By Barth Ozah
In a bid to boost learning and other academic activities among the staff and students of Ndemili Grammar School in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State, the Old Students Association, NGOSA, has donated no fewer than 50 reading tables and chairs, to sit Hundred students, and branded note books to their Alma mater
The National President of NGOSA, Barr (Mrs) Margaret I. Osogbue, who made the donations, on behalf of NGOSA, during the Ndemili Grammar School Founder’s Day Celebration, an occasion held at school premises to mark the 51st years anniversary of the school, said the gesture was meant to support the school in their academic works.
She called on the students to take their studies seriously as there is no short cut to success in life, adding that the old students of the school were moulded by the discipline, dedication and hard work the school taught them while they were there as students.
“We are here to encourage you to study hard. This school made us who we are. Among the old students we have great personalities, captains of industries and professionals in their various field of endeavours. This school shaped their characters and gave them the basics to succeed in life.
“We have noticed the increase in the population of the school and insufficient seats, hence this donation.
“Last year we paid WAEC registration for all the final year students of this school and this year we will do the same. We are prepared to grant you scholarship to study in the university, if you are able to pass JAMB and your parents are unable to sponsor you.
“We are appealing to you to study hard, shun examination malpractices and other social vices. Study hard to be able to defend your results and make us proud.” Mrs Osogbue stated.
Earlier in an exaltation, one of the pioneer students, Bishop Henry Uzor, called on the students to lay a good foundation for themselves even as he noted that NDEGRAM made him who he is today.
“This school taught us hard work, discipline, the fear of our parents. In life you must learn to build foundation and the only way is through hard work. Know that ‘yahoo’ business doesn’t pay and money made through evil ways will never last, so take your studies very serious.”
Chief Emmanuel Udoma, who delivered the theme of the celebration tagged: “Building on our Strong Foundation; the Path Way to Success,” pointed out that the noble idea of establishing NDEGRAM was enthusiastically embraced by the government of that time, by Roman Catholic mission and by the community under the instrumentality of the founder; Okwa, Sir James Izah of blessed memory.
“The final fall out of the cumulative genuine enterprises of the founding fathers was an NDEGRAM with solid foundation for unconditional success and destined to excel as a timeless pledge.”
According to Udoma, that time, the evil syndrome of cut corner achievements, get rich quick, scoring 9A’s without reading, receiving salaries without working were not there.
He added that the current effort of the NGOSA to revive and reposition the school is worthy of commendation and emulation because it is another manifestation of the heroic success story of NDEGRAM that is associated with her strong foundation.
On her part, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Esonye Dorathy, expressed appreciation to the old students association for their efforts in revitalizing the school, explaining that, “sequel to the 50th anniversary celebration held last year September 15th, the 14 students sponsored for WAEC registration got good results. And from 80 students as at July 2023, the number of our students increased to 180. BECE examinations the number rose to 38 as against 21 in 2023.”
On sports, the principal represented by Mr. Edeme Percy, noted that NDEGRAM students took part in the just concluded National Youth Games Asaba 2024, and took 3rd position.
She, however, noted that the school need qualified teachers in different subjects, mower to clean up the environment, examination hall, toilet facilities as well as security personnels in the school.
The highlights of the founder’s day celebration were presentation of furniture and branded note books to the students.