By Chioma Obinna

Faced with decades of educational decline and infrastructural decay, the Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association, ICOBA, is taking bold steps to restore Igbobi College to its former glory. 

Speaking weekend during the ICOBA 90s Decade Reunion themed: “A Date with ICOBA President”, the President of the Alumni, Mr Olufemi Banwo who became president of ICOBA in September 2023 and has since spearheaded critical interventions in infrastructure, fundraising, and energy sustainability said their activities have proven that alumni associations can be a powerful force in reviving Nigeria’s struggling education sector.

“When the government handed the schools back to the missions, they were in a very bad state.  Even the missions could not manage them properly. That’s when ICOBA became more active, stepping in to protect and rebuild what we cherish,” Banwo said. 

Banwo, an Igbobian from the 1970–1976 set, has overseen the completion of staff housing, solar lighting projects, and a near-finished dining hall restoration. 

He also revealed plans for a solar power project that would significantly reduce the school’s reliance on the national grid.

“We’re not saying we want to go completely off-grid, but we want the primary source of power to be solar.

“That project will be expensive, but it’s necessary for long-term sustainability.”

Banwo believed that alumni associations should play a more central role in reviving education across Nigeria.

“It’s the alumni that are truly committed to their institutions. When one school improves, others follow. A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Acknowledging the role of government, he criticised past efforts that weakened educational standards, calling for a shift in government policy to enable schools to thrive. “Now what the government can do is put the right policies in place to help all the schools to blossom much better than they are doing.

“Before the government took over in the 1970s, schools like Igbobi were thriving. Now we’re just recovering. If you leave these institutions to function independently for another 20 years, I believe we’ll return to those high standards.”

Speaking, the Decade Representative who is a 1992 set alumnus, Mr.  Wasiu Sedun explained that the recent reunion organised by the 1992 set themed “A Date with the ICOBA President” was part of an ongoing initiative to pass down school traditions and foster intergenerational collaboration.

“We grew up hearing about Igbobi traditions, but many of us didn’t experience them firsthand. In 2015, we approached the national body to teach us — and since then, we’ve held annual reunions to bridge the gap.”

He said the event has continued to shift mindsets among younger alumni. “Some people used to complain about event fees. But now, they understand that giving back isn’t just about money, it’s about legacy and pride.”

Other speakers at the event include; Mr Babatunde Odubanjo from 1992 set who spoke on Strategy to attaining blissful retirement and Mr Gbenga Mafoitan from 1996 sets spoke on Leadership and The G.O.A.T respectively.   The event also featured games, a presidential chat, and mentorship among others.