The St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Association (SGCOBA) has launched an Endowment and Perpetual Fund to raise resources for the modernisation of the institution and support its development for upcoming generations.

The fund will focus on upgrading infrastructure, introducing facilities for emerging areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), coding and robotics, and reviving the institution’s sports facilities.

Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, described the school as an institution synonymous with excellence, character and leadership.

Sanwo-Olu congratulated the old boys, management, staff and pupils, saying that the school had played an important role in the history of education in Lagos and Nigeria since its establishment in 1882.

“For 144 years, St. Gregory’s College has stood as a remarkable institution in the history of education in Lagos and Nigeria,” he said.

He also said the achievements of Gregorians in public service, business, academia and other professions reflected the values and character instilled by the institution.

According to him, education remained one of the most important investments any society could make in its future, noting that schools must provide young people with environments that enable them to learn, innovate and develop strong character.

He urged the students to pursue academic excellence, build strong character and develop the courage and creativity required to address the challenges of their generation.

President of SGCOBA, Francis Oluwole Kudayah, said the fund was established partly in response to the need to modernise facilities at the college.

Kudayah said the college’s hall was no longer adequate for its needs, while classrooms, the computer-based test centre, e-library and laboratories required upgrading.

He added that the institution needed facilities where students could acquire skills in AI, coding, robotics and other emerging fields.

According to him, the association also plans to revive the college’s sporting facilities, including the cricket oval and athletics field.

“Therefore, tonight, we formally launch the SGCOBA Endowment and Perpetual Fund,” Kudayah said.

He said the fund would have two major components: addressing immediate infrastructure needs at the college and securing the long-term financial future of the association.

Kudayah said the infrastructure component would cover the expansion and modernisation of the college hall and classrooms, construction of a digital hub, and upgrading of the CBT centre and e-library.

He said plans also included the construction of an indoor sports complex, installation of tartan tracks on the athletics field and modernisation of the cricket oval.

Former Chairman of the St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Association, Michael Omolayole, said he had fond memories of his years at the college as both a student and teacher.

He donated 70,000 additional NGX Group shares to the endowment fund while urging others to believe in the Nigerian capital market and consider donating shares to the fund.

Inspector-General of Police and Gregorian, Olatunji Disu, described the recognition by his alma mater as one of the most significant honours of his career.

Disu, who was honoured alongside the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, said the award demonstrated the continuing bond between Gregorians and their alma mater.

He urged students to listen to their elders, study consistently and strive for excellence.