At its monthly meeting held at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Medical Staff Club, Idi Araba, the Lagos chapter of an old students’ association made a passionate call for members to remain committed to supporting their alma mater.

President of the Lagos chapter, Mr. Ben Omife, emphasized the importance of maintaining ties with former schools, describing alma mater institutions as “reservoirs of fond memories” that could rejuvenate former students while preparing them to face current and future realities.

Omife stressed that the ability of a school to serve as a cherished memory bank depended on the commitment of its former students.

“If old students abandon and allow their alma mater to deteriorate and collapse, then the schools cannot serve as reservoirs of fond memories,” he said.

Highlighting a notable example, Omife referenced a prominent member of the Lagos chapter, Mr. Daniel Deiyi, who, at over 80 years old, continues to contribute to the association even as he plans to relocate to his home state of Delta. Deiyi’s dedication, Omife said, demonstrated that there is no age limit to giving back to one’s alma mater.

The President General of the national body, Dr. Geoff Ohen, reinforced this sentiment, likening the neglect of one’s alma mater to “despising the ladder one used to rise in life.”

“Whatever you are today, it is your alma mater that is the foundation,” Ohen stated. “No matter how tough the economic situation in the country may be, old students should always remember that their alma mater prepared them for survival. They should, therefore, see it as mandatory to ensure their alma mater survives.”

Mr. Deiyi, reflecting on his contributions, attributed his commitment to divine providence.

“I give God all the glory for keeping me alive and enabling me to contribute to the association. Even now, I am not tired, but duties require that I return home to lead my people at the community level,” Deiyi said.

He urged fellow old students to take the responsibility of supporting their alma mater seriously.

Similarly, the immediate past President of the association, Mr. Okey Odibeli, underscored the need for former students to prioritize the survival and well-being of their schools.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for members to stay connected and play active roles in ensuring that their alma mater continues to thrive for future generations.