By Zika Bobby

Members of Gaskiya College Old Students’ Association (GACOSA) have called on the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to, as a matter of urgency, rescue the 60- year- old school from total collapse.

Situated at the heart of Badia, Ijora Lagos, the school has over the years lost part of its roof to heavy winds, thereby rendering the science laboratories and library unusable for students.

The president of the association, Dr. Valentine Osigbeme, in a statement, said over the years the school’s science students find it difficult to participate in practicals as the blown off roof has rendered all science equipment useless.

“This is indeed a huge problem and it’s worrisome,  not only to the students but teachers and parents. Even the refurbished library has no roof. Rain now falls directly into the science laboratories and library. The situation has become worrisome. No one can study under this condition.

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“On our part as ex-students, we have made efforts to remedy the situation but all to no avail. Gaskiya College is under the state government. Last year October, we wrote to the state government, asking them to assist in fixing the roof. We are still anxiously awaiting their response.

“This year, the school will be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee. Sixty years of existence is no child’s play. We have truly come a long way. We appeal to the state government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to help fix the roof and also provide chairs and desks for the students. We are definitely going to invite the governor to celebrate with 60 years with us

“On our part, we have been able to bring to the school a world class multi-purpose sports arena built by a Canadian NGO. We have also had chairs and desks donated to the school. But like Oliver Twist, we need more assistance. We have not folded our hands as old students. We engage the students yearly by inviting professionals to give career talks. The school library was refurbished by some old students. “Another set of old students are planning to visit the school to donate sanitary materials and note books to the students. Letters have been presented to the Ifelodun LCDA chairman Femi Okeowo for assistance, and we believe he will assist,” he said.

Emmanuel Etu, a 1980 set of the school and President General of Ajegunle Greats Elites Association said it should be the concern of all former students to ensure that students and teachers of the school are not neglected. ” Based on historical facts, the school still ranks one of the best in Lagos having been in existence for 60 years. It has a track record of educational achievement locally and internationally. It would be a discomfiture to watch structures fall apart. The state government should immediately intervene to save the school from becoming a dreck by fixing the roofs. On our part, we are putting things in place of ensure that educational materials get to the students,” he said.

The school, founded on March 3, 1963, by the late Pa Jonathan Olatunde Lawrence started as a co-educational private college, initially located at Adekunle, Yaba. It derived its name from the Hausa language meaning: ‘The Truth’. In 1966 the school moved to Badia on acres of land acquired by the late founder.