General News
Makinde Inaugurates Emadeb Energy Boss’ Donated Science Laboratories at Government College Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, at the weekend, inaugurated newly renovated and fully equipped Chemistry and Physics laboratories at Government College, Ibadan (GCI).
The multi-million-naira project was donated by the Group Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb Energy Group, Mr Adebowale Olujimi, through the Emadeb Development Foundation, as a member of the Class of 1985.
Governor Makinde cut the tape and unveiled the commemorative plaque to formally open the facilities for use by students and teachers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Olujimi said returning to GCI after many years brought back deep feelings of nostalgia, recalling his days on the hockey pitch and the 100-metre track close to the laboratory block.
“This field was a hockey pitch. I used to love hockey and we used to run on this field, 100 metres. It was so beautiful,” he said.
According to him, Government College Ibadan, during his time, could compete favourably with top schools anywhere in the world.
Olujimi said that despite visiting several schools across the country, GCI remains distinct because of the sustained partnership between the Oyo State Government and the old boys association.
“This particular school has enjoyed so much, especially from this partnership with the government of the state and the association led by its President, Dr Wale Babalakin. I have been to other schools and without mentioning names, Government College is one school with a difference,” he said.
The energy magnate said old students of the school are excelling globally, making giving back not just desirable but imperative.
“We have a huge set of people from this school who are in different fields all over the world. So in our own little way, we are giving back. I got engaged with the management of the school. We had a chat and we looked at what can be done,” he said.
He commended the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) Worldwide, under Dr Babalakin, for raising billions of naira from individual pockets to rebuild the school. He also cited interventions by Nigeria LNG, Aradel Holdings PLC and several class sets.
Olujimi disclosed that the decision to renovate the Chemistry and Physics laboratories was informed by their deplorable condition when he visited the school, which contrasted sharply with the top-notch facilities he remembered from his school days.
“When we came here, we saw what was obtainable in these two laboratories. That time, they were very, very top-notch, from any best school all around the world. I just felt like we can do better,” he said.
He described the intervention as a starting point ahead of his set’s reunion, pledging sustained support through yearly stakeholders’ engagement.
“Even just looking at the pictures, it shows how things have changed. For someone like myself, I feel very happy.
And this is a starting point. We are committed to yearly stakeholders’ engagement to give back and collaborate with the state,” he added.
Olujimi urged current students to remain hopeful about the country’s future.
“There is no country like Nigeria. We are so blessed. Those learning here have the future leaders among them. The future is so bright for Nigeria,” he said.
The donation adds to the growing list of alumni interventions that have helped sustain academic standards at Government College Ibadan under the collaborative management model, which allows old students to participate in running the school.
Exterior of the 24KVA solar-powered renovated/equipped Chemistry and Physics Laboratories donated to Government College, Ibadan by Mr Adebowale Olujimi, member of Class of 1985 and Group CEO of Emadeb Energy, through Emadeb Development Foundation, the CSR and philanthropic arm of Emadeb Energy Group