Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
The Old Boys Association of Merchants of Light School, (MOLS) Oba in Idemili South Council Area of Anambra State, on Tuesday, marked its 80th Founder’s Day celebration, with a call on the members to emulate the exemplary and purposeful life lived by the founder of the school, Dr Enoch Olih.
The secondary school is popularly for having produced numerous internationally and nationally-recognized personalities including former Secretary-General of Commonwealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the immediate past president of AFREXIM Bank, Prof Benedict Oramah, Prof Peter Onwualu (FAS), Prof Mike Onyekaonwu (FAS), Sir Emeka Offor, among others.
Founded in 1946, the school opened its doors to the first set of 15 students on the 18th of February, 1946, under Dr Olih as the principal, but has since grown to a known name in education in the Old Western region.
The 80th Founder’s Day held at the MOLS Oba premises, commenced with an interdenominational service, officiated by Old Boys, Venerable Clement Mgbemena and Venerable
In a homily, Venerable Mgbemena acknowledged that the late Dr Oli founded the citadel of learning to train merchants, called not to trade on earthly goods, but on the rare and costly commodity of light, urging the the Old Boys to emulate emulate the founder and give back to the school, through mentorship and support, so that the light they received can be kept aglow.
“Despite the challenges and dark chaos of the present day society, we must not allow our light to be extinguished, we must shine inwardly, outwardly, and externally, as well as emulate the founder in his enduring legacies of love, simplicity, selflessness, devotion and doggedness,” he said.
Mgbemena bemoaned the gross decay that had befallen the school due to unfavourable government policy and years of neglect, calling on the state government to consider upgrading the institution to a Smart School.
In his address, the MOLS Old Boys Worldwide President, Prof Tony Nwokoye said the theme of the celebration, ‘MOLS Oba: 80 years shining the light,’ is apt considering the visible impact the school and its products have made in the society, in keeping with the vision of its founder.
Nwokoye acknowledged the immense contributions of the Association and well-meaning individuals over the years, which had kick-started the repositioning of the school after years of neglect, appreciating members who have contributed towards the various projects complemented and ongoing at the school.
He however, noted that the Old Boys are now looking beyond occasional interventions, to having a strong partnership with the Anambra State Government towards bringing about the desired transformation in the school.
“This is because occasional interventions have not yielded the expected results despite the huge sums of money expended,” Prof Nwokoye noted, while soliciting the continued support of the Old Boys towards returning the school to its past glory.
The MOLS Old Boys President also revealed that the association has developed a comprehensive masterplan, which every hitherto support must fall under, so as to achieve a coordinated effort.
The Chairman, MOLS Enoch Ifediora Oli Education Trust, Vincent Oragwam, who spoke through a distinguished Old Boy, Dr Obiora Anyaoku said preliminary assessment of the school indicated that comprehensive revitalization of the school would require an investment of over N10billion.
Oragwam said the undertaking encompassed full audit of existing infrastructure, design and construction of new facilities, renovation of current structures under a unified master plan already prepared and under implementation.
"The 10-year masterplan would include state of the art auditorium, art center, laboratories and classrooms, among other facilities that would guarantee modern and conducive learning environment.
"We hope the first phase of the master plan which had already began will offer opportunity for government's partnership that will restore the school's lost glory and profile," he added.
The Principal of the school, Mrs Uchendu Ngozi appreciated the immense contribution of the Alumni, and reaffirmed her team's commitment to upholding the values of the school, just as she called for continued nurturing of a learning environment filled with compassion and excellence.
In a keynote lecture, a Consultant Engineer, Prof Mike Onyekonwu, an Old Boy of the school, said the vision of the founder of the school was to groom men and years after, that vision was actualized, noting that the onus is on the Old Boys and the government to reverse the rot which had befallen the school.
In his words, “The decay in the school is a reflection of the decay that has pervaded the nation’s education system.”
He commended the Old Boys for developing the masterplan for the infrastructural transformation of the school, maintaining that the plan marks a major milestone in the efforts to revive the school.
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