GCIOBA decries decaying infrastructure, poor staffing, amongst other challenges

By Medinat Kanabe

The Government College Ibadan, Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), has complained about the present state of the school saying it is far from what it used to be when they were students there.

Speaking during a press conference to announce activities that would mark the school’s 85th anniversary, the National President CGIOBA, Chief Biodun Jolaoso said that up to the late 70s, GCI was a citadel of learning with airy classrooms, trimmed sports fields, well-equipped science laboratories and a thriving boarding system.

He said: “Then, the boys drank from the fountain of knowledge of their masters, both white and black in the Arts, Science and Technical Subjects. The boys had a rounded education that moulded and equipped them to face the challenges of life with courage, candour and excellence. The boys were taught team spirit and leadership.

“But today, the story is totally different. The school is facing serious challenges including decaying infrastructures, academic decadence, poor staffing, over population, security and sanitary problems, decaying sports culture and many more. There are over 3,000 students in GCI today with only about 20 regular teachers. Such teachers/students ratio can never produce academic excellence,” he added.

Saying the Old Boys of Government College Ibadan are probably more passionate about their school than any other because of their pedigree, he said in the last 10 years, the old boys have invested more than 150 million in the school in the form of restoration.

Calling for a partnership between the Old Boys and the Oyo State Government Jolaoso said they understand the challenges facing the State Government in terms of heavy demands on its meagre resources and are saying that the State alone cannot run on funds education.

“The old boys are ready to partner with the state government in a public private partnership arrangement. Such PPP arrangement will involve creation of new policies on the quality of both students and teachers, partnership with other alumni association and new curriculum development, establishment of a board of governors for the school, development of an infrastructional master plan including buildings, sports facilities, roads, furniture, hostels and staff, sourcing funds for the, school including endowments, grants and direct alumni intervention and restoring the values and traditions of the founding fathers,” he said.

He noted that activities lined up for the programme includes a public lecture titled: “Challenges of re-inventing quality education in Nigeria,” on Friday 17th October which will be delivered by Chairman Governing Council, Lead City University Ibadan, Prof Jide Owoeye, at Function Hall, Jogor Centre, Off Liberty Stadium Road, Ibadan.

A Jumat Service will be held by 2.00 pm on the same day at GCI Mosque, by 4.00 pm there will be a Novelty Football Match where GCIOBA Team will play against Legelu Grammar School Old Students Team.

The Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi is expected to Captain the Lagelu Old Students’ Team, during the match that would hold at the GCI Main Field Opposit Lafia Hotel, Ibadan.

The 50th Anniversary Dinner of the GCI 1964 Class Set would also hold by 6.30 pm at Kakanfo Inn Conference Centre Joyce B, Ring Road, Ibadan.

Events that would hold on Saturday at the GCI Assembly Hall are singing of songs from 9am to 10am, AGM and election of new officers, Memorial Service and group photograph.

“There will also be an unveiling of Hall of Fame and Scroll of GCIOBA honours awards recipients, new library donated by the University Press and other project at the GCIOBA house and projects site as well as a luncheon and merit award by 2.00 pm at Lalekan Are Hall, GCIOBA House Complex,” Jolaoso stated.