Members of the 1972 set of Kiriji Memorial College, Igbajo, have called for an urgent Kiriji Educational Summit aimed at revitalising the historic school and returning it to its former glory. The appeal was directed to the indigenes of Igbajo, alumni of the institution, and the Osun State Government.
The call came in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Akin A. Onipede and Ambassador Eniola Ayo Otepola on behalf of their classmates, following their 53rd reunion held at Davies Hotels, Bodija, Ibadan. The group expressed deep concern over the alarming state of the 73-year-old institution, lamenting the decaying infrastructure, shortage of teaching staff, and general neglect that now define the once-prestigious college.
“It is shocking and disheartening to discover that the entire school is being managed by only three teaching staff, including the principal and the vice-principal, to handle about 240 students,” the statement read. “Kiriji requires a total social re-engineering that will engender a renewal of the school and its old glory.”
They described the situation as a critical educational emergency that demands immediate strategic intervention. The group emphasized that the proposed summit would bring stakeholders together to map out solutions and set a course for restoring the school’s legacy of excellence.
The alumni also urged the Osun State Government to expedite the ongoing recruitment of teachers and ensure that Kiriji Memorial College is prioritized in its educational development plans.
Once celebrated for its stellar performance in the West African School Certificate Examination and General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) during its Higher School Certificate era, the school’s decline reportedly began after its full takeover by the defunct Oyo State Government, which also abolished its once-thriving boarding system.
Kiriji Memorial College holds a significant place in Nigeria’s educational history, ranking 75th among thousands of secondary schools across the country. The Class of 1972 hopes that through collective effort and renewed commitment, the college can reclaim its esteemed status in the nation’s academic landscape.
