In A remarkable show of loyalty and determination, the Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association, ICOBA has raised more than N1 billion within just seven days towards its N10 billion Endowment Fund, which was launched during the college’s 94th Founders’ Day celebration.
The President of ICOBA, Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, announced this on Sunday evening at the Founders’ Day Luncheon and Merit Awards held at the Reverend Angus Memorial Hall, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos.
Speaking with excitement, Mr Badejo-Okusanya described the swift response as a demonstration of faith in the school’s future, and he said: “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 shows the deep loyalty of old boys and friends of Igbobi College.”
He further explained that the endowment fund is aimed at providing support for infrastructure development, scholarships, staff welfare, and the pursuit of academic excellence, while adding: “As ICOBA, we are committed to restoring Igbobi College to its pre-eminent position by investing in innovation, character building, and leadership development.”
Mr Yomi Badejo also emphasised the importance of institutional endowments in maintaining high educational standards and creating lasting legacies. He urged all alumni and stakeholders to maintain the momentum. “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 94th anniversary event, which was organised by a planning committee chaired by the ICOBA Vice President, Mr Femi Soremekun, combined reflection on the school’s history with steps towards its future, and it reinforced the core values of discipline, integrity, service, and leadership that have defined Igbobi College for decades.
Among the speakers was a jurist and political economist, also an alumnus, Prof. Anthony Kila. He praised the luncheon and awards as a key part of Founders’ Day tradition because they inspire current and future students to strive for excellence. “The ₦10 billion fund is a testament to our respect for the past, our faith in the present, and our desire to shape a brighter future for Igbobi College,”
He continued: “We believe that by raising the endowment fund, we can shape the future of this school to be one of the best in Africa, if not in the world. A society that values education trains people who believe they can shape society and that is what this is all about.”
The ICOBA Publicity Secretary, Mr Femi Bankole, described the anniversary as a fresh launchpad for stronger alumni engagement, and he said: “This milestone is about strengthening alumni networks, supporting teachers, and empowering students to excel academically.”
He pointed out that recent successes, including impressive examination results and the construction of teachers’ residential blocks, show the ongoing commitment to excellence.
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Also speaking at the event was Former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate and proud alumnus Mr Jimi Agbaje, who commended ICOBA for setting out a clear and ambitious vision. “Igbobi College has shaped leaders across sectors. ICOBA’s endowment initiative ensures that this legacy will not only endure but grow stronger,”
With over N1 billion already in the bag within a single week, ICOBA’s drive towards the ₦10 billion target is a heartfelt effort by generations of old boys to protect and elevate one of Nigeria’s most historic schools, ensuring that future students can benefit from the same opportunities that shaped so many leaders today.