In a heartfelt ceremony filled with nostalgia and ambition, the old students of Nazareth High School, Imeko, gathered to honor those who have stood by their alma mater through thick and thin. Among the recipients was Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, widely known by his initials, GNI, who received one of the most distinguished awards for his unwavering support of the school. Alongside him, Hon. Kayode Oladele, Mrs. Bunmi Foluso, Dr. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, and the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Olanite Benjamin, were also recognized for their contributions to education and community development.
As speeches echoed and applause filled the hall, the alumni did more than celebrate. They used the occasion to draw attention to the daunting challenges that Nazareth High School is still wrestling with despite its 57-year legacy. According to former students, the shortage of qualified teachers in critical subjects like Mathematics, English, and the Sciences has continued to erode academic performance, particularly in external examinations like WAEC and NECO.
Isiaka’s contribution is deeply personal. Not only has he supported Nazareth High School financially, but he also facilitated the hiring of a teacher, becoming one more voice calling for better educational standards in his hometown.
Current alumni lament that, even now, the school manages with just eight permanent teachers, supplemented by a few others hired through limited government programs,but the issues go beyond just staffing.
The association spoke candidly about the insecurity that plagues the school, the rampant truancy of students, and the absence of a perimeter fence, factors that compound the risk and hamper learning. It was clear that the awards evening was not just about celebration but also about mobilizing action.
Speaking passionately, the alumni president, Abiodun Akinola, appealed to the Ogun State government and well-placed ex-students to help bridge the gap. He urged them to invest in infrastructure, hire more qualified teachers, and restore the safe feeling that every learning environment deserves. Through his words and his actions, Isiaka was portrayed not just as a benefactor but as a true son of Imeko, someone invested in the future of the younger generation.
As the ceremony concluded, a spirit of hope prevailed. The old students left the hall not just with awards, but with a renewed commitment to their alma mater, ready to rally, to advocate, and to give back in meaningful ways. Nazareth High School may have its challenges, but its alumni are making it clear: they refuse to let their legacy fade.
