GCI OLD BOYS RAISE STAKES FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE, HONOUR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AT 2026 ANNUAL LUNCHEON

By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), Lagos Branch, on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Government College Ibadan (GCI) as one of Nigeria’s leading secondary schools, while honouring distinguished alumni for their outstanding contributions at its 2026 Annual Luncheon and Merit Awards Ceremony held at the Queens Park Event Centre, Lagos.

The colourful event brought together hundreds of old boys across different generations, captains of industry, professionals, award recipients, sponsors and guests in a celebration of the enduring legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools.

A major highlight of the ceremony was a renewed call for increased investment in education, infrastructure development and alumni participation to sustain the transformation currently taking place at Government College Ibadan.

Delivering the National President’s address, GCIOBA President, B.O. Babalakin, said the association had continued to make remarkable progress since assuming responsibility for the administration of the school under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Oyo State Government.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for granting the concession that has enabled the association to reposition the institution, describing the arrangement as a model for educational transformation in Nigeria.

According to him, the association’s objective is not merely to run another secondary school but to build what would become the country’s finest institution through academic excellence, discipline, sports and character development.

Babalakin disclosed that the school had successfully conducted entrance examinations for four consecutive years and revived its three-day admission interview process, which had been discontinued since 1976, leading to significant improvements in the quality of students admitted.

He also revealed that the college is benchmarking its academic standards with Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, noting that the school’s principal would visit the institution to understudy its operational model.

The GCIOBA President highlighted several ongoing infrastructure projects, including the upgrade of the cricket pitch, completion of a world-class hockey pitch and construction of modern science laboratories funded by old boys.

He particularly commended the 1983 Set for donating ₦100 million to the school’s Foundation Account, describing the contribution as exemplary and urging other graduating sets and branches, especially the Lagos Branch, to emulate and surpass the gesture.

“The funding of the school remains critical to its success. We require even greater commitment from our members if we are to achieve our vision of building a first-class institution,” he said.

In his welcome address, Lagos Branch Chairman, Fela Balogun, called on members to support the branch’s ambitious “Home for the Branch” project aimed at providing a permanent headquarters in Lagos.

He explained that the proposed facility would serve as an administrative office, meeting venue, e-library and income-generating property to strengthen the branch’s operations.

Balogun appealed to members to contribute towards the branch’s target of ₦100 million for the project’s first phase and encouraged those capable of donating landed property to support the initiative.

He also reiterated that the welfare and development of Government College Ibadan remain the primary responsibility of the association, urging old boys to continue supporting scholarships, teachers and other sustainability initiatives.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Balogun described the annual luncheon as an important platform for networking, celebrating excellence and mobilising resources for the advancement of the college.

According to him, the association remains at the forefront of educational development, having pioneered the successful engagement that returned the management of the school to its alumni.

He assured current students that they are receiving an education comparable to that offered by Nigeria’s leading private schools.

Chairman of the Luncheon Committee, Oluyinka Thomas, described the annual gathering as more than a social event, saying it reflects the strength of the GCI brotherhood and the shared commitment of alumni to preserving the institution’s rich heritage.

Thomas announced that this year’s event introduced several innovations, including its first-ever live online broadcast, as part of efforts to modernise the association’s activities and engage younger generations through digital platforms.

He stressed the need for continuous innovation, stronger stakeholder engagement and year-round interaction to make future editions even more impactful.

The event also featured the presentation of the prestigious Victor Ludorum Award, the highest honour conferred by the Lagos Branch on an old boy for exceptional service to the association.

The 2026 recipient, Olusegun Adedeji of the 1953 Set, was recognised for decades of distinguished leadership and professional accomplishments.

Adedeji, a former Head Boy of Government College Ibadan, was celebrated for his remarkable engineering career, having served as Secretary-General of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers and former Chairman of the GCIOBA Lagos Branch.

The award organisers noted that his life exemplifies excellence, integrity and lifelong commitment to the ideals of Government College Ibadan.

Several other distinguished old boys were also honoured for their exceptional service and contributions to the association and society.

Speaking after receiving his award, Adeyemi Gbadamosi described the recognition as a proud moment and encouraged more alumni to invest in education.

He said government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of rebuilding Nigeria’s educational system, urging successful professionals to give back to their alma maters.

He also advised students to prioritise education, remain disciplined and maximise every opportunity to acquire knowledge.

Another award recipient, Adedamola Adegbite, said while recognition was gratifying, service should never be driven by the expectation of awards.

He credited Government College Ibadan with shaping his values, character and lifelong friendships, describing the institution as central to his personal and professional development.

Adegbite encouraged current students to embrace not only academic excellence but also character building, sports, leadership and service, stressing that true success comes when “GCI passes through you, not merely when you pass through GCI.”

Representing the younger generation of alumni, Bada Moses Kolade described being part of the association as a privilege.

He said interaction with accomplished old boys provides mentorship and inspiration, urging current students to remain proud of their institution and take advantage of the opportunities available through the school’s strong alumni network.

The ceremony featured networking sessions, recognition of outstanding alumni, fundraising activities, raffle draws and renewed commitments towards sustaining Government College Ibadan’s legacy of excellence.

Participants unanimously agreed that the future of the college depends on stronger alumni participation, sustained investments and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, leadership and character development.