By Roland Ike
An Entrepreneur, Dr Anthony Ofoma, has urged Nigerians, especially the rich not to forget their alma maters after graduation as a way of checking the increasing rate of infrastructure decay in several institutions.
Ofoma told newsmen in Abakaliki on Tuesday that such interventions by former students in schools would enhance the quality of education in the country.
The philanthropist noted that most people especially the rich, fail to support institutions where they schooled leaving responsibility to only the institutions’ management and government.
“Most people had unsavoury experiences while schooling and once they graduate, they wave bye to the Institutions.
“We all should give back to places where we were nurtured to encourage those still schooling to be hardworking and strive towards greatness.
“Teaching and learning facilities in most schools are in deplorable conditions and we all can assist the schools and government to provide such.”
Ofoma stated that it was in that spirit that he recently inaugurated a pavilion for staff and students of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), saying it was an obligation to give back to his alma mater.
“I do not have much but decided to deploy the little I have in putting smiles on the faces of the Faculty ‘s staff and students.
“I also donated a multi – media projector to the Department of Geology while sponsoring its staff and students to conferences and trainings.”
Ofoma also urged Nigerians to still engage in philanthropic acts despite the harsh economic conditions in the country.
“The rich should remember the poor at this period as the enhancement of the citizens’ welfare should not be left to the government alone.
“There is still a little to give the needy which would provide the much needed succour and inspire hope,” he said.
He noted that his philanthropic gestures extends to the grassroots especially his community, Umuotutu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra.
“I fete members of my community especially the poor during festivities, offer empowerment packages in forms of cash and tools, constructed a modern town hall in my community, among others.”
