The Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association (ICOBA) raised over one billion Naira within seven days toward the N10 billion Endowment Fund it launched at the college’s 94th Founders’ Day.
The President of ICOBA, Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, disclosed this at the Founders’ Day Luncheon and Merit Awards on Sunday evening.
The event held at the Reverend Angus Memorial Hall, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos.
Badejo-Okusanya described the achievement as a demonstration of commitment by the old boys and other stakeholders to secure a long-term future of the college.
“Within just seven days of the creation of the N10 billion Endowment Fund for Legacy and Transformation, we have crossed over the one billion Naira mark.
“This response reflects the deep loyalty of old boys and friends of Igbobi College,” he said.
He said the endowment fund was designed to provide sustainable funding for infrastructure development, scholarships, staff welfare and academic excellence.
“As ICOBA, we are committed to restoring Igbobi College to its pre-eminent position by investing in innovation, character building and leadership development,” he added.
Badejo-Okusanya said the initiative underscored the importance of institutional endowments in preserving educational standards and building enduring legacies.
He also charged the old boys to sustain the momentum and take ownership of the fund.
“This is a landmark initiative. I encourage every Old Boy to participate actively so that together we can create a lasting legacy for future generations,” he said.
The president said the association was committed to the college and strengthening of bonds among its alumni as well as supporting the school’s growth and development.
He highlighted the college’s values of discipline, integrity, service and leadership, saying that they were central to producing well-rounded students.
“Our award recipients exemplify the finest traditions of Igbobi College.
“Through their achievements and service, they bring honour to the association and alma mater, proving that these values remain alive today,” he added.
Badejo-Okusanya charged the Old Boy’s and other stakeholders to support the endowment fund launch, describing it a bold, landmark initiative to secure sustainable infrastructure, scholarships, and long-term development for the College.
He said, “I encourage us to take ownership of the endowment fund vision, participate actively, and help create a lasting legacy that will strengthen our alma mater, ensuring Igbobi College continues to shine and inspire future generations.”
Prof. Anthony Kila, First Assistant Secretary-General of ICOBA, described the event as a traditional yet innovative part of Igbobi College’s 94th Founders’ Day celebration.
Kila, a political economist, said that recognising distinguished Old Boys of the college would inspire excellence among students.
According to him, the endowment fund put together by ICOBA is designed to generate resources for the improvement of the school infrastructure, teaching, students welfare, and overall standards of the school.
He said, “The N10 billion fund is a testament to our respect for the past, our commitment in the present, and our desire to shape a brighter future for Igbobi College.
“We believe that by raising the endowment fund, we can shape the future of this school to be one of the best schools in the world.
“A society that values education trains people who believe they can shape society, and that is what this is all about.”
In his remarks, ICOBA Publicity Secretary, Mr Femi Bankole, described the 94th anniversary as a launchpad for renewed alumni engagement.
“This milestone is about strengthening alumni networks, supporting teachers and empowering students to excel academically,” Bankole said.
He said recent achievements of the college, including strong performances in examinations and construction of teachers’ residential blocks, reflected sustained investment in excellence.
In his closing remarks, a former Lagos State Governorship Candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje, commended ICOBA for setting a clear vision.
“Igbobi College has shaped leaders across sectors. ICOBA’s endowment initiative ensures that this legacy will not only endure but grow stronger,” Agbaje said
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the endowment fund was formally instituted on Feb. 2 during the 94th Founders’ Day celebration, where former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo delivered the Founders’ Day Lecture.
The Founder’s Day lecture had the theme, ‘Building Generational Strength for Educational Institutions in Nigeria’.
NAN reports that 11 past ICOBA president’s including the 12th president were honoured in recognition of their contributions and services during their tenures.
