Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Rahmon Bello, alongside distinguished alumni of Yewa (Egbado) College, has unveiled a ₦20 billion Endowment Fund aimed at driving infrastructural development within the historic institution.
The announcement was made during a well-attended event at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where stakeholders gathered to commemorate the college’s 75th anniversary and reaffirm their commitment to its future.
Speaking at the launch, the National President of YECOSA, Prince (Arc) Dasaolu Olaniyi Oladimeji, described the initiative as a deliberate effort to give back to the institution that laid the foundation for their personal and professional growth. He noted that as the first secondary school established in Yewaland, the college has played a transformative role in producing accomplished men and women across various sectors.
According to him, while alumni have consistently contributed to the school’s development at individual and set levels over the years, the endowment fund represents a more structured and collective approach to sustainable growth. He emphasized that marking the school’s 75th milestone would be incomplete without a bold intervention capable of securing its infrastructural advancement for future generations.
Prince (Arc) Dasaolu Olaniyi Oladimeji further acknowledged the realities facing public education, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the full responsibility of institutional development. While the state continues to recruit and engage teachers, he explained that the newly launched endowment fund is designed to complement those efforts, particularly in addressing infrastructural needs.
He commended the unwavering commitment of both old boys and old girls of the college, describing their collective backing as a testament to the enduring bond shared among alumni and their alma mater.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Ashirudeen Adelowo Maliki, revealed that preparations for the endowment initiative began over a year ago. According to him, extensive consultations were held with individuals and corporate organisations well before the public unveiling.
He described the launch event as the culmination of months of groundwork and strategic engagement, expressing satisfaction with the level of support received so far. Maliki added that the intervention is expected to significantly reposition the college and elevate it to greater heights.
In his remarks, Rahmon Bello reflected on the profound influence the institution had on its alumni. He emphasized that beyond academic excellence, the college instilled discipline, character, and a culture of well-rounded development through extracurricular engagement.
According to him, although student population and infrastructural pressures have increased compared to earlier decades, the need for alumni involvement has become even more critical. He encouraged former students to continue serving as mentors and sources of inspiration to the current generation.
The Principal of Yewa (Egbado) College, Mr. Masanwo Sunday Adegbemiga, expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. He noted that while alumni have consistently contributed to the college’s progress over the years, the structured endowment represents a major step toward modernising facilities in an institution with a 75-year legacy.
Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, praised the alumni’s commitment. He affirmed that the state government welcomes collaborative efforts that strengthen its mandate of delivering quality education in a conducive learning environment.