Alakoto High School Old Students to partner Lagos Govt to inspire, mentor students
Paul Ogbuokiri
President of the Alakoto High School Old Students Association (AHSOSA), Mr. Chukwudi Uche, has reaffirmed the group’s commitment to giving back to their alma mater and serving as mentors to the current students.
Speaking ahead of their reunion scheduled for Saturday, he described the visit as a “statement of hope, faith, and responsibility.”
According to him, returning to the school after many years brought back powerful memories and a renewed sense of duty.
“Personally, I left this school about 31 years ago,” he recalled. “The last time I visited, I looked at the young students and asked myself, ‘How do we impact these children?’ I remembered who I was back then, and I told myself the truth—these students are just like we once were.”
Uche emphasized that the difference between then and now is the presence of alumni who are willing to intentionally guide and mentor the younger generation.
“Our role as an alumni association is to show these students that there is hope,” he said.
“Whatever the obstacles may be, they can be overcome. It is one thing to tell them, but it is another thing entirely to show them. Seeing believes.”
He announced that some students will be present at the reunion on Saturday to witness the achievements and unity of the alumni.
“When they see us people who once sat in these same classrooms, they will understand that greatness is possible,” he added.
Uche commended the Lagos State Commissioner for Education for his dedication and vision, as well as the Governor of Lagos State for supporting initiatives that uplift public schools.
“The commissioner had a vision, he shared it with the governor, and the governor embraced it. That is why we are seeing these developments today.”
He noted that in the past, alumni associations were sometimes seen merely as “remittance machines,” but the situation is changing.
“This is the first time we are seeing an initiative like this, and it has come to stay. The government is doing a fantastic job making the learning environment conducive. Our duty is to complement that effort by mentoring the students and showing them what is possible.”
Reflecting on the past, he recalled the vibrant sporting culture that once existed at the school.
“Sports played a major role in shaping us. There used to be invitation relays, football competitions—sports helped education. We want to revive that spirit.”
Mr. Uche revealed that during the reunion, the alumni will set up a committee to draft a proposal to further support the school, particularly in sports and mentorship programmes.
“The commissioner has always assured us that he is here to serve. We are confident that if we present a solid proposal, he will support us,” he said.
“Government cannot do everything. We just need their approval and support; we will do the rest.”
Speaking directly to the students, he encouraged them to remain focused and hopeful.
“I look at them and I see myself many years ago,” he said. “I remember how we struggled, how even buying a cup of garri was difficult. But we made it. These children need to know that their dreams are valid.”
He advised: “Say no to drugs. Concentrate on your studies. Have hope, believe in yourself, and work hard. Education is the foundation, and the sky will not just be your limit it will be your starting point.”
In his remarks, Chairman, Organizing Committee and Public Relations Officer, Alakoto High School Old Students Association, Mr. Ifeanyi Marshall Chinaka noted that the school is marking its 44th anniversary with a grand reunion celebration.
According to him, the activities leading up to the event, including the visit to the school, are part of the festivities.
Mr Chinaka revealed that the main reunion will take place on Saturday, where over 1,000 former students, current students, teachers, state officials, and education stakeholders are expected to gather.
Dignitaries such as the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, the District General, and the Deputy Chief of Staff are also scheduled to attend.
He explained that the alumni are not only giving material support but also offering “intangible gifts” such as mentorship, encouragement, and inspiration to the students.
“If we passed through this same school and have become successful in different fields, they too can achieve greatness, possibly even more than us,” he said.
He explained before the press conference, they had conducted an awareness walk around the community, which attracted significant attention and excitement.
Chinaka noted that Alakoto High School continues to stand out within the Tolu Schools Complex, which consists of about 36 schools, the largest school complex in Africa, built by the former Lagos State Governor, late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande administration.
“We are pace setters,” he said proudly. “Alakoto High School remains the shining light.”