GCIOBA IBADAN BRANCH CELEBRATE LEGACY, HONOUR EXCELLENCE, AND ENGAGE NATIONAL TAX REFORMS AT 2025 ANNUAL LUNCHEON
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
It was a convergence of legacy, leadership, and civic engagement as distinguished old boys of Government College Ibadan (GCI) gathered for the 2025 Annual Reunion and Merit Award Ceremony of the Ibadan Branch of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA).
The highly anticipated event, themed around reflection and responsibility, also served as a forum for national discourse, with a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji. Represented by the head of Tax Automation, Mike Adoga, the NRS chief shared insights on “Taxation and Emerging Technologies”, setting the tone for a thought-provoking question-and-answer session that followed.
Addressing a packed audience of alumni, dignitaries, and stakeholders, Adoga explained that the NRS, under Dr. Adedeji’s leadership, is embracing digital transformation through tools such as electronic invoicing, artificial intelligence (AI), and automated tax administration. These innovations, he said, are designed to promote transparency, increase voluntary compliance, and reduce the burden of taxation on citizens.
Responding to concerns from attendees during the Q&A session, the NRS clarified that individual bank accounts are not being indiscriminately accessed for taxation purposes. Instead, the newly introduced electronic invoicing system ensures that taxable transactions are logged at the point of sale, allowing FIRS visibility without the need to probe personal financial records unless under formal audit.
“Tax is based on law, and we operate a self-assessment regime in Nigeria,” Adoga said. “The new approach is about visibility and real-time reporting of taxable transactions, not intrusion.”
Another old boy raised concern about the deduction of withholding tax on personal gifts, citing a past incident where a widow was taxed multiple times after receiving a monetary gift. The NRS representative assured the audience that personal gifts are typically not subject to withholding tax and urged individuals affected by such anomalies to report them for correction, emphasizing that each case is treated on its merit.
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Further clarifying support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the NRS official noted that recent legislative reforms have raised the tax exemption threshold to shield micro businesses. “Startups earning below N25 million annually are exempt from taxation,” he said, revealing that the threshold is under review and would soon be increased.
He also gave an overview of the NRS’s ambitious Tax Administration 3.0 plan, a futuristic vision where businesses, particularly SMEs, can fulfill their tax obligations seamlessly through digitally integrated platforms. “Our goal is to make tax compliance effortless,” he said, citing system integrations with platforms like SAP and emerging fintech solutions.
Earlier in the day, the Ibadan branch Chairman, Akin Orowale (1968), had welcomed the Old Boys and guests with a passionate speech celebrating the unity, excellence, and service ideals of GCI.
He highlighted the branch’s achievements over the year, including a sustained teacher support initiative, welfare interventions, and development projects, all powered by alumni contributions.
Notable alumni across generations including top professionals in law, medicine, engineering, public service, and academiawere honored with merit awards.
Old boys paid glowing tributes to GCI’s historical stature and the efforts of current leadership, led by Chief Wale Babalakin (SAN), to restore the institution to its place among Africa’s foremost secondary schools.
HRM Oba Olajide Olufemi Adekanye LOYE (1976), the LOYE of Igigun Odua Ijesaland passionately declared, “GCI is not just a school; it is a heritage for Nigeria, Yoruba land, and Africa. Giving back is not charity it is our responsibility.”
The emotional climax of the ceremony came with a call to action: for alumni to remain active in supporting GCI, to advocate for national tax reform awareness, and to uphold the principles of discipline, service, and intellectual pursuit that define the GCI legacy.
Adding a touch of celebration and fellowship to the day, the event featured presentation of merit awards to some old boys like, Mr. Olaniyi Johnson Amusan (1952 set), Prof. Olasoji Raphael Olagunju (1983 set), Olusegun Phillip Adesoka (1983 set), Lanre Olubi (1985 set), a Legacy Award to the Falade Dynasty and an award of excellence to the outstanding set of the year (1983 set), amongst others. A ceremonial cutting of the luncheon cake, symbolising unity and longevity of the association was also featured. A raffle draw segment drew much excitement, with lucky winners walking away with practical prizes such as food items, a blender, and a microwave.
The event concluded with a rousing rendition of the school anthem and a moment of camaraderie as alumni were treated to a celebratory meal capped by donations from members to support ongoing projects.
With renewed commitment to educational excellence and national development, the 2025 GCIOBA Ibadan Reunion reasserted Government College Ibadan’s legacy not just as a school, but as a living institution of influence, patriotism, and enduring pride.
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