Stanbic IBTC Bank Transforms St. James’ Catholic Grammar School as Principal Hails Landmark Educational Intervention
The atmosphere at St. James’ Catholic Grammar School, Ondo City, was filled with joy, gratitude, and celebration as the school officially received newly renovated facilities executed under the Corporate Social Initiative (CSI) Project of Stanbic IBTC Bank.
The historic handover ceremony, held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, marked a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward educational excellence and infrastructural advancement.
Delivering her welcome address, the Principal, MS. Folasade yekan, described the occasion as a memorable and transformative moment in the history of the school. She expressed profound appreciation to Stanbic IBTC Bank for its exceptional commitment to educational development, noting that the intervention represents far more than a physical renovation project.
According to her, the initiative is a shining example of corporate responsibility, visionary leadership, and investment in the future of Nigerian children through quality education.
MS. Oyekan highlighted the extensive scope of the project, which included the renovation of Block A housing Senior Secondary School II and III classrooms, the rehabilitation of Block G accommodating Junior Secondary School III students, the construction of a modern six-room toilet facility, and the upgrading of an existing three-room toilet block. She noted that the project has significantly improved the learning environment by creating a safer, healthier, and more conducive atmosphere for both teaching and learning, while also boosting sanitation standards, staff morale, and students’ academic experiences.
The Principal paid glowing tribute to Mr. Kehinde Oladuji, a distinguished former teacher of the institution, whose unwavering passion and dedication played a pivotal role in attracting the prestigious project to the school. She also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the former Principal, Dr. Adebayo Famakinwa, whose foresight, commitment, and groundwork laid the foundation for the successful realization of the intervention before his transfer to Ondo Boys’ High School. She described the project’s completion as a testament to continuity in leadership, collective commitment, and a shared vision for the advancement of St. James’ Catholic Grammar School.
Speaking on behalf of the management, staff, students, parents, and alumni of the institution, MS Oyekan conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Board, Management, and Staff of Stanbic IBTC Bank for what she described as an extraordinary gift to the school community. She also appreciated the administration of the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as well as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, for their support throughout the execution of the project. While assuring that the facilities would be properly maintained and preserved for future generations, she appealed for further support towards the rehabilitation of other ageing structures within the school. She concluded by reaffirming the institution’s commitment to excellence and thanked all guests for their presence, which she said reflects a collective dedication to educational advancement, youth development, and community progress.
The ceremony stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that strategic partnerships between corporate organizations and educational institutions can achieve. For St. James’ Catholic Grammar School, the Stanbic IBTC intervention has not only renewed infrastructure but has also rekindled hope, strengthened learning opportunities, and laid a stronger foundation for generations of students to come.
It is worthy of special mention that the official commissioning of this monumental project was graciously carried out by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ondo State, Professor Igbekele Amos Ajibefun, ably supported by the distinguished Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Akindele Ige.
Their participation added prestige to the occasion and further demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the Ondo State Government to educational excellence and sustainable infrastructural development.