Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has called on former students of Igbobi College, Lagos, to increase their support for the institution’s infrastructure development, warning that more investment is needed to preserve and improve the school’s facilities.
Sawyerr made the appeal during the school’s 91st inter-house sports competition held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, where he reflected on the condition of the institution and encouraged its alumni to take a more active role in improving its physical infrastructure.
The NELFUND chief executive, who attended Igbobi College as a student and participated in its sporting activities more than five decades ago, said the institution’s older buildings remained largely unchanged despite efforts to maintain them.
His remarks highlighted the importance of sustained alumni involvement in strengthening educational institutions, particularly schools with long histories and established communities of former students.
Sawyerr Calls for Greater Alumni Commitment
According to a report by Punch, Sawyerr said that although Igbobi College appeared to have received reasonable maintenance, its infrastructure required further improvements.
He expressed particular interest in seeing former students contribute more actively towards upgrading the school’s facilities and preventing its ageing buildings from deteriorating.
The NELFUND managing director emphasised that maintaining educational infrastructure requires continuous attention rather than occasional interventions.
His appeal comes as educational institutions across Nigeria continue to face the challenge of maintaining facilities while responding to changing academic, sporting and student welfare needs.
Old Boys’ Association Sets ₦10 Billion Endowment Target
The Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association has also outlined its commitment to supporting the institution through infrastructure development, scholarships and other educational interventions.
The association’s First Vice-President, Femi Soremekun, said it was reviewing the school’s master plan to identify priority areas and develop a long-term programme for its improvement.
He disclosed that the association had established an endowment fund target of ₦10 billion, with more than ₦3 billion already secured through contributions and financial commitments from former students.
The fundraising initiative is expected to support long-term investments in the school’s facilities and educational programmes.
Soremekun said previous interventions by former students included the refurbishment of dormitories, construction of new facilities and provision of accommodation for staff.
The staff accommodation initiative is intended to help the institution attract and retain qualified teachers, an important factor in maintaining educational standards.
He added that alumni contributions also support scholarships for students and other programmes designed to strengthen academic performance.
The association works with the school’s owners and participates in its governance through the Board of Governors, providing an institutional framework for alumni involvement in its development.
Igbobi College Marks 91st Inter-House Sports Competition
The event also provided an opportunity for the school’s leadership to reinforce the importance of discipline, teamwork, integrity and fair competition among students.
Principal Oyewale Adediji said the annual inter-house sports competition reflected values that the institution seeks to develop beyond the classroom.
He encouraged students to respect their opponents, compete fairly and demonstrate good character, noting that sporting activities help young people develop qualities that remain important throughout their lives.
Adediji also acknowledged the contributions of parents, teachers, the Board of Governors and the old boys’ association to the school’s development.
At the end of the competition, Aggrey (Blue) House emerged overall winner.
Parker (Purple) House finished as the first runner-up, while Oluwole (Yellow) House secured third position. Freeman (Green) House and Townsend (Red) House also participated in the competition.
Why the Alumni Support Matters
Sawyerr’s appeal draws attention to the role former students can play in sustaining educational institutions beyond their individual years of attendance.
For schools with established alumni networks, contributions from former students can provide additional resources for infrastructure, scholarships, teacher support and improvements to learning environments.
The ₦10 billion endowment target announced by the Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association represents a significant fundraising ambition. The more than ₦3 billion reportedly secured through contributions and commitments provides an indication of the financial support already mobilised towards that objective.
However, the long-term impact will depend on how effectively the association translates its fundraising commitments into completed projects and sustainable improvements.
For Igbobi College, the challenge is not only preserving its historical buildings but also ensuring that its facilities continue to meet the needs of present and future generations of students.
The development also illustrates the importance of cooperation between school authorities, alumni, parents and other stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.
What Happens Next?
The Old Boys’ Association’s review of the school master plan is expected to help establish priorities for future infrastructure projects and guide its long-term development programme.
The association’s ₦10 billion endowment target also provides a framework for continued fundraising and investment in the institution.
Sawyerr’s appeal reinforces the need for sustained alumni participation, while the association’s ongoing initiatives demonstrate existing efforts to improve facilities and educational opportunities.
The effectiveness of these commitments will ultimately be measured by the improvements delivered to the school and the benefits they provide to students.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
– Punch Newspapers – NELFUND MD seeks more support for Igbobi College infrastructure. October 30, 2026.
