Loyola College G85 Class Marks 40th Reunion in Grand Style
By Akinwale Kasali
It was a moment steeped in nostalgia and pride as the Old Students of Loyola College, Ibadan, Class of 1985 — fondly known as G85 — reunited to celebrate their 40th Anniversary in grand style.
From across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and beyond, the alumni converged on their beloved alma mater, dressed in their old school uniforms, their voices rising in unison as they sang the Loyola anthem. With hands on their chests and eyes glistening with emotion, the sight evoked memories of four decades of brotherhood, shared discipline, and lifelong friendship.
The week-long celebration, marking their Ruby Jubilee, featured a public lecture on “The Menace of Drug Abuse Among Students” delivered by Professor Jubril Abdulmalik, Consultant Psychiatrist and
Founder of the Asido Foundation.
Addressing over 500 students, Prof. Abdulmalik warned of the grave dangers of drug abuse, noting that adolescents often face challenges such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviour, all of which can be worsened by loneliness and peer pressure.
He stressed the need for government, schools, parents, religious bodies, and the media to intensify awareness campaigns to deter young people from drug use.
,“The government must go beyond arresting drug peddlers — they should be prosecuted and made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
“Also, schools that expel students for failing drug tests only worsen the problem. Instead, such students should undergo rehabilitation and be reintegrated into society. Mistakes can be corrected if proper measures are in place.”
Prof. Abdulmalik appealed to students to shun drugs, warning that substance abuse destroys destinies and shortens life spans.
As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility and commitment to giving back, the G85 Set commissioned a series of legacy projects for the school — including the construction of a borehole, installation of a solar power system, renovation of key facilities, and reconstruction of the school’s food shed. The group also donated notebooks to more than 500 students.
Chief Adewale Oyewo, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, expressed gratitude to members who travelled from across the globe for the historic occasion. He noted that the G85 Set had illuminated the school, both literally and figuratively.
“Before now, the school suffered from darkness and lack of water,” Oyewo said. “We fixed the borehole, installed solar panels, and built a water reservoir at the second gate. The school is now cleaner, safer, and has potable water for students and staff.”
He added that a medical outreach was also held for staff and members of the public as part of the anniversary activities. Oyewo prayed for continued life and good health for all members of the G85 Set, promising that the 50th anniversary — their Golden Jubilee — would be even more memorable.
The celebrations culminated in a grand dinner and awards night at Koltol Hotel and Suites, Ibadan, where distinguished teachers were honoured for their roles in shaping the lives of the old boys.
In his address, Prof. Babatunde Adedibu, President of the G85 Set, described the reunion as a “landmark occasion — a celebration of endurance, friendship, and the transformative power of education.”
“This reunion is more than a homecoming,” Adedibu said. “It is a bridge between the past and the present — a reminder of how far we have come and an inspiration for how far we must still go. We honour our teachers and classmates who are no longer with us and pledge to uphold the values Loyola instilled in us: discipline, service, excellence, and faith.”
Mrs Olaniran Adeola, Principal of the Junior School, commended the G85 Set for their enduring loyalty and contributions to the development of the college.
“Your projects and mentorship are inspiring the younger generation,” she said. “You have set a noble example of what it means to give back.”
