The Old Students Association of Ifaki Grammar School has called on parents, teachers, and education stakeholders to unite in tackling examination malpractice and strengthening academic standards across Nigeria’s secondary school system.

The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Ifaki Grammar School Old Students Association (IGSOSA) to the school’s Principal, Adedayo Olaniyi, at Ifaki-Ekiti.

Leading the delegation, IGSOSA National President Kunle Olofintuyi expressed concern over the growing incidence of examination malpractice in Nigeria, describing it as a serious threat to integrity, merit, and the long-term credibility of the education system.

He stressed that restoring confidence in public examinations requires collective responsibility from schools, families, alumni bodies, and the wider community. According to him, alumni associations must move beyond ceremonial roles and actively contribute to policy advocacy, infrastructure support, and mentoring initiatives that promote discipline and academic excellence.

Alumni Commitment to School Development

Beyond the issue of examination ethics, the association reiterated its commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of the institution. Olofintuyi emphasised the importance of cultivating a strong maintenance culture to preserve facilities donated by alumni and partners, ensuring that investments made in the school remain durable and impactful.

The association also used the opportunity to mobilise support for the school’s 70th Anniversary celebration scheduled for January 24, 2027, calling on past and present students, community members, and well-wishers to rally behind the milestone event.

School Priorities: ICT, Infrastructure, and Discipline

Responding to the visit, Principal Olaniyi reaffirmed management’s dedication to sustaining the school’s reputation as one of the leading secondary institutions in the area. He identified key development priorities, including:

* Intensified measures to combat examination malpractice

* Establishment of a modern ICT centre requiring about 300 computers

* Expansion and upgrade of the school library

* Construction of additional classrooms

* Strengthening student discipline frameworks

Teachers present at the meeting welcomed the alumni’s intervention and pledged continued cooperation with management to improve learning outcomes. They also called for greater recognition of teachers’ contributions to the school’s progress.

Royal Support Sought for Continued Growth

The alumni delegation also visited the palace of Oba Adegbenro Falore, the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, to seek royal support for the school’s long-term vision. The monarch assured the association that their requests would receive due consideration and encouraged community-wide collaboration in strengthening the institution.

In recognition of his support, the alumni conferred on the monarch the title of Grand Patron of IGSOSA.

Education observers note that stronger partnerships between alumni groups, school leadership, teachers, and community stakeholders remain essential to restoring discipline, improving infrastructure, and upholding examination integrity in Nigerian secondary schools.