The Chairman of the Governing Council of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), Femi Babalola, on Friday commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s policy on the concession of public schools in Oyo State, describing it as a step towards improving educational standards.
He made the commendation during the official presentation of the GAC GS3 black SUV to the newly appointed principal of the school, Mr. Gbemi Oresegun, at the school premises in Ibadan, the state capital.
PUNCH Online reports that Government College Ibadan, founded in 1929 by the British, is a prestigious boys’ secondary school known for academic excellence and a strong alumni network.
The school has produced graduates in 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 strong Old Boys Association now partners with the state to manage the school.
Babalola explained that the association had assumed 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.
“Our new principal is Mr. Oresegun. He is a very experienced principal, having led many private schools in Lagos, Edo and other parts of Nigeria.
“We are glad to have him, and in that spirit, it is my pleasure, on behalf of the BOT and the Executive of GCIOBA, to present this brand-new car to you for your use and for the benefit of Government College Ibadan, particularly to make your work easier in managing the affairs of the school effectively.”
In his response, Oresegun thanked the Board of Trustees and the Governing Council for the gesture, promising to uplift the school.
“I received this official car with so much gratitude, and for me, it is an indication of the confidence reposed in me as principal. I promise to meet all expectations, ensuring that all stakeholders—the government, the old boys, the students, and the 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. Thank you very much. I am grateful,” he added.
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