The Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association raised over ₦1 billion in a week for its ₦10 billion Endowment Fund, launched at the college’s 94th Founders’ Day celebration.

ICOBA President, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, announced the achievement at Sunday’s Founders’ Day Luncheon and Merit Awards at Igbobi College’s Reverend Angus Memorial Hall in Yaba, Lagos.

The event, led by ICOBA Vice President Femi Soremekun’s planning committee, united alumni, guests, and stakeholders, blending tradition with ambitious goals for the future.

The President, Badejo-Okusanya described the swift fundraising success as a clear vote of confidence in Igbobi College’s future, he said “Within just seven days of the creation of the ₦10 billion Endowment Fund for Legacy and Transformation, we have crossed over the one billion Naira mark. This response reflects the deep loyalty of old boys and friends of Igbobi College.”

The endowment fund aims to sustainably finance infrastructure, scholarships, staff welfare, and academic excellence, he said. “As ICOBA, we are committed to restoring Igbobi College to its pre-eminent position by investing in innovation, character building, and leadership development,” he added. He stressed that institutional endowments play a critical role in preserving educational standards and building enduring legacies, urging alumni and stakeholders to sustain the momentum.

“This is a landmark initiative. I encourage every Old Boy to participate actively so that together we can create a lasting legacy for future generations,” he said. The 94th anniversary celebration was described as both reflective and innovative, reinforcing the college’s core values of discipline, integrity, service, and leadership.

Alumnus Prof. Anthony Kila was among the speakers, calling the luncheon and awards a key Founders’ Day tradition. The jurist and political economist noted that recognising outstanding old boys inspires others to strive for excellence.

“The ₦10 billion fund is a testament to our respect for the past, our faith in the present, and our desire to shape a brighter future for Igbobi College,” he said.

“We believe that by raising the endowment fund, we can shape the future of this school to be one of the best in Africa, if not in the world. A society that values education trains people who believe they can shape society and that is what this is all about”, the popular don added.

ICOBA’s Publicity Secretary, Femi Bankole, said the anniversary marked a fresh start for alumni engagement. “This milestone is about strengthening alumni networks, supporting teachers, and empowering students to excel academically,” he said, adding that recent achievements including strong examination results and the construction of teachers’ residential blocks reflect sustained investment in excellence.

Alumnus, Dr. Oluwayemisi Odubayo also spoke, saying ICOBA’s boosting Igbobi’s standard. “We’ve been putting in resources to make it top-notch. The ₦10 billion fund is a must; we will see a huge transformation before 100 years – it will be massive.”

Awardee, Prof. Saidi Wasiu said the ₦10 billion endowment fund represents a new level of academic advancement. “As ICOBA members, we must give it our best to hit this goal.”

ICOBA’s award is a prestigious one, given to a select few who have made a mark in their fields. Awardee Olanrewaju Kalejaiye, MD/CEO of NDWestern Limited, fits the bill. With over 30 years of experience at Chevron Nigeria, Angola, and the US, he is a heavyweight in oil and gas exploration and production.

Mr. Jimi Agbaje, former Lagos State governorship candidate and alumnus, also spoke at the event, praising ICOBA’s clear vision. He said, “Igbobi College has shaped leaders across sectors. ICOBA’s endowment initiative ensures this legacy endures and grows stronger.

The Founders’ Day celebration kicked off with a church service and wrapped up with dining and dancing as prominent alumni many old schoolmates reminisced and reaffirmed their loyalty to Igbobi.

ICOBA’s ₦10 billion target, with over ₦1 billion already raised, underscores their drive to protect Igbobi College’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s most historic educational institutions.

The endowment fund was launched on Feb. 2 at the 94th Founders’ Day event, featuring Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s lecture on ‘Building Generational Strength for Educational Institutions in Nigeria’.