The Oproza Grammar School Old Students Association (OGSOSA) has appealed to the Delta State Government to urgently intervene in the deteriorating condition of the institution and restore it to a safe, functional and conducive learning environment.
The appeal was made on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, when the leadership of OGSOSA, led by its National President, Dame (Prof.) Celestina P. Kekai, visited the school and later paid a courtesy visit to the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Barr. Peremobowei Shadrach Erebulu, Aduo III.
The visit formed part of the association’s renewed advocacy campaign for the rehabilitation and development of Oproza Grammar School, which has played a significant role in educating generations of people from Patani and beyond since its establishment in 1969.
During the visit to the school, the delegation met with the Principal and members of staff to assess the current condition of the institution and discuss the challenges confronting teaching and learning.
Prof. Kekai expressed concern over the extent of the school’s deterioration and called for urgent intervention from the Delta State Government, traditional institutions, alumni, philanthropists, corporate organisations and other stakeholders.
Among the major challenges identified were inadequate and obsolete science laboratory equipment, shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff, lack of qualified science teachers, unreliable electricity and inadequate water facilities.
Others include the dilapidated corps members’ lodge, damaged toilet and soak-away systems, a collapsed perimeter fence, lack of clearing equipment and walkways, as well as deteriorating school buildings, ceilings, cupboards and other facilities.
The OGSOSA President appealed to the Pere to use his influence and position to mobilise government officials, political leaders, philanthropists, corporate organisations, sons and daughters of Kabowei Kingdom and other well-meaning individuals to support the restoration of the school.
She also urged the Delta State Government and relevant education authorities to address the shortage of teachers, particularly qualified science teachers, and revive stalled renovation efforts at the institution.
At the palace, the delegation was received by the Pere and members of the Council of Chiefs. Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Kekai highlighted the historical contributions of Oproza Grammar School and stressed that the institution required immediate and coordinated intervention to prevent further decline.
Responding, His Royal Majesty commended OGSOSA for drawing attention to the condition of the school and for its determination to restore the institution’s lost glory.
The monarch disclosed that he was aware of renovation work previously taking place at the school but expressed concern that the project had reportedly stalled.
As an immediate intervention, the Pere pledged, alongside the Council of Chiefs, to provide a mono pump for the school before the resumption of students.
He also directed designated members of the Council of Chiefs to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the school facilities and report their findings to the palace.
The chiefs, working with the school Principal, were further directed to identify an appropriate location for the immediate installation of the mono pump.
The Pere promised to engage the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Patani Local Government Council, both of whom he noted are old students of Oproza Grammar School, to seek their intervention.
He further pledged to contact the Commissioner for Education and other relevant authorities on the need for improved staffing and infrastructure at the school.
The monarch also said he would mobilise well-meaning sons and daughters of Kabowei Kingdom to contribute to the restoration campaign and would explore possible assistance from Hon. (Barr.) Brave Enodeh.
He encouraged chiefs who are former students of Oproza Grammar School to identify with and register with OGSOSA, stressing the importance of alumni participation in rebuilding the institution.
On the issue of staffing, the Pere advised OGSOSA to engage directly with the Commissioner for Education and advocate for the posting of adequate and qualified teachers, particularly science teachers, to the school.
He also expressed concern over the security implications of the collapsed perimeter fence and advised the Principal to establish contact with military personnel stationed near the school for possible security assistance.
The monarch further urged OGSOSA to intensify its mobilisation of old students and other stakeholders, while encouraging the association to organise regular orientation and mentorship programmes for students by inviting successful alumni to serve as role models.
Beyond the immediate needs of the grammar school, the Pere stressed the importance of establishing higher educational institutions in Patani to provide greater access to advanced education for young people in the area.
The engagement ended with OGSOSA expressing appreciation to the Pere and the Council of Chiefs for the warm reception and their willingness to support the restoration campaign.
The association also thanked the Principal and staff of Oproza Grammar School for their hospitality and contributions during the delegation’s assessment of the institution.
OGSOSA said it remains committed to working with the Delta State Government, traditional institutions, school management, alumni, community leaders, philanthropists and other stakeholders to ensure that the school, which has contributed significantly to the development of generations of students since 1969, regains its place as a leading centre of learning in Patani and the wider Kabowei Kingdom.
