INFRASTRUCTURAL RENEWAL SWEEPS THROUGH GCI, LED BY OLD BOYS

Government College Ibadan (GCI), one of Nigeria’s most iconic secondary schools, is experiencing a remarkable wave of development projects, thanks to the unwavering commitment of its Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) and individual alumni. From classrooms to sports facilities, farms to security, and housing to spiritual centres, the face of the school is being transformed.

Among the headline projects is the extension of the Lalekan Are Hall, an initiative of an eminent Old Boy, which will see the capacity of the hall expanded from 500 to 1,000 seats, making it a befitting venue for major school and alumni events.

Security on campus is also receiving a boost. The 1985 Set, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, is establishing a Security Command Centre by converting the old Bursar’s office into a monitoring hub. As part of the project, CCTV cameras are being installed around the school, with the command centre serving as the control room.

The 1975 Set, marking its Golden Jubilee this year, is renovating the Corper’s Lodge into an ultra-modern, 20-room self-contained apartment complex, each room with ensuite toilet and bath facilities.

Sports facilities are seeing unprecedented upgrades. An illustrious Old Boy has built a new lawn tennis court with a practice court, while another is funding the construction of a hockey pitch with a spectator stand. The GCI Cricket CouncilCricket Oval into a standard pitch suitable for both training and competitions. Additionally, the 1992 Set is building a modern Indoor Sports Hub, which will expand opportunities for students to engage in various indoor games and physical activities all year round.

Classroom and residential renovations are also ongoing. The 1990 Set is renovating a block of eight classrooms and four staff rooms in the building popularly known as “Aso Rock.” The Field House boys have almost completed one wing of their house and are adding a new toilet facility, while the Swanston House boys have also begun renovating their house to restore it for active student use.

Agriculture, a long-standing part of GCI’s tradition, has also been revitalized. The 1961 Set pioneered the GCI Farm behind the present Carr House, which continues to supply the school’s central kitchen with okra, peppers, tomatoes, and vegetables of all kinds.
In addition, the 1986 Set, working with the Agricultural Department of Government College Ibadan Senior School through the Young Farmers Club, has established another farm project. This initiative recently yielded a cassava harvest, which is being processed for use.

Beyond academics and sports, work has also begun on the construction of an interdenominational ecumenical centre, which will serve as a spiritual home for students and old boys of all Christian denominations.

These numerous projects are expected to be showcased at the forthcoming National Reunion of Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association, scheduled for Saturday, 18th October 2025. At the reunion, several landmark projects will be officially commissioned, including the renovated Corper’s Lodge by the 1975 Set, the Security Command Centre by the 1985 Set, and the new lawn tennis courts, among others.

The sheer scope of work currently being undertaken reflects the enduring loyalty and generosity of GCI’s alumni. By investing in security, academics, sports, agriculture, accommodation, and spirituality, the Old Boys are not only preserving the school’s heritage but also equipping present and future students to thrive as leaders of tomorrow.