How Old Students Rescued Army Comprehensive High School, Akure From Extinction | Hon. Alao Lawrence Explained

 

1.0 Introduction

Some stories are not meant to be forgotten. They are meant to be told—again and again—until they remind us who we are.

 

What began as a simple reunion plan by a group of old students from the 1992 set unexpectedly turned into a race against time to save a dying institution.

 

A visit meant to rekindle memories instead revealed a painful truth: an alma mater on the edge of extinction.

 

This is not just a story about buildings, government decisions, or abandoned structures. It is a story of loyalty. Of unity. Of former students who refused to watch their school disappear quietly.

 

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When all options seemed exhausted and hope appeared thin, determination took over—and history was rewritten.

 

In the report below, Hon. Alao Lawrence takes us behind the scenes of a defining moment in the life of Army Comprehensive High School, Akure—a moment when old students chose action over silence and legacy over loss.

 

If you believe schools are more than walls, and that alumni bonds can change destinies, you’ll want to read every word.

 

2.0 Hon. Alao Lawrence  Explained The Scene

 

Everyone in the photograph belongs to the 1992 set, myself included. At the time, we were simply planning our reunion.

 

After several meetings, we agreed to visit our alma mater. Nothing prepared us for what we met.

 

As we entered the school premises, many of us could not hold back our tears. The sight was heartbreaking.

 

I only wish I still had the video we recorded inside the principal’s office that day.

 

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The then principal was genuinely happy to see us. He told us the painful truth: Army Comprehensive High School, Akure was gradually being phased out.

 

Only SS2 and SS3 classes remained. Years of neglect by the state government had pushed the school to the brink, and the Army Command had already taken over.

 

The implication was clear and frightening. Once the school finally went into extinction, all records would be transferred to the Ministry of Education.

 

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From Right, To The Left Excluding The Military Personnel:

1) Engr. Kayode Alao

2) Mr. Ayo Ogunlade

3) Mrs. Bose Olatunde (Nee Aringbangba)

4) Mrs Tayo Imorha

5) Engr. Abimbola Odubanjo

6) Mr. Victor Oluruntola (In Suit)

The old students would lose every connection to the school. The original structures would no longer belong to us.

 

We immediately said, “God forbid.”

 

Without delay, we reached out to our seniors. A committee was formed, led by our president. We made countless efforts to reverse the decision.

 

We held meetings. We made contacts. We explored every possible option. Sadly, all our initial efforts proved abortive.

 

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After several meetings with the G.O.C. 32 Brigade, only one option remained.

 

We were asked to relocate the school to the former football field, on the condition that we could guarantee the immediate provision of classrooms to begin academic activities.

 

That was the turning point. We sprang into action alongside the PTA. This collective effort led to the construction of the first block of classrooms at the present location.

 

The Commandant also supported us by providing bags of cement to kick-start the project.

 

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Some of us, together with our president—especially those closer to government—were able to lobby SUBEB, which eventually erected additional structures at the new site.

 

Yes, the buildings were initially dilapidated. However, the Army Command began renovations. The structure was later divided into two sections—one for the Command and the other for Army Comprehensive High School.

 

It was a serious battle. At a point, we even begged to temporarily use the nearby primary school building. Our request was denied.

 

The emotions of that period remain unforgettable. Victor Oloruntola, now in Canada, and Tayo in the United States, should still have the video of our first meeting with the principal. We all shed tears that day.

 

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We would have loved to retain the original school structure. No one enjoys spending money unnecessarily. But relocation was the only option left to preserve our alma mater.

 

Structure or no structure, one truth remains clear: with unity, our alma mater can be great again.

 

Together, we can restore those golden memories—when Army Comprehensive High School, Akure stood among the best in all ramifications.

 

Let us not dwell on who took over the old structure. Let us focus on what we still have. Let us build together.

 

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So that our dear Army Comprehensive High School, Akure can rise again. We won together.

 

We deeply appreciate the efforts of our seniors, led by our president, and our then interim secretary, Victor Oloruntola.

 

3.0 Conclusion: A Legacy Preserved Through Unity

 

The story of Army Comprehensive High School, Akure is a powerful reminder that institutions do not survive on structures alone—they survive on the commitment of those who believe in them.

 

When the school stood at the edge of extinction, it was not policy or convenience that saved it, but the collective resolve of old students who refused to let their alma mater fade into history.

 

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What was achieved was not easy. It demanded sacrifice, persistence, and unity across sets, borders, and generations.

 

From lobbying authorities to mobilizing resources and embracing relocation as the only viable option, the journey tested both faith and resolve.

 

Yet, it proved one enduring truth: when alumni stand together, no challenge is insurmountable.

 

Today, the school still stands because people chose responsibility over regret and action over apathy.

 

The task ahead is to build upon that foundation—to strengthen infrastructure, restore academic excellence, and pass this spirit of unity to future generations.

 

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This is not the end of the story. It is a call to remember, to participate, and to contribute.

 

The survival of Army Comprehensive High School, Akure is a shared victory—and its future greatness depends on all of us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1. What Happened To Army Comprehensive High School, Akure Before It Was Rescued?

 

• Army Comprehensive High School, Akure was on the verge of extinction due to years of neglect by the state government. At the time, only SS2 and SS3 classes remained, and plans were underway for the school to be phased out completely, with its records transferred to the Ministry of Education and the original structures taken over by the Army Command.

 

2. Who Led The Effort To Rescue Army Comprehensive High School, Akure?

 

• The rescue effort was driven by old students, particularly members of the 1992 set, with strong leadership from the Old Students’ Association president and key executives. Hon. Alao Lawrence played a central role in documenting and explaining how alumni unity and action saved the school.

 

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3. Why Was The School Facing Extinction In The First Place?

 

• The school faced extinction primarily due to prolonged government neglect, declining enrollment, and administrative restructuring. Without intervention, the institution would have ceased to exist as a secondary school, losing its identity and legacy permanently.

 

4. What Role Did The Old Students’ Association Play In Saving The School?

 

• The Old Students’ Association mobilized alumni across different sets, formed an intervention committee, engaged military authorities, lobbied government agencies, partnered with the PTA, and raised resources to provide new classrooms. Their collective effort was the backbone of the school’s survival.

 

5. Why Was Relocation Chosen Instead Of Retaining The Original School Structure?

 

• Relocation became the only viable option after multiple efforts to reverse the extinction decision failed. The Army authorities agreed to allow the school continue only if it relocated to the former football field and provided immediate classroom facilities. Though painful, relocation preserved the school’s existence.

 

6. How Did The PTA And Army Command Contribute To The Rescue?

 

• The PTA collaborated with alumni to initiate construction at the new site, leading to the first block of classrooms. The Army Command supported the project by providing materials such as bags of cement and later renovating shared structures to accommodate both the Command and the school.

 

7. What Role Did SUBEB Play In The School’s Revival?

 

• Through lobbying efforts by alumni leaders and members with government access, SUBEB eventually constructed additional classroom structures at the new location, further stabilizing the school and supporting its continuity.

 

8. Is Army Comprehensive High School, Akure Still Operational Today?

 

• Yes. The school continues to operate at its relocated site. While challenges remain, the institution stands today because of alumni intervention, community support, and sustained advocacy.

 

9. What Lessons Can Other Nigerian Schools Learn From This Story?

 

• This story highlights the power of alumni unity, proactive leadership, and community engagement. It shows that schools are more than buildings—they are living legacies that can be preserved when former students take responsibility and act decisively.

 

10. Why Is This Story Important To Alumni Associations In Nigeria?

 

• The rescue of Army Comprehensive High School, Akure serves as a case study for alumni associations nationwide. It demonstrates how organized alumni can influence policy decisions, mobilize resources, and protect their alma mater from extinction.

 

11. What Does Hon. Alao Lawrence’s Account Add To The Story?

 

• Hon. Alao Lawrence provides a first-hand, emotional, and factual account of events as they unfolded. His explanation preserves institutional memory, documents alumni sacrifice, and ensures future generations understand how the school survived its darkest moment.

 

12. How Can Alumni And Supporters Contribute To The School’s Future Today?

 

• Alumni and supporters can contribute by participating in association activities, supporting infrastructure development, mentoring students, donating resources, and advocating for academic excellence to ensure long-term sustainability.

 

13. Why Does Alumni Unity Matter In Preserving School Legacy?

 

• Alumni unity ensures continuity, accountability, and collective strength. As shown in this story, unity transformed despair into hope and extinction into survival, proving that shared purpose can overcome institutional crises.

 

14. Where Can Readers Find More Stories Like This?

 

• Readers can explore more alumni impact stories, school history features, and education-focused reports on GES NEWS – update, where institutional memory and legacy preservation remain a core focus.

 

15. What Is The Key Takeaway From The Rescue Of Army Comprehensive High School, Akure?

 

• The key takeaway is simple but powerful: schools survive when those who benefited from them choose to give back. The survival of Army Comprehensive High School, Akure is a testament to courage, sacrifice, and collective responsibility.