The educational landscape of Oka-Akoko in Ondo State received a major boost as the Solomon Agbejimi Ayoko family donated state-of-the-art science and computer laboratories to African Church Grammar School, Oka-Akoko, in Akoko South West Local Government Area.
At the commissioning ceremony, Mrs. Bolanle Ayoko-Olabinjo, who represented the family, said the gesture was aimed at empowering young people and advancing learning within the community.
She said, “We are gathered to commission two significant legacy projects: the Chief Solomon Agbejimi Ayoko Science Laboratory and the Bolanle Funmilayo Ayoko-Olabinjo Computer Laboratory.
“These are not merely buildings made of blocks and cement; they are investments in young minds, in academic excellence, and in the future of Oka Akoko.
“The Science Laboratory, named after my beloved late father, Chief Solomon Agbejimi Ayoko JP, an illustrious educationist.
“The second facility, the Computer Laboratory named after me, also began as a 30-seater ICT centre.
But in the spirit of excellence, expansion, and giving our children the best, it has now been transformed into a 100-seater ultra-modern digital hub.
“It is equipped with high-speed internet, laptops, air-conditioning for comfort, a functional staff room, a backup server for uninterrupted power, and a solar power system to ensure uninterrupted learning.
“It is also equipped to serve as a JAMB-accredited CBT Centre, so that our children here in Oka Akoko no longer have to travel long distances to sit for examinations.
“This is the kind of equal-opportunity learning environment that Lagos students enjoy… that London students enjoy… and that Oka Akoko children deserve.”
The Olubaka of Okaland, Oba (Dr.) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, hailed the family for what he described as a transformative investment in the community’s educational future, saying the facilities would greatly enhance teaching and learning.
Also speaking, Ambassador Rowland Omowa, an alumnus of the school, lauded the Ayoko family for giving the institution what he called an unprecedented facelift.
Omowa said, “I’m extremely delighted over the commissioning of this project, because this school started in 1957 and it has received special face-lift from the Ayoko’s family. This is the beginning of good things to happen.”
President of the Okarufe Cultural Foundation, Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf, urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate the initiative while stressing the importance of proper maintenance.
The Principal, Mr. Aminu Olugbenga, expressed appreciation on behalf of the school, noting that the intervention would leave a lasting impact on students’ academic development.