3 weeks ago
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L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; President, GCIOBA, Dr Wale Babalakin; Vice President, Tola Obembe, at the commissioning of one of the seven projects.
Re-elected National President of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association, Dr Olawale Babalakin, has said teachers employed by the association will receive their salaries on or before the 25th of every month, starting in October.
This commitment was made during the commissioning of several multi-million-naira infrastructure projects in celebration of the school’s 95th anniversary.
Babalakin reiterated the association’s dedication to improving teacher welfare.
“In October 2024, salaries will be paid on or before the 25th of every month. Donors should ensure that their commitments are fulfilled well in advance to allow for effective financial planning,” he stated.
Babalakin also shared that the association’s Teachers’ Support Fund currently supports 20 teachers, with plans to increase that number to 45.
“We aim to employ 45 exceptional teachers to raise the standard of education at GCI,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of the North American branch, which funds eight teachers and two technical staff, along with support from other Old Boys for 10 additional teachers.
GCIOBA General Secretary, Lanre Olubi, outlined an ambitious 25-year plan to elevate GCI to one of the top ten schools in Nigeria. “Over the past year, we engaged Price Waterhouse Cooper to develop a roadmap for ensuring GCI becomes number one. This plan includes milestones to measure our progress.
“In the next five years, we want GCI to be among the top ten schools in the country. Our alumni are committed to this goal, and while we are making strides in infrastructural renewal, we plan to focus next year on enhancing the quality of teachers and students,” Olubi noted.
He revealed the necessity of ongoing support from Old Boys to achieve these goals, particularly in attracting and retaining quality teachers.
“GCIOBA is one of the most formidable old boy associations, but we face funding challenges and would like more alumni to take on responsibilities,” he said.
During the week-long celebration, former acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Adebisi Shonubi, delivered a lecture titled, “How, What We Do?”
He stressed the significance of teacher quality in enhancing student outcomes, defining it as the way teachers employ their knowledge and skills to create meaningful learning experiences.
“The interaction between students and teachers and the teachers’ behavior greatly influence educational outcomes,” Shonubi remarked.
The school has seen significant transformation due to the completion of several infrastructure projects funded by the Old Boys Association, which were officially commissioned by Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Notable projects include the renovation of the Principal’s Lodge by the 1964 set, the construction of Grier House by Dr Babalakin (1971), the refurbishment of the football pitch by the September 1973 set, and the dining hall upgraded by Demola Odutola (1970).
Additional renovations have been made to the assembly hall, technical drawing building, buttery, and quadrangle buildings.
Governor Makinde praised the Old Boys for their dedication to revitalising GCI and emphasised their vital role in addressing infrastructure gaps in education.
“Only the gifted will be sent here,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to supporting their efforts for a brighter future for Nigerian children.
