When we arrived in 2017, the school environment was below standard. We decided to pool resources to support government initiatives and improve the learning environment,” he said.

He added that the alumni, along with partners, have upgraded roofs, classrooms, toilets, ICT centers, water facilities, and the school hall, reflecting the impact of public-private collaboration. “It is a community effort—teachers, students, principals, alumni, and other stakeholders must work together. Nobody can do it alone,” Oluwatayo said.

Former principal Mrs. Salako Arinola commended the alumni for their continuous support and urged students to make proper use of the facilities for the benefit of future generations.

Comrade Bisola Adeagbo, Alumni Public Relations Officer and 2005 graduate, encouraged students to preserve the culture of giving back, emphasizing that acts of service and community development are lessons that can be passed on to future generations.

The event showcased the significant role alumni and stakeholders can play in supplementing government efforts to enhance education, foster community development, and create sustainable learning environments.