The Queens College Old Girls Association (QCOGA), 2001 set, has called for improved educational facilities, stronger collaboration between parents and teachers, and better preventive healthcare at Queens College, Lagos, as it marks 25 years since its members graduated.
The president of the set, Olajumoke Saliu, made the appeal during activities organised to commemorate the silver jubilee anniversary. She said the celebration provided an opportunity for members to promote healthy living, inspire students and contribute to the development of their alma mater.
According to Saliu, the anniversary activities included programmes involving the school and its students, with a grand gala scheduled for December to bring members together.
She explained that a fitness walk organised as part of the celebration was intended to encourage physical wellbeing and motivate students to recognise their potential and work towards achieving their ambitions.
The association also conducted a medical screening exercise, allowing participants to check their vital signs. Saliu emphasised that regular health checks and healthy habits should become part of everyday life rather than activities observed only on special occasions.
Reflecting on changes in the education system since her time at the school, she described education as an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. She noted that while some aspects may have improved, students still face challenges that must be addressed to prepare them for global opportunities.
Saliu stressed that the old girls had a responsibility to hold the school management accountable while supporting efforts to maintain standards and improve the quality of education offered to students.
She also highlighted the association’s slogan, “Pass on the Torch”, explaining that it represented the need for members to develop themselves continually so they could positively influence younger generations and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The QCOGA president called on parents to work more closely with teachers and other educators, stressing that the responsibility for raising well-rounded children should not rest on schools alone.
She said parents must reinforce at home the academic lessons and moral values taught in school to ensure that children receive consistent guidance and support.
Saliu further appealed to the government to provide additional assistance to Queens College, acknowledging that although efforts were being made, more investment was needed to create a suitable environment for students to learn and develop.
She disclosed that members of the 2001 set had been exploring projects through which they could complement government efforts and help address some of the school’s needs.
On healthcare, she commended the school management for its response to a previous health-related incident, particularly its efforts to prevent the situation from spreading. However, she urged the management to strengthen preventive measures to minimise the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.
She emphasised that preventing health emergencies should take priority over responding only after problems arise.
Saliu added that old girls from different graduating sets were working together to identify practical ways to support the school, especially in areas where government intervention might take longer to materialise.
Another member of the old girls’ community, Bolatito Puddicombe, who was involved in bringing the 2001 set together, expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the anniversary activities.
She described the gathering as evidence of the commitment of the current executive committee and the lasting bond among former students who spent six years together at the school despite their different ethnic and geographical backgrounds.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Queens College, improving students’ welfare and helping to create an environment where future generations can thrive academically and socially.
