The 1986/1987 Alumni of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, have successfully refurbished and presented for use 150 units of student desks and chairs in their alma mater.

The refurbished desks and chairs were presented to the school authority on Monday, May 19, in the school premises.

The donation, according to the old students, aims to provide comfort, aid smooth classroom learning and promote students’ learning excellence. It was also aimed at giving back to their alma mater and contributing to the school’s progress.

Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Chibuzor Nkemakolam, accompanied by the PTA chairman, who received the furniture, described the donation as more of a coincidence and a timely intervention.

Colonel Nkemakolam revealed that since he took over the mantle of leadership at the school less than two months ago, the repair and provision of new furniture was uppermost on the list of projects he was to embark on.

“Your magnanimous gesture exemplifies the highest standards of selfless service and esprit de corps expected of products of this noble institution.  By your action, you have not only demonstrated loyalty to your alma mater but also made a significant impact on the academic welfare and morale of current students.

“The intervention has addressed critical infrastructural needs and speaks volumes of your commitment to educational development. Our children can now sit more comfortably to listen to their teachers. By so doing, they will do better in their academics.

The commandant also seized the opportunity to thank the set for the scholarship award initiative recently initiated by the set.

He appealed for more intervention in refurbishing other classroom furniture, as many still need to be repaired or replaced.

“May your continued efforts in supporting education and national development be met with abundant success and recognition,” he prayed.

Speaking at the handing over, the Secretary of the alumni association, Mrs. Oluwaseyi Jibuno, revealed that they were moved to embark on the project after paying a visit and observing that there were many damaged desks and tables, thereby inhibiting a proper learning experience for the students.

“We are happy we have done this because, from our understanding, giving back to our alma mater goes a long way. We are glad we’ve been able to do this.”

“We hope that this intervention will provide a more conducive environment for the students to learn and promote better academic performance.

“We also hope to do more repairs and provide new ones soon,” she added.