FASHOLA, OTHERS RECALL GOOD OLD DAYS AS IGBOBI COLLEGE MARKS 79YRS ANNIVERSARY

• Governor Fashola congratulating Engr. Fisher after receiving his award from Igbobi College old boys asociation

 
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and some Old Boys of Igbobi College, Yaba-Lagos have described their stay in the mission school as a memorable one that was characterized by high quality education as well as moral virtues learnt from the teachers.

Fashola and the old boys spoke at the 79th Founders' Day anniversary and merit award ceremony. Other prominent old boys who witnessed the occasion include former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Ayo Banjo, Ambassador Olujimi Jolaosho, former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Pa Vincent Ola, former Director General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, Professor Gabriel Olusanya, and former Federal Commissioner for Works, Chief Femi Okunnu.

Before the merit award event, a thanksgiving service was held at Rev. Allen Angus Memorial Hall. Officiated by Very Rev. Yinka Omololu, past Provost, Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, who in his homily commended the old boys for battling to restore the old glory of Igbobi College, while urging them to work for justice and equality, he also challenged Christians in politics to make the difference in service to the nation.

Noting that Igbobians can be found in various fields contributing their quota to the growth of the nation, Omololu further remarked that the desire of those who founded the college was that the products would be worthy ambassadors.

Speaking during the merit award ceremony, the President, Igbobi College Old Boys Association, Mr. Lanre Keleko, told the gathering that they are working hard to restore the lost glory of the college in academics and sports. He promised that with the new master plan things would soon take shape noting that 'we are ready to offer the present students sound education that we received during our time. This is the time to fast track the development of the college.'

Keleko revealed that the college has produced prominent Nigerians while arrangements are on ground to celebrate the 80 years Founders' Day of the college. Governor Fashola who is an old boy of the college told Daily Sun after the event that 'this is where I was made. This school has produced two governors; it has supplied Lagos and Nigeria quality leaders in various capacities.'

Reiterating that fact, he said: 'Igbobi College is one of the schools that moulded my character. The schools I attended had a very significance role in defining my character, impacted knowledge that defined clearly what I became in life. The interesting about me is that I am a complete Nigerian story; I have never received any education outside this country. So, all my education was here. I have never done one day course or training outside of Nigeria and there are so many people like me who received education here and I think we can do it again for these young kids.' Finally, he urged that 'what Igbobi College has contributed in the past, it must surpass it and reproduce it in future.'

Making public his own reminiscence, the Publicity Secretary of the Old Boys Association, Brigadier-General Ayo Vaughan said during his education at the college, things were good compared to the present situation. 'We were fed well, it is not possible today. The old boys are trying to keep the flag flying, Igbobi College was and is still a disciplined school. To some extent, it was like a regimental and that is what prepared me for the Army'.

He disclosed that in the area of academics during their time, the college did well in the external examinations, sports and other extra-curricula activities but was quick to add that the current poor academic performance in WAEC and NECO, which he described as a national issue, is not restricted to the college alone.

Asked to make some comparisons, Mr. Pally Lawson of the 65-71 set said the type of education they received is totally different from what the present students are getting. In terms of facilities, he said 'the facilities are nowhere comparable to what they had in their own time.' The government's take-over of schools, he noted regrettably, did not help the college in terms of academics and discipline. Recalling the good old days, Lawson who was the Head Boy, during his set, said that the knowledge and discipline they acquired made them what they are today in the society.

Mr. Tokunbo Famoroti, of 72-72 set and who revealed to Daily Sun that he is visiting the college for the first time after graduation said they received the best of education from dedicated staff and that the moral upbringing was second to none. Expressing his disappointment at the state of facilities, he called on the old boys to work hard to address the situation.

Five old boys, Engr. Babatunde Adekunle Fisher, Dr. Osborne Philip, Dr. Lovett Lawson, Dr. Daru Owei and Mr. Fisoye Delano were honoured with the ICOBA merit award for their contributions in their chosen fields while four teachers were rewarded for their students' outstanding performance in the WASSCE May/June 2010.