EMADEB FOUNDATION RENOVATES GCI SCIENCE LABORATORIES AS OLUJIMI URGES ALUMNI TO GIVE BACK TO ALMA MATER (PHOTOS)

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Emadeb Foundation has renovated the Physics and Chemistry laboratories at Government College Ibadan (GCI), with its chairman, Debo Olujimi, urging successful alumni to give back to the institutions that contributed to their development.

The physics and chemistry 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, Chairman of Emadeb Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb Energy Services, said his decision to support the school was inspired by the role it played in shaping his life.

An old boy of the 1985 set, Olujimi said he returned to the school after about 35 years and was encouraged by the transformation being driven by the GCIOBA President, Dr. Wale Babalakin.

He explained that 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,” Olujimi said.

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

“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,” he said.

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

According to him, his personal experience at GCI reinforced his determination to succeed and ultimately give back to the institution.

“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,” 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,” Olujimi said.

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

The GCIOBA President, 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 Foundation and other sponsors for supporting the school’s development, while appreciating Makinde for his support and attendance at the commissioning.

The governor, in turn, praised the quality of the completed projects and said the decision to allow the Old Boys’ Association to manage the school was informed by the limitations of government funding for education.

Makinde described the arrangement as a test case, saying 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 relationship between the arts and national development. Activities also included a reunion golf tournament, Jumat service, novelty football match, annual general meeting and interdenominational thanksgiving service.

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