Chinedum Elekwachi
Old Boys Association Worldwide of Merchants of Light School (MOLS), Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State has unveiled properly designed masterplan to ensure well-coordinated development of the school.
Worldwide President, Prof Tony Nwokoye disclosed this at the 80th Founder’s Day/2026 Biennial Convention of the Association themed, “80 years Shinning the Light”.
He said the masterplan designed by one of the alumnus followed deteriorating condition of the school which produced the likes of former Secretary General of Common Wealth, Prof Emeka Anyaoku, late Chimezie Ikeazor, veteran broadcaster, Ikenna Nduaguba, among others.
Nwokoye regretted that despite several interventions by some concerned Old Boys and class sets which he described as haphazard and uncoordinated, the institution was still in dire need of rehabilitation.
He listed areas clamouring for attention to include befitting modern school main gate, and rehabilitation of Vice Principal’s quarters.
Others are repair of two grounded school buses, landscaping of the school and reconstruction of more dormitories for envisaged population increase of boarders.
N10bn investment
Chairman, MOLS Enoch Ifediora Oli Education Trust, Vincent Oragwam said preliminary assessment of the school indicated that comprehensive revitalization of the school would require an investment of over N10billion.
Oragwam, represented by Obiora Anyaoku said the undertaking encompassed full audit of existing infrastructure, design and construction of new facilities, renovation of current structures under a unified master plan already prepared and under implementation.
“The 10-year masterplan would include state of the art auditorium, art center, laboratories and classrooms, among other facilities that would guarantee modern and conducive learning environment.
“We hope the first phase of the master plan which had already began will offer opportunity for government’s partnership that will restore the school’s lost glory and profile,” he added.
Principal of the school, Uchendu Ngozi reaffirmed her team’s commitment to upholding the values of the school.
The principal called for continued nurturing of a learning environment filled with compassion and excellence.
She further recommended change of name of eight houses/hotels in the school to reflect names of interested Alumni who would willfully undertake sponsorship of same.
Staff welfare package
“I wholeheartedly recommend that staff welfare packages be incorporated in the Alumni programmes since awards are only for selected few,” she said.
Earlier in his homily, retired Anglican cleric, Ven Clement Mgbemena had expressed worry over poor state of infrastructure in the school.
He urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to consider upgrading the school to a smart school.
Mgbemena, an alumnus of the school and Director of Archives and Antiquities, Anglican Diocese of Awka, stressing that such move would further deepen grassroots education in the area.
“I call on the state government through the Commissioner of Education to upgrade MOLS to the status of a smart secondary school being the third secondary school from the area.
“Upgrading the school to a smart school will help avail residents of the Old Idemili region the benefits of such modern educational facility,” he added.
