_...Raises ₦30m for College's Endowment Fund_
_...Calls for More Alumni Support to Upgrade Facilities_
Ogene Romanus Chizoba
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, has raised ₦30 million for the Igbobi College Endowment Fund while calling on old students of the prestigious institution to intensify their support for its development, particularly in upgrading ageing infrastructure and improving learning facilities.
Sawyerr, who chaired the 91st Annual Inter-House Sports Competition of Igbobi College, made the appeal on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during the colourful sporting event held at the school's sports ground in Yaba, Lagos.
The NELFUND chief executive, who is also an alumnus of the institution, used the occasion to reflect on his memorable years as a student and athlete more than five decades ago, expressing excitement at returning to his alma mater and witnessing the continued commitment to sporting excellence and character development.
However, while commending the school for maintaining its existing facilities, Sawyerr observed that several of its old buildings had remained largely unchanged since his days as a student, stressing the need for sustained investment in infrastructure and modern learning facilities.
He challenged members of the Igbobi College Old Boys' Association to take greater collective responsibility for the institution's continued growth, particularly by strengthening their contributions towards the renovation and development of critical facilities.
According to him, one of his major interests was how old students could work together more effectively to improve the school's infrastructure and create a more conducive learning environment for present and future generations.
Drawing inspiration from the sporting activities, Sawyerr also connected the values of sportsmanship with the philosophy behind the student loan initiative administered by NELFUND, emphasising the importance of supporting individuals who need assistance to achieve their aspirations.
He encouraged the students to pursue excellence in both academics and sports while upholding fairness, discipline, teamwork and consideration for others. He further reminded them that individuals possess different strengths and abilities, urging them to recognise these differences and always carry one another along in their journey towards success.
In his opening address as Chairman of the Occasion, Sawyerr described the competition as an opportunity to celebrate sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline and healthy rivalry, noting that sporting activities build character, promote unity and teach young people the importance of perseverance and fair play.
He urged all participating houses to give their best, respect one another and compete with integrity, stressing that although winning is exciting, participation, courage and sportsmanship are equally important.
He also commended the school management, teachers, coaches, parents and organisers for their dedication and collective efforts in making the 91st edition of the competition possible.
Meanwhile, the First Vice-President of the Igbobi College Old Boys' Association, Mr. Femi Soremekun, reaffirmed the association's commitment to supporting the institution through infrastructure development, scholarships and other strategic interventions.
Soremekun disclosed that the association was reviewing the school's master plan to identify its developmental priorities and establish a sustainable long-term development programme.
He further revealed that the association had set an ambitious ₦10 billion endowment fund target, with more than ₦3 billion already secured through cash contributions and commitments from old students.
According to him, the association had also supported the renovation of student dormitories, construction of new facilities and provision of staff accommodation to attract and retain qualified teachers.
He added that old students continued to provide scholarships and invest in initiatives aimed at strengthening academic standards, while working closely with the school's owners and participating in its governance through the Board of Governors.
In his remarks, the Principal of Igbobi College, Mr. Oyewale Adediji, described the annual inter-house sports competition as a reflection of the institution's longstanding commitment to discipline, teamwork, integrity and excellence.
Adediji urged participants to compete fairly, respect their opponents and demonstrate good character, emphasising that sporting activities help develop essential values that extend beyond the classroom.
He also appreciated parents, members of staff, the Board of Governors and the Old Boys' Association for their invaluable contributions to the institution's growth and development.
At the conclusion of the keenly contested competition, Aggrey (Blue) House emerged overall champion, while Parker (Purple) House finished as first runner-up and Oluwole (Yellow) House secured third position. Freeman (Green) and Townsend (Red) Houses also participated in the competition.
Sawyerr's ₦30 million fundraising contribution and passionate appeal for increased alumni investment further reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in preserving the legacy of historic educational institutions.
His return to Igbobi College was therefore more than a reunion with his alma mater; it was also an opportunity to inspire renewed commitment towards institutional development, educational excellence and the empowerment of the next generation.
The 91st Annual Inter-House Sports Competition once again demonstrated Igbobi College's enduring dedication to holistic education, where academic achievement, sporting excellence, discipline, leadership and character formation remain central to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Editorial note: The report distinguishes Sawyerr's ₦30 million fundraising contribution from the Old Boys' Association's separate ₦10 billion endowment target, of which over ₦3 billion had reportedly been secured through contributions and commitments. This avoids presenting the figures as the same fund-raising milestone.