ROTARY CLUB OF AKURE-METRO HANDS OVER ULTRA-MODERN SCIENCE LABORATORY TO IMAFON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL, ONDO STATE

…Club hands over facility to Ondo State Government to boost science education.

In a significant stride toward enhancing science education and improving learning conditions in underserved communities, the Rotary Club of Akure-Metro officially handed over a fully renovated and equipped science laboratory to Imafon Community High School, situated in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The handover ceremony, which took place on Monday, June 30th, 2025, at the school premises, was a colourful event attended by dignitaries including stakeholders, PTA members, teachers, students, and members of the Rotary family.

The ultra-modern science laboratory was renovated and fully furnished to support practical science education in line with current curriculum standards. The intervention, a major community development project by the Rotary Club of Akure-Metro, aims to provide access to quality science learning environments for students in under-resourced rural schools.

In her remarks, the President of the Rotary Club of Akure-Metro, Rotarian Toyin Adeyalo-Ogundare, noted that the club embarked on the project as part of its commitment to advancing education and empowering young people through service.

“We believe education is the most powerful weapon to change the world. This laboratory is not just about renovation or furniture; it is a platform for discovery, innovation, and hope. Our club chose Imafon Community High School after a careful needs assessment, and we are happy that today, science learning here has been elevated to a new level,” she said.

Rotarian Adeyalo-Ogundare emphasized the importance of partnerships, acknowledging the support of the school, the technical partners involved in the project, and the funding support from District Grant DG2575812 of The Rotary Foundation. She also expressed deep appreciation for the guidance and support received from District Governor Rotarian Koyede Olowolagba, Esq., of District 9126 throughout the project.

In a symbolic handover of the facility in the presence of stakeholders, staff, and students, the club president formally declared the ultra-modern science laboratory open and ready for immediate use. “May it serve as a centre for discovery, innovation, and academic excellence, inspiring generations of students to pursue science and achieve greatness,” she added.

In her remarks, Mrs. Abooluwa Alade, Vice Chairperson of the PTA, commended the Rotary Club of Akure-Metro under the leadership of Rotarian Adeyalo-Ogundare for what she described as a “life-changing and strategic intervention.” She noted that the school had suffered years of neglect and a lack of resources, making this project a vital contribution to the state’s educational development goals.

“This is a rare gesture that reflects deep concern for the future of our children. The government cannot do it alone, and this project is a shining example of how public-spirited organizations can support government efforts to improve education, especially in underserved communities,” she said.

Mrs. Abooluwa assured the Rotary Club that the school would ensure proper maintenance of the laboratory, guaranteeing its optimal use for both current and future students.

The school principal, Mrs. Oyedokun Temitope Eniola, was visibly overwhelmed with gratitude and described the laboratory as a “dream turned reality” for the school, which had operated for years without functional science facilities.

“For many years, our students have been learning science in theory due to a lack of functional laboratory equipment. This renovation and full furnishing is a game changer—it will not only improve our academic performance but also inspire many of our students to pursue science-based careers,” she said.

One of the senior students, Amen Destiny (SS2), speaking on behalf of the student body, expressed heartfelt appreciation:

“This is the best thing that has ever happened to our school,” she said. “We are so grateful to the Rotary Club of Akure-Metro. Now we can confidently sit for WAEC and NECO science practicals without fear of lacking laboratory apparatus.”

Also in attendance were members of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and several Rotarians from the Akure-Metro Rotary family, District 9126. The event featured a facility tour to inspect the laboratory equipment, goodwill messages, special prayers for the Rotary Club president, and the presentation of appreciation plaques.

This project is one of many community development initiatives undertaken by the Rotary Club of Akure-Metro under its “Basic Education and Literacy” focus area. The club reiterated its resolve to continue executing people-centered projects in education, health, water, and economic empowerment.

With the new laboratory now in place, Imafon Community High School is poised to join the league of rural schools producing competitive science students, as Ondo State’s broader vision for quality education gains momentum through impactful partnerships like this.

Before Renovation: A Glimpse of the Dilapidated Science Laboratory at Imafon Community High School.