GCI OLD BOYS REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO SCHOOL’S DEVELOPMENT AT 2025 ANNUAL REUNION
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
…..donates key projects
Old students of Government College Ibadan (GCI) on Saturday gathered in their numbers for the 2025 Annual Reunion, pledging renewed commitment to the continued transformation of their alma mater.
In his welcome address, the President of Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support in granting Old Boys the opportunity to take charge of the school’s management and infrastructural repositioning.
Babalakin highlighted the remarkable infrastructural progress achieved over the past year, describing GCI as a “permanent construction site” due to the steady contributions of the Old Boys. He noted that three boarding houses Grier, Carr, and Powell are now ready to accommodate students, while work is expected to commence on Swanton and Field Houses soon.
He emphasized that the next phase of development would focus on modern learning infrastructure, including the provision of laptops and smart classrooms to equip students with tools to compete globally. He also called on Old Boys to support the upgrade of the school kitchen to enhance students’ nutrition and overall well-being.
Several projects were officially commissioned during the event, including:
A 20-room corpers’ and teachers’ block (Class of 1975)
A CCTV Command Centre for campus-wide security monitoring (Class of 1985)
A modern hockey pitch with spectator stands (Babalakin family)
A lawn tennis court and practice wall (Class of 1982)
A block of eight classrooms, four staff rooms, and toilet facilities (Class of 1990)
Expansion of the Olalekan Arẹ Hall and road upgrades (B.O. Babalakin)
While commending the active social engagement of Old Boys, the President raised concerns about the financial sustainability of the school. He revealed that only 164 donors currently contribute to the school’s Education Foundation and announced new donor categories Standard Point, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, to encourage wider participation and long-term funding.
The event also brought together past and present students who reflected on the school’s legacy. One of the alumni, Abayomi Fagbenro, popularly known as Bibire, emphasized the importance of preserving GCI’s core values of integrity, hard work, courage, selflessness, and discipline.
Fagbenro, a former U.S. Navy officer and political aspirant, said:
“It’s our tradition to come together at least once a year to celebrate and give back. Any GCI boy must have integrity. We are hardworking and courageous, and you can always recognize us anywhere in the world.”
Similarly, the current Head of School, Abdulrazak Godwin-Omeza, described the reunion as nostalgic.
“It’s overwhelming to be here as a student and now as Head of School. This reunion brings back memories and shows the strength of the GCI community,” he said.
The 2025 GCI Annual Reunion underscored a powerful message of unity, legacy, and shared responsibility, reaffirming the Old Boys’ unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing the standard of their alma mater for future generations.
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