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The 1981 set of Ladigbolu Grammar School, Oyo, Oyo State, have donated white smart boards, markers and smart dusters worth over N1million to their alma mater, saying it is their contribution to efforts aimed at reducing incidents of asthma attacks among teachers due inhalation of particles sprinkled from chalk on black boards.
The Old Students, led by Dr. Bisi Oke, who is also the National President of the Old Students Association of the school, said they decided to make the donation part of the alumni’s activities for reunion after 38 years of graduation, because the use of smart boards would preserve the health of both teachers and students as the inhalation of black board chalk particles which contain calcium carbonate and Plaster of Paris (POP) were injurious to health.
The executive and planning committee members were supported by some other alumni including James Segun Oke, Rasaq Sina Raji, Dele Oyewole, Tunde Adeoye, Taiwo Okunade, Lateef Adeyeye, Idayat Ayanlade, Ruth Adesiyan, Luqman Alarape (Senior Prefect), Titi Adebowale (Senior Girl) and many others in and outside the country.
The National President also disclosed that a member of the group, James Oke, recently carried out the renovation of four blocks of classrooms, sank a solar borehole and also built and equiped a vocational centre for the school.
The Principals of the School I and II, Messrs Adebayo Alamu and Suulola O. L, while appreciating the old students for the projects, declared that the school can now abolish the use of black boards and chalks in its classrooms.
“We will tell the governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, and the Commissioner of Education that the 81 Set of this school has graduated our school from chalk and duster status to smart boards and markers regime. The government is urged to build on this to make teaching more comfortable and healthier for us”, Suulola said.
The Alumni appreciated some teachers of the school for their outstanding performances, while also presenting prizes to winners of debate and quiz competition organised for the students. Oyeleye Oyelekan of School I emerged Best Speaker, while Priscilla Adeogun of School II came first in the quiz competition.