Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho (APC/Kogi East) says he plans to overhaul the entire structures at his alma mater, Our Lady of Schools (OLS), Anyigba.
The lawmaker said the overhaul will be done in phases.
Speaking on the recent renovation of blocks of classrooms at OLS Anyigba, Senator Echocho said his decision to embark on phased renovation was borne our of his desire to give back to the school.
He explained that the school modeled him into becoming whatever he is today.
He added that the school has also produced other important personalities in Nigeria.
“I feel fulfilled because in the first place that is the school where I was groomed in character and in learning. I am happy that I am alive and I have the opportunity to bring the school back to its glorious days.
“In terms of infrastructure, the classrooms, hostels were built a long time ago, the structures were strong and they stood the test of time. However, I feel like overhauling the structures, we have remove the roof, worked on the wall, put ceiling and then I want to do everything over a period but on installment basis.
“OLS Anyigba, a missionary school, was established in 1965. It has produced very important personalities in Nigeria. I graduated from that school in 1977. The school modeled me in terms of character and in learning, and so I feel like giving back to the school.
“The first thing I did some years ago was when I was a banker was to donate a brand new 32-seater coaster and it is serving them till date. But, upon recent visit to the school I realised that most of the structures are dilapidated especially the classrooms. So I now thought that best thing is to start renovating the classrooms. So I started with the first block of classrooms which we finished about a month or there about ago ago, then we started with the second phase which has also been completed and we are going in to the third stage now. My intention is to overhaul the entire school but in phases,” he said.
On the issue of his faith as a Muslim, a missionary school where he passed through and why he is so passionate about giving back, Senator Echocho said the message is very clear, adding that he tolerates all irrespective of the faith.
“I also tolerate all faiths. By way of background, even though it is a missionary school, when we were students a portion of the school was carved out for us as Mosque, even when it is a catholic school. During the month of Ramadan, they used to cook for us early in the morning, and in the evening they used to cook specially for us to break our fast. So that has cultivated in me the consciousness for me to be tolerant with other faiths.
“Many years ago, the Principal then was a Canadian. He did all these without any bias especially as he was not of our faith. We used to call Salat, for morning prayers as if we were in a Muslim school – in the morning, afternoon and in the evening. During the Ramadan, they used to treat us specially – special food in the morning around 4am to 5am. The cooks will come out that early and in the evening the gave us special diet for breaking of the fast.
“Whatever I have become today, that school has contributed majorly to it. By the grace of God Almighty, now that he has given me this opportunity of being in the Senate for the second term, I will overhaul the school but it will be done in phases.”
Speaking on the projects, Principal of the school, Awadi Roberts Yusuf, expressed gratitude to Senator Echocho.
“As a Muslim he was impressed by what the school did for them. I am so impressed by the quality of the job that is ongoing. Because it is of standard and we want to appreciate him for giving back to the school for what the school has contributed to his own upbringing.
“I want to thank the senator for remembering where he comes from. I know there are many who have come through these stages and have not remembered where they come from. This is not the first, neither is it the second. He had provided for us an equipped computer laboratory, dual desks for our students, solar light, text books and exercise books for our students and instructional materials and of course payment of school fees for some of our indigent students.
“These are laudable achievements and the most critical one is the donation of a brand new 32 seater Toyota Coaster Bus. The 32 seater bus is not only serving the school but the community. We are grateful to him on behalf of the parents.
“For the new project, God will be with him. We know he has a lot of interest in us
“The school is more of a secular school than a religious school because each religious is accorded its own respect and it allows for every student to practice their religion. The school though a catholic institution we have come to understand that there is more into the building of students for an egalitarian society where everybody is allowed to practice its own religion but highly monitored and teleguided to avoid misuse of freedom.
“The tune of the school as at today, it has maintained an image more than expected going by the prevailing situation in schools across the country. The standard of discipline, academic attainment and every other thing have come to stay and the interest and the objective of the founding fathers have been sustained and we are keeping faith with these values,” he said.
The school was founded in 1965 and government took over running if the school in conjunction with the mission in 1992.