By Japhet Davidson

The executives of Yewa (Egbado) College Old Students Association (YECOSA) has urged individuals, corporate leaders, policymakers, philanthropists, and others to join hands with their alma mater towards building an institution that will shape the next generation of scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and global leaders.

The call was made during the press conference in Lagos by Yewa (Egbado) College Old Students Association (YECOSA) to officially flag off a 60-day nationwide awareness campaign ahead of their 75th Anniversary Celebration and N20 Billion endowment fund launch, scheduled to hold from February 6th to 15th, 2026. To actualise that, the body called for a National Support to enable them achieve their goals.

Speaking on the theme, Innovative Transformation, the National President of YECOSA, Dasaolu Olaniyi Oladimeji said the event is to celebrate 75 years of academic excellence, community impact, and transformative education. “This Anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity; it is a celebration of impact, resilience, and the shared vision of thousands of alumni who have passed through the walls of Yewa (Egbado) College over the past 75 years.

“Yewa (Egbado) College has produced outstanding professionals, educationists, captains of industries and great men and women who have made significant impact in their various fields within and outside Nigeria.

“As we mark our 75th Anniversary celebration in a few months, our objective is threefold:

to celebrate 75 years of transforming lives and contributing to human development in Nigeria,

to reunite and reenergize our global alumni network for a new era of collective growth and

to launch and drive support for our ₦20 Billion Endowment Fund dedicated to upgrading the college into a world-class institution that serves both present and future generations.”

According to him, “the major highlight of this anniversary is the unveiling of the ₦20 Billion Endowment Fund, an ambitious but necessary commitment to the future of education in our institution. The Endowment Fund will support many legacy projects in the school.”

Continuing, he stated that “the highlights of the Anniversary Week (February 6–15, 2026) will be a Ten Day long series of events reflecting the past, present, and future of our institution which include: Digitalization and economic upgrade of the school – Review of existing infrastructure and development of legacy projects – Cultural Procession, talent hunt and display – Pre and Post tour of Ilaro and its environment – Workshops with students of the school – Fund raising of Endowment Fund – Gala night and award ceremony in Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Yewa (Egbado) College, Ilaro – Business Exhibition and entrepreneurial opportunities.”

On his part, the chairman of 75th Anniversary committee, Adelewo Malik, said the essence of the event is to celebrate the 75 years in a special way. “We are not only celebrating history but we are celebrating achievement. And in doing that, we seek partnerships from governments, corporations, foundations, philanthropists, and our alumni across the world to ensure that Yewa (Egbado) College, becomes a reference point for innovation, excellence, and national development.”

Also speaking, an executive member and former vice chancellor of Unilag, Prof Rahman Bello, who confessed that he was proud to be part of the celebration pointed out that the school which was founded in 1951, has produced many great people in different areas of life, but due to decay of some of the infrastructures there is need for full rehabilitation to meet the current realities.