Onome Amuge
Members of the King’s College class of 1979/84 and the school management during the handover ceremony of kitchen equipment to the school, at the King’s College Annex, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently.
The King’s College class of 1979/84, a part of the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA), recently gathered for their 40th reunion, not just to reminisce and reconnect, but also to show gratitude to their alma mater through a generous donation of kitchen equipment.
The kitchen equipment, including an industrial boiler, two deep freezers, and three grinding machines, was donated to the 115-year-old prestigious institution as a way of expressing the class’s deep affection for the school that had shaped their lives in profound ways.
The handover ceremony of the donated kitchen equipment, held at the Kings’ College Annex, Victoria Island, was attended by members of the 1979/84 set, the school’s management, including the principal and vice principals, and the president of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), who all witnessed the occasion and extended their gratitude for the generous gesture.
The vision behind the 1979/84 class’ donation was outlined by William Uko, a member of the organising committee, who stated that the plan to make a significant donation to the school had been in the works for over five years.
Uko noted that although the 1979/84 class originally consisted of 105 members, it had lost 12 members over the years. Despite this, he emphasised that the members were highly committed to donating something remarkable to the school as a way of contributing to its development.
Uko explained that though the class had previously given back to King’s College Lagos, the 40th reunion provided an opportunity to do something more special.
He noted that in preparation for the reunion, the class decided to go beyond just coming together, but also creating a policy that dictated that they would give something back to their alma mater as well. This decision, Uko said, was rooted in the deep respect and appreciation that the class members had for their college and its role in shaping their lives.
According to Uko, the 1979/84 class chose to donate to the college’s kitchen because they felt this was an area where their contribution would be most beneficial.
Noting that another class had already worked on improving the dining area, Uko stated that their own focus was on providing essential kitchen equipment that would make life easier for both the staff and the students. This decision, he added, was driven by the class’s desire to improve the overall experience of students, teachers, amongst others who rely on the kitchen’s services.
Uko explained that while the school annex was established some ten years after the class of 1979/84 had graduated, it had since become an integral part of King’s College Lagos.
Despite not having direct ties to the annex, Uko stated that the class was determined to support the school community by improving the quality of life for students, teachers, and staff at the annex. He also emphasised that the annex was now an essential part of the King’s College story and deserved the same level of support and attention as the main campus.
“What we have to present to the school community Is an industrial boiler, three grinders and two deep freezers.
“Our focus on donating this equipment is to help make life easier for the staff and the students.
“It is our pleasure to present this and we trust that this will enhance the quality of life of the college,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the school management, Andrew Agada, the principal of King’s College Lagos, acknowledged the class set’s generous donation to the school’s annex. He reiterated Uko’s sentiment that, while the annex was a relatively recent addition to the King’s College community, it was an important part of the school’s overall mission.
Agada noted that many previous projects had focused on the main campus, and that the Old Boys’ attention to the annex was greatly appreciated.
Principal Agada, speaking on behalf of the school management, noted a disparity in attention given to the King’s College annex, with most projects historically focused on the main campus. In response, he decided to shift some government projects to the annex, with the goal of observing the resulting improvements.
His decision bore fruit, as Agada reported that renovations to the annex’s ICT centre, dining hall, and kitchen were now made possible. He expressed his gratitude for the class of 1979/84’s donation to the kitchen equipment and for the attention now being paid to the school’s annex.
“On behalf of the management, the staff and the students, we appreciate you and we pray that God will continue to uphold you. We know how difficult things are in the country now for you to have made this sacrifice.
“I cannot thank your set enough. What you have done today, it’s only God Almighty that can reward you,” he said.
