The Class That Built a Nation: Dr. Olunloyo and the Legacy of His GCI Classmates

This is the concluding part of a six-part article series to celebrate the legacy of Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo (1935–2025)

Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo’s life is a mosaic of remarkable achievements in education, engineering, and leadership. But perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of his journey is the untold stories of his classmates, many of whom have gone on to become legends in their own right. 

These individuals, who shared classrooms and corridors with Dr. Olunloyo at the Government College, Ibadan, have made indelible marks in the sands of time with their remarkable accomplishments and very significant contributions to building the foundations for modern Nigeria.

In this concluding part of our series, we take a closer look at the untold stories of these trailblazers, illustrating how Dr. Olunloyo’s legacy is not just his own, but also the collective legacy of a remarkable generation of Nigerian minds.

Dr. Olunloyo’s legacy is powerful—but did you know many of his classmates were equally impactful? Discover the untold stories of a generation that helped build modern Nigeria. Share on X

Government College, Ibadan (GCI), which Dr Olunloyo attended upon gaining admission in 1948, was a crucible for many of Nigeria’s best and brightest. The education they received, coupled with their collective vision for a better Nigeria, set the stage for transformative work that would shape the country in ways that have often gone unrecognised.

GCI was known for its academic rigour, which produced leaders who excelled in various spheres, from medicine to engineering to the arts. Dr. Olunloyo’s classmates were no exception. Many were just as groundbreaking in their fields and their impact on Nigeria is undeniable, yet their stories remain underreported. 

Some of these unsung heroes include:

• Ifedayo Oladapo – The engineer who designed the Third Mainland Bridge, a very significant contribution to infrastructure development in Nigeria.
• Prof. Michael Bankole – A groundbreaking surgeon who performed Nigeria’s first successful separation of Siamese twins, changing the face of medical practice in the country.
• Demola Idowu – A journalist who rose to prominence as the editor of the Sketch newspaper, leaving a legacy in Nigerian media.
• Dr. Francis Owosina – A foremost orthopaedic surgeon who pioneered hip replacement and spinal surgery. Among other things, he brought global acclaim to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos during his tenure as medical director between 1977 and 1989. He was widely regarded as the best orthopaedic surgeon Nigeria has produced.
• Sunny Jegede – A prominent businessman and former Managing Director of Total PLC, who made invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s corporate sector.
• Dr. Ikedionwu – The Chief Medical Officer of the entire South East at a time.
• HK Aderibigbe – A dynamic businessman who served as MD of Livestock Feeds, influencing the agricultural industry.
• Owoade Olukoya – The Managing Director of Pfizer, who was a key player in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Dr. Lekan Are – A notable entrepreneur and founder of Kakanfo Inn, contributing to the hospitality sector.

Legacy is not only about personal achievement, but also about the people you walk with and what you build together. Share on X

While individual achievement is important, the collective impact of these great minds cannot be overstated. As we reflect on Dr. Olunloyo’s legacy, we must also recognize the untold stories of those who walked alongside him, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s progress. 

By telling these stories, we honour not only Dr. Olunloyo’s legacy but also the collective legacy of a generation that helped to shape Nigeria’s future. Their achievements deserve to be celebrated and future generations of leaders should learn from their example.