THE 1971 SET LIGHT UP GCI SOLAR PROJECT

image Introduction

The Light Up GCI Solar Project stands as a landmark legacy of the 1971 Set of Government College Ibadan, conceived to mark their 50th anniversary and driven by a deep commitment to student welfare, safety, and sustainable development. Delivered in 2021, the project transformed a once poorly lit school environment into a campus illuminated by solar-powered streetlights, significantly improving night-time visibility and activity within the school premises.
In this interview, members of the 1971 Set reflect on the inspiration behind the project, the strategic thinking that shaped its execution, and the emotional moments that accompanied its completion. They also share insights into the impact of the initiative on the school community and the enduring message it carries for current students and younger Old Boys—underscoring the spirit of service, planning, and giving back that defines the GCI tradition.

Quick Profile
• Name: Babatunde Odubanjo
• Set: 1971
• Role: Set Chairman
• Legacy Project: The Light Up GCI Solar Project (donated in 2021).

• Name: Seye Fadahunsi
• Set: 1971
• Role: Chairman, Legacy project



The Interview
1. What led the 1971 set to settle on Light Up GCI as its 50th anniversary legacy project?

Answer:
The importance of electricity in development, and in everyday life, cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to the education of young boys and girls. Many of our generation experienced the traumatic years of having to study with candles, and still often refer to the manner in which this aspect of our time at GCI impacted our formative years. For this singular reason, we knew we had to ensure that the present and future students didn't suffer the same fate.

2. Why were solar street lighting chosen, and what made this solution the right fit for the school at this time?

Answer:
Once we decided that the provision of energy, through electricity, was our focus, the choice of solar street lighting was a no-brainer. Today, all over the world, and especially in Africa, solar energy is obviously the sensible choice. In the last decade, this sector has grown in leaps and bounds, with the result that solar energy has become more affordable, the technology improving by the day and more and more people embracing the sun as a natural gift from God, waiting to be used for the benefit of us in Africa.


3. The lights cover a key stretch—from the school gate to the Admin Block and Grier House. What significance does this area hold for the Set?

Answer:
During the strategic planning stage, at the inception of the project, working with our consultants, we realized that the project was going to be an expandable one. Having this in mind, it was decided that the most effective way to reach out to the greater portion of the school premises was to create a 'spine'- the central axis running from the main gate all the way down to Grier house. Having adopted this concept, all areas along the way could easily tap from this main spine- subsequently; other phases would be fed from there.


4. What moments during the planning or execution of the project stood out most to you personally?

Answer:
Without any doubt, the moment that stood out for me and many of our classmates was the night we did the test run at the completion of the installation. It was an exhilarating feeling to see the entire stretch light up. There were screams of joy and celebration. I believe we had a mini party along with the students that night.


5. Since the installation, what feedback or changes have you observed within the school community?

Answer:
The response has been amazing. There have been several enquiries as to when phase 2 would commence. It is a good feeling when one drives into the school premises at night, and you can feel the life, you can feel the energy, you can see the young boys moving around doing productive things. This wasn't the case before the project was done.

6. In what ways do you hope this project will inspire current students and younger Old Boys of GCI?

Answer:
The project is about adding value, affecting lives, and making a difference. This essentially is what life is about, what GCI is about. This project is one of giving back. It is a project that was thoughtfully put together and systematically executed. These two aspects (giving back and proper planning) are what should inspire those coming behind to walk the same path.


7. Beyond this milestone, how does the 1971 Set envision its continued relationship with Government College Ibadan?

Answer:
'Making GCI great again', is a continuous project, not just for the '71 set, but for anyone who has the privilege of passing through those hallowed grounds. For the majority of boys of the '71 set, as you can see in the works and actions of our indefatigable classmate, the national president of the GCIOBA, Dr Wale Babalakin, it is 'GCI TILL WE DIE'. Lol...