EMADEB DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION RENOVATES GCI SCIENCE LABORATORIES AS GROUP CEO URGES ALUMNI TO GIVE BACK

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Emadeb Development Foundation has renovated the Physics and Chemistry laboratories at Government College Ibadan (GCI), providing improved facilities to support practical science education.

Adebowale Olujimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb Energy Group and Chairman of Emadeb Development Foundation, urged successful alumni to give back to the institutions that contributed to their development.

The laboratories were among about 15 projects commissioned by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday as part of activities marking the 2026 Annual Reunion of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys’ Association (GCIOBA).

Speaking with Hotjist after the commissioning, Olujimi, an old boy of GCI’s 1985 set, said his decision to support the school was inspired by the role it played in shaping his life.

He explained that he returned to the school after about 35 years and was encouraged by the development efforts being led by GCIOBA President, Dr. Wale Babalakin.

Olujimi said the visit prompted him to identify the school’s immediate needs, leading to the decision to renovate the Physics and Chemistry laboratories to international standards.

“From the initiative of Dr. Wale Babalakin, I saw how he had been able to take the school from its struggling level to where it is today. I made my first visit after about 35 years last year, and I knew something needed to be done,” he said.

He added that the need for improved laboratory facilities became apparent during the visit, prompting the foundation to undertake the renovation.

“The issue of this laboratory, Physics and Chemistry, came up, and we decided that we needed to get this done and bring it to an international standard,” Olujimi said.

He urged alumni who had achieved success in their respective fields to remember their roots and contribute to the development of their former schools.

Reflecting on his experience at GCI, Olujimi said the institution helped shape his determination to succeed and ultimately give back.

“I knew how, as a little child, my parents brought me here, and I knew what the school was able to do for me. That gave me the urge to do well in life, and giving back became a culture for me that must be fulfilled,” he said.

He also encouraged current students to remain determined and believe in their ability to contribute to Nigeria’s future.

“The future is great. Nigeria is the best place to be. With a lot of perseverance, continue to believe in yourselves. The future governors, the future president, the future ministers are in this school,” he said.

The renovated laboratories were commissioned alongside other infrastructure projects aimed at improving teaching, learning and extracurricular activities at the institution.

The GCIOBA President, Dr. Wale Babalakin said the laboratories were among several projects completed through contributions from old boys, corporate organisations and other sponsors.

Other projects commissioned included a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre, a Command Centre, an Agricultural Laboratory, a Corpers’ Lodge, a hockey pitch, a cricket pitch, a five-a-side football pitch and a farm scheme, among others.

Babalakin commended Emadeb Development Foundation and other sponsors for supporting the school’s development, while appreciating Makinde for his support and attendance at the commissioning.

In an interview with Hotjist, Governor Seyi Makinde praised the quality of the completed projects, saying the decision to allow the Old Boys’ Association to manage the school was informed by the limitations of government funding for education.

He described the arrangement as a test case, adding that its outcome had been outstanding.

The commissioning formed part of the 2026 GCIOBA Annual Reunion, which began on Wednesday, October 14, with a public lecture on the arts and national development.

Other activities included a reunion golf tournament, Jumat service, a novelty football match, the association’s annual general meeting and an interdenominational thanksgiving service.

The annual reunion provides an opportunity for former students to reconnect and mobilise support for the institution’s continued development.