By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ibadan, Oyo State — December 28, 2025
Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has pledged to mobilise at least ₦500 million for landmark infrastructural and academic projects at Bishop Phillips Academy (BPA), Ibadan, as members of the school’s 1985 graduating set reunited to celebrate 40 years after leaving the institution.
The reunion, which held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, brought together former classmates who reflected on their formative years at the historic Anglican secondary school, widely regarded as one of Ibadan’s foremost citadels of learning.
Sharing details of the gathering on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Makinde described the reunion as deeply nostalgic, noting that the experience reinforced his commitment to giving back to the school that helped shape his early life.
“It was lovely to join my former classmates from the 1985 set to mark 40 years after we finished from Bishop Phillips Academy, Ibadan,” the governor wrote. “We reminisced about the good times during our stay in school.”
Beyond the reunion’s celebratory tone, the governor announced a concrete commitment to the school’s development, revealing plans to spearhead a major fundraising drive among friends, classmates and associates.
“To commemorate our 40th anniversary, I promised to rally my friends and associates to raise at least ₦500 million for landmark projects at our alma mater,” Makinde stated.
According to him, the projects are expected to focus on areas that will have long-term impact on students’ learning environment and the school’s overall capacity to deliver quality education, although specific project details will be unveiled in due course.
To ensure transparency and effective execution, the 1985 set also agreed to constitute a seven-man committee to coordinate, monitor and supervise the proposed interventions. The committee members are Foluso Olatunji, Sade Okediji, Kolawole Olalekan, Peluola Ladeji, Samson Olatunji, Omolara Ayinla, and Seye Popoola.
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The initiative has been described by observers as another example of Makinde’s consistent emphasis on education as a cornerstone of development. As governor, he has repeatedly prioritised investments in school infrastructure, teacher welfare and access to education across Oyo State.
Founded in 1956, Bishop Phillips Academy has produced notable alumni across politics, academia, business and public service. The Class of ’85 reunion and fundraising pledge are expected to further strengthen the school’s alumni-driven development culture and inspire similar initiatives from other graduating sets.
With planning already underway, stakeholders and members of the public are keenly watching how the promised ₦500 million intervention will translate into tangible improvements at the Ibadan-based institution in the months ahead.
