LACCOSA Alumni Mark 50 Years, Renew Commitment to Education

The 1976 graduating set of the Lagos City College Old Students’ Association (LACCOSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving education through infrastructure development, scholarships, student mentorship and other interventions at its alma mater.

The association announced the commitment at a press conference on Monday ahead of celebrations marking 50 years since the members graduated from Lagos City College, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos.

Chairman of the anniversary committee, Dave Nwanze, said the association had consistently supported the school through initiatives designed to improve teaching and learning conditions.

He listed previous interventions to include the provision of student desks and lockers, water facilities, solar power, learning equipment and scholarships.

Nwanze said members of the association based in North America had sustained a scholarship programme for 40 students over the past three to four years, helping beneficiaries improve their academic performance and secure admission into universities.

He added that the association had rehabilitated the school’s Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Science laboratories, while providing photocopiers, laptops and other essential facilities to support academic activities.

Beyond infrastructure and financial assistance, the alumni have organised career talks and mentorship programmes to guide students and prepare them for future opportunities.

As part of the golden jubilee celebrations, the association plans to recognise outstanding students in science, commercial subjects and the arts through awards intended to encourage academic excellence.

The celebrations, themed Uncommon Grace, began on October 19 and will run until October 24, with activities designed to reconnect members with their former school and strengthen their contribution to educational development.

On Wednesday, October 21, members are scheduled to return to Lagos City College for mentorship lectures themed Path to Success, the inauguration of a corporate social responsibility project and an interreligious thanksgiving service.

The programme will conclude with a gala night on October 24 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Nwanze said the anniversary theme reflected the members’ gratitude for the opportunities they had enjoyed over the past five decades and their desire to give back to the institution that shaped their formative years.

He also disclosed that approval had recently been secured for the establishment of a junior secondary school section at the institution, describing the development as a significant step in its history.

The new section is expected to provide a pathway for younger pupils to progress from junior to senior secondary education within the school.

Commenting on changes in the education sector, alumnus Kunle Sanyaolu expressed concern that rising student enrolment without a corresponding increase in teachers and facilities could affect the quality of learning.

Sanyaolu recalled that students had more opportunities to interact with teachers when he attended the school, partly because classroom populations were more manageable.

He warned that increasing enrolment could make individual attention more difficult where teaching staff and infrastructure had not expanded at the same pace.

He also raised concerns about the capacity of existing facilities, including the school’s assembly hall, to accommodate the growing student population.

Sanyaolu urged education stakeholders to address the relationship between enrolment, teacher availability and infrastructure, noting that these factors were important to improving learning outcomes.

The golden jubilee activities are expected to reinforce the alumni association’s support for Lagos City College while encouraging current students to pursue academic excellence and prepare for future opportunities.