Makinde Commissions Solar-Powered Science Labs Donated by Emadeb Energy CEO at Government College Ibadan

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated newly renovated and fully equipped Chemistry and Physics laboratories at Government College, Ibadan, donated by Adebowale Olujimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb Energy Group and a member of the Class of 1985.

The multi-million naira project was executed through the Emadeb Development Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Emadeb Energy Group, and was commissioned on Saturday during the 2026 Annual General Meeting and reunion of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association.

Makinde cut the ceremonial tape and unveiled the commemorative plaque to formally open the facilities for use by students and teachers. The laboratories are powered by a 24-kilovolt-ampere solar energy system.

Speaking at the ceremony, Olujimi said returning to GCI after many years evoked deep nostalgia, recalling his days on the hockey pitch and the 100-metre track close to the laboratory block. “This field was a hockey pitch. I used to love hockey and we used to run on this field, 100 metres,” he said.

Olujimi said the decision to renovate the laboratories followed his discovery of their deteriorated condition during an earlier visit. “When we came here, we saw what was obtainable in these two laboratories. That time, they were very, very top-notch, from any best school all around the world. I just felt like we can do better,” he said.

He commended the old boys association under the leadership of Dr Wale Babalakin for raising billions of naira to rebuild the school, citing interventions by Nigeria LNG, Aradel Holdings and several class sets. “We have a huge set of people from this school who are in different fields all over the world. So in our own little way, we are giving back,” Olujimi said.

He described the intervention as a starting point ahead of his set’s reunion, pledging sustained support through yearly stakeholders’ engagement. “This is a starting point. We are committed to yearly stakeholders’ engagement to give back and collaborate with the state,” he said.

Olujimi also urged current students to remain hopeful about Nigeria’s future. “There is no country like Nigeria. We are so blessed. Those learning here have the future leaders among them. The future is so bright for Nigeria,” he said.

Government College Ibadan was founded in 1929 and modeled along British public boarding schools. Its former students include Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, former Oyo State Governor Victor Olunloyo, former ambassador to Britain Christopher Kolade and lawyer and businessman Wale Babalakin, who chairs the old boys’ board of trustees.