Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo has inaugurated a newly renovated and totally geared up Chemistry and Physics laboratories at Government College, Ibadan (GCI).
The multi-million Naira undertaking was donated by the Group Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb Energy Group, Mr Adebowale Olujimi, by the Emadeb Development Foundation, as a member of the Class of 1985.
Makinde lower the tape and unveiled the commemorative plaque to formally open the services to be used by college students and lecturers.
Speaking on the ceremony, Olujimi mentioned returning to GCI after a few years evoked deep nostalgia, recalling his days on the hockey pitch and the 100-metre monitor near 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 mentioned.
According to him, GCI in his time might compete favourably with high colleges wherever on this planet.
Olujimi mentioned regardless of visiting a number of colleges throughout the nation, GCI stays distinct due to the sustained partnership between the State Government and the outdated boys affiliation.
“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 mentioned.
The vitality magnate mentioned outdated college students of the college are excelling globally, making giving again not simply fascinating however crucial.
“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 mentioned.
He recommended the GCI Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) Worldwide, underneath Babalakin, for elevating billions of Naira from particular person pockets to rebuild the college, citing interventions by Nigeria LNG, Aradel Holdings PLC and a number of other class units.
Olujimi disclosed that the selection of Chemistry and Physics laboratories was knowledgeable by the deplorable state of the services when he visited, a pointy distinction to the top-notch laboratories of his faculty 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 mentioned.
He described the intervention as a place to begin forward of his set’s reunion, pledging sustained assist by yearly stakeholders’ engagement.
“Even just looking at the pictures, it shows how things have changed. For someone like myself, I feel very happy. This is a starting point. We are committed to yearly stakeholders’ engagement to give back and collaborate with the state,” he added.
Olujimi urged present college students to stay hopeful in regards to the nation’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 mentioned.
The donation provides to the rising record of alumni interventions which have helped maintain tutorial requirements at GCI underneath the collaborative administration mannequin that permits outdated college students to take part in working the college.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
