Building a Legacy of Care: An Interview with Mr. Tunde Onanusi (’68 Set)

When the Government College Ibadan Class of 1968 celebrated their golden jubilee in 2018, they didn’t just come together to mark the milestone — they chose to leave behind something that would make a lasting difference. Their gift to the school, the GCI Health Hub, has since become a vital space for promoting the health and well-being of students and staff.
To get a closer look at the story behind this landmark project, we reached out to Tunde Onanusi (Carr, 1895), Chairman of the 1968 Set, who shared the inspiration, the journey, and the vision that continues to drive his set’s dedication to their alma mater.

Quick Profile
• Name: Mr. Tunde Onanusi
• Set: 1968
• Role: Set Chairman
• Legacy Project: GCI Health & Wellness Hub (donated in 2018)
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The Interview

Q: Looking back to 2018, why did the 1968 Set decide to donate the Health Hub to Government College Ibadan as your 50th anniversary project?

A(Onanusi): The 1968 Set, after exhaustive deliberations, decided on a project - the Health & Wellness Hub - that would pass its 3-way test (Affordability, Sustainability and Direct impact on the student population) as a 50th Anniversary Gift to the School. It's a purpose-built Facility with independent/ uninterrupted power and water supply, as well as waste management and security, at no cost to the school.

Q: What vision or need were you hoping the Health Hub would address within the school community?

A: The goal or vision is to create conditions where the health of the student population thrives, thereby supporting their well being and building a solid foundation for life long learning.

Q: How did your Set come together to make this project a reality? What was the journey like?

A: In June 2018, a 5- man Project Management Team (PMT) was mandated to deliver a project that would pass the tests enumerated above. The PMT consisted of Wole Odunayo - the then Class Chairman, Kola Olatunbosun - our in-house Architect, Akin Orowale, Tunde Onanusi and Kole Abe of blessed memory, and they delivered. The Class later inaugurated a Board of Trustees, which has Gbolade Osibodu as Chairman with Lekan Belo, Wole Odunayo, Tunde Onanusi, Bolade Soremekun, late Kola Abe, Prof Mrs Shade Ogunsola VC Unilag and Prof Mrs Morenike Dipeolu of FUNAAB as members.
With this foundational set up, the journey so far has been smooth sailing.

Q: What are some of the challenges you faced during the planning, fundraising, or building process?

A: We did not really face challenges as such. Class members were fully supportive and funding realized was more than sufficient to complete the project and provide seed money for take-off working capital. Moreover, demonstrated Management Capacity was/is integral to our success. The project was delivered on schedule for commissioning by October 2018 during that year's Annual Reunion. The facility was opened for service on 1st March 2019, with a full complement of paid staff, maintained in peak condition with a pristine ambience.

Q: What gives you the most joy or pride when you see the Health Hub standing today?

A: The joy is that the Class of 68 has been able to bear the cost of running the facility over the years. It has remained open 7 days a week, with the exception of school/public holidays, rendering health services to the students as first responders.

Q: In your view, how has the Health Hub impacted students, staff, or the GCI community since its establishment?

A: The impact of the Health Hub on the students and the GCI Community has been quite refreshing and positive, as evident from the testimonies of students and the school administration.

Q: As Old Boys, what does legacy mean to your Set, and what message would you like to leave for other Sets following in your footsteps?

A: This Class 68 Project stands as a monument to grit, focus and zeal to deliver a befitting legacy to our Alma Mata. It stands today as a very substantial investment of the Class. (Project Cost, starting working capital, as well as capital and recurrent expenditures.) We have continued to sustain the Health Facility over the years, after donating to the school.

Closing Words
“Our dream is that the Health Hub remains a beacon of care for years to come, and that future sets will continue to build projects that strengthen the GCI community.”