VIDEO: MAKINDE COMMISSIONS CBT CENTRE, RENOVATED SCIENCE LABORATORIES, OTHER PROJECTS AT GOVERNMENT COLLEGE IBADAN
Read Time:4 Minute, 49 Second
By ‘Sefiu Ajape
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has commissioned a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre, renovated science laboratories and other projects at Government College Ibadan (GCI), as the institution’s Old Boys’ Association continues efforts to improve infrastructure and learning facilities at the school.
The projects were commissioned on Saturday as part of activities marking the 2026 Annual Reunion of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys’ Association (GCIOBA), with about 15 projects unveiled.
Speaking with Hotjist after the commissioning, Makinde said the decision to hand over the management of the formerly government-owned school to the Old Boys’ Association was informed by the need to address funding challenges facing public education.
“When Dr. Wale Babalakin approached me with the proposal for them to take over the school, I had come into government and, looking at the numbers, realised that there was no chance for government alone to make the necessary investments in education. So we said, let us use this as a test case,” the governor said.
He described the outcome of the arrangement as outstanding, adding that he was impressed by the quality of the projects executed at the school.
“You know, if you see the guy that has done this, just pick him and let him come and do it. Give us the bill as he gave to them. That’s how comfortable I am with the quality of what I’ve seen here today,” Makinde said.
On whether the model would be replicated in other schools, the governor said he was putting together a development roadmap for Oyo State for 2027 and beyond.
“My time is almost up here, but I’m putting together a roadmap for continued development of Oyo State, 2027 and beyond. And you can rest assured that whoever the Oyo State people decide to choose as their next governor will meet that note on their table,” he added.
The President of GCIOBA, Dr. Wale Babalakin, said the renovated Physics and Chemistry laboratories, executed by Emadeb Foundation, were among several projects commissioned at the school.
Other projects included a JAMB-standard CBT centre, Command Centre, Agricultural Laboratory, Corpers’ Lodge, hockey pitch, cricket pitch, five-a-side football pitch and farm scheme, among others.
Babalakin described the development efforts as significant, noting that the association had consistently worked to improve the school’s facilities since he became president.
“It’s a phenomenon, and we’ve been doing this consistently since I became president,” he said.
He appreciated Makinde for his support and attendance at the commissioning, while commending Emadeb Foundation and other sponsors for their contributions to the projects.
The Chairman of Emadeb Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb Energy Services, Debo Olujimi, an old boy of the 1985 set, said his decision to renovate the Physics and Chemistry laboratories was driven by his desire to give back to the institution that shaped his life.
Olujimi said he returned to the school after about 35 years and was encouraged by the development efforts led by Babalakin. He explained that the laboratories were identified as an immediate need, prompting the foundation to undertake their renovation to bring them up to international standards.
Explaining his motivation for supporting the school, Olujimi said giving back had become a personal commitment.
“Giving back became a culture for me, and that must be fulfilled. That’s why we’re doing this,” he said.
He also encouraged current students to remain committed to their education and believe in their potential.
“The future governors, the future president, the future ministers are in this school, so let’s take it up from there,” he said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the 1985 Class Set, Engr. Leke Yusuf, said the annual reunion provided an opportunity for old boys to reconnect, network and reflect on the needs of the institution and the welfare of its members.
He said the class set was looking forward to contributing to the school’s development ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2035.
“We are looking forward to contributing our quota to make Government College Ibadan a foremost centre of learning in the country, a reference centre of learning where other institutions and secondary schools look up to, producing great minds that will move Nigeria to a great position,” Yusuf said.
Speaking on the renovated laboratories, Yusuf said the facilities would encourage students to develop greater interest in science-related subjects, perform better in external examinations and pursue careers in science and technology.
He noted that GCI had long been recognised for its strength in science-related subjects and professions, adding that the upgraded laboratories could further support students’ academic and professional development.
The 2026 GCIOBA Annual Reunion began on Wednesday, October 14, with a public lecture themed “GCI, and the Arts and National Development” at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The lecture, titled “From the Nobel to the Thalia Prize: GCI and the Making of Modern African Theater,” featured Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka as guest of honour and Professor Femi Osofisan as keynote speaker.
Activities continued on Friday, October 16, with a reunion golf tournament at Ibadan Golf Club, a Jumat service at the school mosque and a novelty football match between the association’s Ibadan and Lagos branches, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Saturday’s programme featured the association’s Annual General Meeting at the GCI Assembly Hall, where Babalakin was re-elected as president alongside the election of other executive members for the next tenure. An interdenominational thanksgiving service followed, before the reunion luncheon and project commissioning at the Lalekan Are GCIOBA Hall and other designated locations within the school.
See video below:
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