GOVERNOR MAKINDE INAUGURATES LANDMARK PROJECTS AS OLD BOYS REINVEST IN THEIR ALMA MATER

From upgraded science laboratories and digital learning facilities to modern sporting infrastructure and improved accommodation, the 2026 GCIOBA Reunion showcased a renewed
commitment to restoring Government College Ibadan's place among the leading secondary schools in Nigeria.

The familiar grounds of Government College Ibadan came alive on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as old boys from different generations returned to their alma mater for the 2026 Annual Reunion and Annual General Meeting of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA).

Beyond the customary reunions, handshakes and reminiscences that accompany such gatherings, this year's celebration carried a particularly significant message: the enduring
bond between an institution and its alumni can become a powerful instrument for transformation.

The highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of several completed development projects by the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde. The projects, facilitated by the Association, individual class sets and philanthropic families, represent a substantial investment in the academic, technological, sporting and residential facilities of the College.

Among the facilities commissioned were the Jide Bademosi Cricket Oval, Imoyo’s House, a hockey pitch and pavilion donated by the Babalakin family, and the upgrade of the Agricultural department with a farm that could feed the school provided by the 1986 Set, as well as a lawn tennis and practice court.

The 1976 Set in celebrating their 50th anniversary of entry into the school, made a significant contribution with the establishment of a 270-capacity Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre for technical education, further strengthening the College's capacity to equip students with relevant digital skills and prepare them for the demands of contemporary examinations and learning.

Other completed interventions included the refurbishment of the National Youth Service Corps
(NYSC) Lodge, the installation of a campus-wide Wi-Fi network, a Command and
Control Centre, refurbished Chemistry and Physics laboratories, and a five-a-side football pitch.

These developments reflect a broad understanding of what a modern educational institution
requires. Beyond conventional classrooms, today's students need functional laboratories, access to technology, opportunities for sporting excellence and a conducive residential environment.

A Collective Investment in the Future

Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde commended the Association for its sustained commitment to improving the College's infrastructure and learning environment. He acknowledged the importance of alumni participation in educational development and noted that the facilities represented meaningful investments in the future of the students.

The GCIOBA President, Dr. Olawale Babalakin, also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State
Government for its partnership with the Association and the opportunity to contribute to the development and management of the institution.

The relationship between the Association and the state government has provided a framework
through which old boys can channel their resources, expertise and institutional connections towards addressing the College's developmental needs.

For Dr. Babalakin and the current leadership of GCIOBA, the interventions go beyond individual
projects. They form part of a wider vision to restore the College's academic standards, strengthen its infrastructure and preserve the traditions that have distinguished Government College Ibadan over the decades.

The newly inaugurated facilities also demonstrate the impact of collaboration among different
generations of old boys. Whether through individual philanthropy, family contributions or class-set anniversary projects, members have continued to find practical ways of supporting the institution that shaped their formative years.

Celebrating Generations of Excellence

The 2026 Reunion also provided an opportunity to celebrate significant milestones in the history of some graduating sets. The 1966 Set marked 60 years since its entry into the
College, the 1976 Set celebrated its Golden Jubilee, while the 1986 Set commemorated
40 years of its GCI experience.

Their contributions to
the College's development provided a fitting expression of the spirit of giving
back that the Association continues to promote.

The reunion programme had commenced earlier in the week with the Annual Public Lecture at the MUSON Centre, Lagos. The lecture, themed "GCI, the Arts and National
Development," was delivered by renowned playwright and Professor of Theatre Arts, Femi Osofisan, an old boy of the 1959 Set. Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, an alumnus of the 1946 Set, attended as Guest of Honour.

The gathering brought together distinguished members of the GCI family to reflect on the relationship between education, the arts, leadership and national development.

At the Annual General Meeting, members reviewed the Association's activities and achievements, with Dr. Babalakin returned as National President alongside other members of the executive leadership.

Keeping the GCI Spirit Alive

For many old boys, returning to Government College Ibadan inevitably brings back memories of their days in the classrooms, dormitories, playing fields and familiar corners of the school. Yet, the greatest expression of attachment to one's alma mater is perhaps not simply in remembering those experiences, but in ensuring that present and future students have even better opportunities.

The 2026 Reunion demonstrated that this responsibility is being taken seriously. The projects
inaugurated represent more than physical improvements to the College; they are tangible expressions of gratitude, loyalty and a shared determination to secure the institution's future.

As Government College Ibadan continues its journey towards renewed academic and infrastructural excellence, the contributions of its old boys remain indispensable.

The challenge ahead is to sustain these achievements, expand the opportunities available to students and ensure that the values upon which the College was founded remain relevant
to generations yet unborn.

For an institution whose history is intertwined with the accomplishments of generations of
distinguished men, the message of this year's reunion is unmistakable: the GCI legacy is not merely something to celebrate; it is something every generation must actively preserve and strengthen.