EDUCATION�S PERMANENT SECRETARY COMMISSIONS 1980 SET PROJECT

The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Atere Aminat Bamidele, on Thursday, 6th May, 2021 commissioned two (2) blocks of three (3) classrooms each built by the 1980 Class Set of Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association, to commemorate their 40th anniversary. Mrs. Atere while addressing the audience, lauded the Set for their philanthropic gesture and appreciated them for deeming it fit to give back to their Alma Mater. Addressing the issue of insufficient furniture in the school, the PS announced that the Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde had donated fifty (50) pairs of furniture to the school.

Speaking on the dearth of Education Officers in the school, Bamidele promised that the Oyo State Government is looking into it and that very soon, Education Officers will be deployed to the citadel of learning.

National President of GCI Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), Bolanle Olawale Babalakin (Grier,1971), averred his heartfelt gratitude to the celebrating Class. He thanked them for keying into the vision of ensuring that GCI remains a model school not only in the State, but also, in the country.
The President who was well represented by the National Vice President II, Oluseun Abimbola (Carr,1981), while addressing the government officials and the public at large, mentioned that GCI constantly updates and sustains its legacy and the present association must leave it better than what was handed over. The Advocate noted that there is no building in GCI that doesn�t have the touch of GCIOBA, be it Set, Branch. Or an Old boy; something he said is not seen in other alumni associations. Seun mentioned that Government College Ibadan is a school that the Government should be proud of as there is no other secondary school in the State with such repute that GCI has. He implored the State Government to salvage the situation of the facilities so that Association will see the need to keep up her good works. He emphasized that GCI�s legacy needs to be the way it used to be, therefore, there must be a demonstrated willingness from the government.

The Chairman, Asset Management Committee of GCIOBA, Oladapo Sonola (Carr,1970), also acknowledged the 1980 Set for their benign act. However, he lamented on account of the status quo of facilities put in place by GCIOBA. He divulged that there are interventions yet undone and that the Committee isn�t even geared to approve them because of how the ones on ground have been ill-managed. Sonola (1970) mentioned that GCI is a Science based School and it cannot boast of having teachers in core Science subjects. He made a fervent call to the Government asking them to change the fortune of the school so that the lost standard can be regained and maintained.

The Chairman, GCI School Governing Board, Olufemi Babalola (Carr,1975) beseeched the Government to ensure that they come to the aid of the great citadel of learning that has produced giants in all works of life. He didn�t fail to mention that an average GCI Old Boy is passionate about the school and this spurs them to continue to see to the developments going on in the school. He said that Old Boys aren�t expending just because they want to or for any personal gain but for �Service to others, and not to self� as the second stanza of the school song says. He asked that the Government come to the aid of the school and partner Old Boys by providing tutors as the school has earnestly clamored for it.

The Principal of the School, Mr. Oluwole Adewale appreciated the Mrs. Atere and her delegation for their presence despite their busy schedule. He urged them that they should kindly bear the interest of GCI at heart so that all their promises would be fulfilled. He also thanked all members of GCIOBA present, especially the 1980 Class set for their zeal towards the school and in ensuring that the students have what it takes to learn. He congratulated the set on their 40th Anniversary and informed them that the school still lacks furniture, he stated that it will be greatly appreciated if they could contribute to providing it.

The project was earlier inspected by the Asset Management Committee. During the inspection, the Chairman of the Committee, Dapo Sonola (1970) congratulated the 1980 Old boys on the successful completion of their 40th Anniversary project. He reiterated that they are to take up the maintenance of the project for the next five (5) consecutive years, in line with the principle of GCIOBA Assets Management Committee on projects interventions. He informed all Old Boys present of the centralized coordination of various projects so as to prevent duplication and degeneration of projects. He said it�s time Sets and other donors started relieving the Association of maintenance burdens.