In a notable demonstration of community-driven impact, corps member Miss Gift Joshua has facilitated the renovation of two classroom blocks at Anglican Primary School in Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State. Serving her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) primary assignment at McPherson University, Joshua stayed behind after her official service year to lead the structural restoration project. Sponsored by the social initiative NaijaSolve, with additional support from McPherson University management, the project addresses critical infrastructural gaps to create a safe and conducive learning environment for local pupils.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, brought together institutional leaders, local traditional authorities, educators and community members. The project delivered comprehensive upgrades to two classroom blocks, including new ceiling installations, complete interior and exterior painting, repairs to damaged flooring, door and window restoration, and resizing of window openings to improve natural ventilation and lighting.
McPherson University’s executive leadership was well represented, with Mr Tokunbo Olakunle, Director of Information and Public Relations, standing in for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Adegbaye Igbasan, and Mrs Omowunmi Fagbohun, Principal Assistant Registrar (Examinations and Records), representing the Registrar, Mrs Emi’ Alawode. Delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s address, Olakunle noted that Joshua’s selflessness exemplifies the productive partnership between academia and the NYSC in promoting sustainable rural development. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to its host community, emphasising that universities must continually serve as catalysts for local progress.
The traditional ruler of the host community, Baale Fatai Seriki, expressed gratitude for the transformation and praised the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs R. A. Ogunwale, whose dedicated leadership, he said, continues to attract developmental support. Baale Seriki urged the pupils to draw inspiration from Joshua’s service and pursue their education diligently so that they too can contribute meaningfully to society in the future.
In her project address, Miss Gift Joshua recounted the perseverance required to execute the initiative, noting that she chose to postpone personal plans to ensure the revival of the school. She emphasised that the quality of a child’s learning environment reflects the value society places on its future leaders. Formally handing over the facilities, she appealed to the school administrators and local community to embrace collective ownership and ensure the proper maintenance of the upgraded structures.
Receiving the handover documentation, Mrs. Ogunwale conveyed the delight of the pupils upon resumption at the school’s new outlook and assured that the facilities would be put to good use. Echoing her head teacher’s sentiments, Senior Prefect Adeboye Risikat Ajoke expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of all the students, promising that they would study harder in their refreshed environment and take proper care of the upgraded facilities.
