Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated newly renovated and fully equipped Chemistry and Physics laboratories at Government College, Ibadan (GCI), donated by the Group Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb Energy Group, Adebowale Olujimi.
The multi-million naira facilities, provided through the Emadeb Development Foundation, were inaugurated on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during the annual reunion of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA). Makinde formally opened the laboratories by cutting the ceremonial tape and unveiling a commemorative plaque.
Olujimi, a member of the school’s Class of 1985, said the intervention reflected his commitment to giving back to an institution that helped shape his early years. He recalled the school’s outstanding academic facilities and sporting activities, including hockey and athletics.
Describing GCI as a school with a difference, the businessman praised the partnership between the Oyo State Government and the old boys association, led by Dr Wale Babalakin, which has attracted substantial investments in infrastructure and educational development.
Olujimi explained that the decision to renovate the laboratories followed his discovery of their deteriorating condition during an earlier visit. He said the facilities had ranked among the best during his school days and deserved restoration to modern standards.
“When we came here, we saw what was obtainable in these two laboratories. That time, they were very, very top-notch, from any best school all around the world. I just felt like we can do better,” he said.
He commended fellow alumni and corporate contributors, including Nigeria LNG and Aradel Holdings, for supporting the school’s redevelopment. Olujimi also pledged continued involvement through annual stakeholders’ engagements and further collaboration with the state government.
“This is a starting point. We are committed to yearly stakeholders’ engagement to give back and collaborate with the state,” he said, while encouraging students to remain optimistic about Nigeria’s future and their potential to become national leaders.
The renovated laboratories form part of broader alumni-led investments aimed at strengthening science education, improving learning facilities and preserving Government College Ibadan’s longstanding reputation for academic excellence.
