The Chairman of the Governing Council of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), Femi Babalola, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s policy on the concession of public schools in Oyo State, describing it as a step toward improving educational standards.
Babalola made the remarks on Friday during the official presentation of a brand-new GAC GS3 black SUV to the newly appointed principal of the school, Mr. Gbemi Oresegun, at the school premises in Ibadan, the state capital.
Founded in 1929 by the British, Government College Ibadan is a prestigious boys’ secondary school known for academic excellence and a strong alumni network. The institution has produced graduates across various fields, including over 80% of presidents of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Nobel laureate. Although the government takeover in 1979 affected its development, the Old Boys Association has partnered with the state to manage the school and drive its growth.
Babalola explained that the association had taken responsibility for the administration of the school to reposition it for greater achievements. He said, “The Oyo State Government has concessioned the administration of Government College Ibadan, and in that spirit, the Old Boys have appointed a new principal to run the school to the satisfaction of the government and the Old Boys Association of GCI. We are aware that the principal would need tools to perform his duties effectively. In the course of that, the Board of Directors and the President of the Old Boys Association of GCI have deemed it fit to present a brand-new vehicle as the principal’s official car.”
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He added that the new principal, Mr. Oresegun, is an experienced administrator who has led many private schools in Lagos, Edo, and other parts of Nigeria.
In his response, Oresegun expressed gratitude for the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership. He promised to uphold the school’s academic standards and ensure that all stakeholders—the government, the old boys, students, and parents—work in harmony. “The most important objective at the end of the day is the academic excellence of all our students, and I promise that will be my first and foremost priority,” he said.
The presentation of the official vehicle is part of ongoing efforts by the Old Boys Association and the state government to support the school’s administration and promote quality education.