IGBOBI COLLEGE ALUMNI LAUNCH N10BN ENDOWMENT FUND

Alumni of the prestigious Igbobi College have launched a N10 billion endowment fund aimed at transforming the iconic secondary school into a centre of academic excellence and innovation for future generations.

The announcement was made during a high-profile gala and reunion held at the school premises on Thursday, attended by notable old boys, education stakeholders, and government officials. The fund, dubbed the Igbobi College Endowment Fund (ICEF), seeks to provide sustainable financing for infrastructure upgrades, scholarships, teacher training, and technology integration.

Chairman of the Alumni Association, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, described the initiative as a “collective commitment to giving back” to the institution that shaped many of Nigeria’s leaders. “Igbobi College has produced captains of industry, policymakers, and professionals who have impacted the nation. This N10 billion fund is our way of ensuring the school remains a beacon of quality education amid current challenges,” he said.

The endowment will be managed by a professional board of trustees with strict governance structures to ensure transparency and accountability. Initial seed contributions have already surpassed N2 billion from high-profile alumni, with plans to raise the balance through targeted campaigns, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic donations over the next 24 months.

Key priority areas include renovation of aging hostels and classrooms, establishment of a modern STEM laboratory, a digital library, and an entrepreneurship centre. The fund will also support bursaries for indigent but brilliant students and continuous professional development for teachers.

Special Guest and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the alumni for their vision. “Public-private partnerships like this are vital to complement government efforts in education. Igbobi College’s legacy must be preserved and elevated,” the governor stated.

Former students expressed excitement, noting that the endowment marks a new chapter for the 90-year-old institution. The launch comes at a time when many public schools face funding shortages and infrastructural deficits.

Alumni leaders called on all old boys, parents, and well-wishers to support the fund, emphasising its potential to produce globally competitive graduates and strengthen Nigeria’s human capital.