The Managing Director of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has called on former students of Igbobi College, Lagos, to increase their contributions towards modernising the institution and improving its educational facilities.
Sawyerr, who is also an alumnus of the college, said the school needed sustained investment to upgrade its infrastructure and maintain an environment that supports quality education. He made the appeal during the institution’s 91st inter-house sports competition held on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Reflecting on his return to the school, Sawyerr observed that several of its older buildings had remained largely unchanged since his time as a student more than five decades ago. Although the structures appeared to have received some maintenance over the years, he believed more deliberate efforts were necessary to improve the facilities.
According to him, the responsibility of preserving and developing the institution should not rest on occasional interventions. Rather, old students should become more actively involved in providing the resources needed to address infrastructure challenges.
He particularly encouraged the alumni community to consider how it could mobilise greater support for the college, stressing that ageing buildings and facilities require continuous attention to prevent deterioration.
Sawyerr’s appeal comes as Nigerian educational institutions continue to face the challenge of maintaining existing facilities while responding to changing expectations around modern learning environments.
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Igbobi College Alumni Target ₦10bn Development Fund
The First Vice-President of the Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association, Femi Soremekun, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to improving the institution through infrastructure development, scholarships and other educational support programmes.
Soremekun disclosed that the association was reviewing the school’s master plan to establish its immediate needs and develop a structured programme for long-term development.
He also revealed that the association had set a ₦10 billion target for its endowment fund, with more than ₦3 billion already secured through contributions and financial commitments from former students.
The initiative is expected to provide a more sustainable financial foundation for the institution rather than relying solely on occasional donations and fundraising activities.
Among the projects already supported by the alumni community are the renovation of student dormitories, construction of additional facilities and provision of accommodation for staff. These interventions are also intended to make the school more attractive to qualified teachers.
Beyond infrastructure, the association has continued to support students through scholarship opportunities and programmes aimed at improving academic standards.
Soremekun explained that the old boys’ association also maintains an institutional relationship with the school’s owners and participates in its governance through representation on the Board of Governors.
Sawyerr Connects Sportsmanship With Educational Support
Beyond the infrastructure appeal, Sawyerr used the occasion to encourage students to pursue excellence in academics and sporting activities while maintaining fairness and consideration for others.
He drew a connection between the principles of sportsmanship and the objectives of NELFUND, noting that both emphasise the importance of supporting individuals who may require assistance to progress.
The NELFUND chief encouraged students to recognise that people have different strengths and abilities, urging those who perform better in particular areas to support their colleagues rather than leave them behind.
He also described his return to Igbobi College as an emotional and memorable experience, particularly because the annual competition reminded him of his own participation in school sports more than 50 years ago.
In his address, the college’s Principal, Oyewale Adediji, highlighted the importance of the inter-house sports competition in promoting discipline, teamwork, integrity and excellence among students.
Adediji urged participants to respect their opponents, compete fairly and demonstrate good character, explaining that the lessons students acquire through sports extend beyond the school environment.
He also acknowledged the contributions of parents, teachers, the Board of Governors and the old boys’ association towards the institution’s continued development.
At the conclusion of the competition, Aggrey House, represented by the Blue team, emerged as the overall winner. Parker House, the Purple team, finished as first runner-up, while Oluwole House, the Yellow team, secured third position. Freeman and Townsend Houses also participated.
Back Story: Igbobi College’s Push for Long-Term Development
Founded in 1932 by the Anglican and Methodist Missions, Igbobi College is one of Nigeria’s established secondary schools, with a history spanning more than nine decades. Its alumni network includes individuals who have contributed to different sectors of the Nigerian economy and public life.
However, preserving the school’s historical reputation while responding to contemporary educational needs requires more than maintaining its existing structures.
In June 2026, the Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association formally advanced its ₦10 billion endowment initiative, designed to provide sustainable financial support for the institution’s development.
According to a report on the endowment fund, the initiative is expected to support infrastructure modernisation, curriculum development, scholarships and technology-driven learning, including plans for a modern technology hub.
The association’s broader fundraising strategy reflects an effort to involve alumni across different generations, alongside corporate organisations and other potential partners.
With more than ₦3 billion reportedly secured towards its target, the initiative represents a significant step towards establishing a dependable funding structure for the school’s future.
Sawyerr’s latest appeal reinforces the importance of sustaining that commitment, particularly as Igbobi College approaches its centenary in 2032. For the institution, the challenge is not simply preserving its past but ensuring that future generations receive an educational experience that reflects the demands of a changing world.
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