*Encourages Students to Embrace Learning
By Sunday Apah
On Thursday, the 1990 graduating class of Abbi Grammar School, known as the Unique Nobles 90 Association, generously donated educational materials valued at over one million naira to their former school and Abbi Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State.
This donation, which comprised textbooks, notebooks, chalk, and various learning materials, exemplifies the group’s dedication to enhancing education in their community.
During a formal presentation ceremony, Nobles 90 Chairman, Comrade Shedrack Onitsha addressed the students, underscoring the vital role that education plays in achieving success.
He asserted that education is not a “scam” as some may claim, saying, “Education is a powerful equalizer in society. We urge you to appreciate its significance as you shape your future.”
Notable members of the Abbi Grammar School Old-Students Association (AGOSA), including Barr. Nelson Okuzor and Sir Godsday Owetemu, attended the event and expressed their admiration for Nobles 90’s commitment to the school’s development.
They encouraged other graduating classes to engage in similar initiatives to help elevate the school.
Sir Godsday Owetemu, the home-based chairman of AGOSA, praised Nobles 90’s charitable actions and called on fellow alumni to emulate their example, highlighting the reality that “the government cannot fulfill all the educational needs of our schools.”
Accompanying the chairperson were other members of Nobles 90, including Vice Chair Ogbuefi Ibobo Godfrey, former Chair Mr. Samuel Obije, Assistant Secretary Mrs. Gladys Oshilimi, Assistant Financial Secretary Mr. Ugwu Ikechukwu, PRO Mr. Nelson Onyinobode, and members Mrs. Faith Owetem, Ineh Chukudi, and Ndidi Smart.
The donation featured the latest editions of Mathematics, English, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry textbooks for Senior Secondary School 3 and Junior Secondary School 3, along with branded notebooks and writing materials.
Additionally, thirty-five JSS3 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds received individual copies of Mathematics and English textbooks to support their studies.
Reflecting on his own experiences at Abbi Grammar School, Onitsha remarked, “When we began in 1984, the resilience and determination we cultivated here empowered us to achieve success in various fields.
“Our class has produced two professors and numerous PhD holders, alongside many successful business owners and professionals.”
He encouraged the students to prioritize their education and recognize it as the cornerstone of future achievement.
The association also pledged ongoing support to students, including covering WAEC and JAMB fees for top performers to inspire academic excellence.
“Utilize the resources in the library and let your commitment to learning shine through,” Onitsha urged.
At Abbi Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, educational materials were presented to the top ten JSS3 students, and branded notebooks were distributed to JSS1 and JSS2 students.
Both school principals expressed their heartfelt gratitude. Mr. Monday Oshilim, Principal of Abbi Grammar School, praised the alumni for their generosity and stated, “It is truly inspiring that, years after graduation, this group continues to recognize the importance of supporting local education.
“These textbooks are invaluable to our students and the school library.”
Mr. Ogume Gabriel, Vice Principal of Abbi Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the vital role of alumni contributions in advancing education.
“We appreciate this exceptional association for reaching out to Abbi Girls and extending support to our school, despite their own educational roots in Abbi Grammar School.”
Both principals also called for increased support from both the government and alumni to provide essential resources like desks and perimeter fencing for the schools.
The event culminated with the official handover of textbooks to the school libraries, marking a significant milestone in enhancing learning resources for Abbi students.
