By Marvellous Nyang
February 3, 2026
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for a strong national focus on foundational education, sustainable financing and leadership formation as he addressed the 94th Founders’ Day celebration of Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos, on Monday.
Osinbajo spoke during the event themed “Building generational strength for educational institutions in Nigeria,” where he highlighted the critical role of schools in shaping character, discipline and long‑term national leadership capacity.
Describing many Nigerian schools as “broken” and “underfunded,” he said the nation is paying a heavy price for neglecting foundational education and urged alumni, educators and policymakers to invest in structures that sustain learning environments and values over generations.
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“The discipline of waking up early and adhering to rules in secondary school are parts of what build great leaders,” Osinbajo said, stressing that the habits and ethical instincts that guide adults are formed early in life.
He also advocated the establishment of sustainable financial frameworks, including endowment funds, to support educational institutions so they can withstand economic cycles and maintain standards.
The celebration also marked the launch of a proposed N10 billion Igbobi College Endowment Fund aimed at securing long‑term funding for infrastructure, scholarships and academic programmes.
Osinbajo, an alumnus of the school, said investing in education’s future is an investment in the country’s future and urged stakeholders to be deliberate about building financial strength for institutions that mould tomorrow’s leaders.
The event attracted old boys, educators, students and notable guests who participated in a communion service, lecture and discussions on strategies to strengthen the school’s legacy and impact.
