The Managing Director of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, has urged old students of Igbobi College, Lagos, to invest more in the school's infrastructure. Sawyerr, an alumnus of the college, made the call during the 91st inter-house sports competition at the college's sports ground. He noted that the institution's old buildings, though well-maintained, had largely remained unchanged since his school days.
Sawyerr emphasized the need for continued investment in Igbobi College's facilities, stating that ageing infrastructure required regular attention to prevent deterioration and breakdown. He drew parallels between the values of sportsmanship and the student loan scheme, saying both reflected the importance of supporting people who needed assistance. The NELFUND boss encouraged students to strive for excellence in academics and sports while treating others fairly.
The Igbobi College Old Boys' Association is committed to supporting the institution through infrastructure development, scholarships, and other interventions, according to its First Vice-President, Femi Soremekun. The association is reviewing the school's master plan to identify its needs and establish a long-term development programme. Soremekun disclosed that the association had an endowment fund target of N10bn, with more than N3bn secured through cash contributions and commitments from old students.
The Igbobi College Old Boys' Association has supported the refurbishment of dormitories, the construction of new facilities, and the provision of staff accommodation to help attract qualified teachers. Old students also provide scholarships to support pupils and invest in initiatives aimed at improving academic standards. Soremekun explained that the association worked with the school's owners and participated in its governance through the Board of Governors.
In his address at the competition, the school's principal, Oyewale Adediji, said the annual event reflected Igbobi College's longstanding commitment to discipline, teamwork, integrity, and excellence. He urged students to compete fairly, respect their opponents, and demonstrate good character, noting that sports helped develop qualities needed beyond the classroom. Adediji commended parents, staff, the Board of Governors, and the old boys' association for their contributions to the school's development.
The inter-house competition was won by Aggrey (Blue) House, with Parker (Purple) House emerging as first runner-up and Oluwole (Yellow) House as second runner-up. Other participating houses were Freeman (Green) and Townsend (Red). Sawyerr described his return to the school as exciting, saying the competition brought back memories of his participation as a student and athlete more than five decades ago.
Sawyerr's call for support is part of efforts to improve Igbobi College's infrastructure and maintain its standards. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund MD emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to achieve this goal. The school's commitment to discipline, teamwork, and excellence is reflected in its annual inter-house sports competition, which aims to foster healthy competition and sportsmanship among students.
Key points
- Nigeria Education Loan Fund MD Akintunde Sawyerr urges old students to invest in Igbobi College's infrastructure.
- Igbobi College Old Boys' Association has an endowment fund target of N10bn to support infrastructure development and scholarships.
- The school's principal emphasizes the importance of discipline, teamwork, and excellence in the annual inter-house sports competition.
