Global Ready: Equip students to succeed worldwide

Overview

When Alumni Return to Inspire the Next Generation on 9th February 2026.

Students were deeply inspired when an alumnus returned to GCI to share how his journey from their school led him to study geology and build an international career. Hearing firsthand about perseverance, education, and opportunity helped students imagine new possibilities for their own futures.

The mentorship session commenced at 4:00 PM with students seated and prepared for the engagement. The students formally welcomed the guest facilitator and school principal, establishing a respectful and attentive atmosphere.

Mr. Adeniran, Secretary of the GCIOBA Canada Branch (Class of 1977, Swanston House), introduced himself by reflecting on his identity as an alumnus of the school. He quickly built rapport by reminding the students that he once occupied the same classrooms nearly five decades ago.

He shared his academic journey, beginning from secondary school through his admission to the University of Ibadan, where he studied Geology. During the session, he emphasized the importance of discipline, curiosity, and consistency in achieving academic success, while also introducing students to the global relevance of geology as a scientific field.

The discussion later expanded to his professional journey, including his career experiences and relocation first to the United States and later to Canada. He highlighted adaptability, continuous learning, and openness to opportunities as critical qualities that allowed him to successfully transition into fields beyond his original academic specialization.

Key Observations

Several important observations emerged during the session:

• High Student Engagement: Students listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and actively participated in discussions.
• Improved Career Awareness: Exposure to a non-linear career journey broadened students’ understanding of diverse professional pathways.
• Strengthened Motivation: The message that discipline, determination, and self-belief can overcome background limitations resonated strongly with the students.
• Stronger Alumni Connection: Direct interaction with an alumnus reinforced students’ sense of belonging and aspiration.

Impact

The session contributed meaningfully to students’ personal and academic development by:

• Strengthening confidence and self-belief
• Expanding awareness of career flexibility and global opportunities
• Reinforcing the values of discipline, consistency, and long-term planning
• Encouraging renewed commitment to academic excellence

Overall, students demonstrated clearer thinking about their future goals and a stronger motivation toward personal development.

Additional Learning Activity

An additional learning activity was organized on 8 December, 2025, featuring a movie session designed to further inspire students regarding their career goals and academic perseverance.

The students watched the film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a true-story drama based on the life of William Kamkwamba. The film tells the story of a 13-year-old boy in Malawi who, after being forced out of school due to poverty, built a windmill from salvaged materials to generate electricity and pump water for his village. His innovation ultimately helped save his community from famine.

Following the screening, students were given a take-home assignment to reflect on key lessons from the film, particularly perseverance, creativity, and the power of education in overcoming adversity.

Recommendations

Based on the outcomes of the session and student feedback, the following recommendations are proposed:

• Regular Alumni Engagement: Organize periodic alumni-led mentorship sessions to sustain career exposure and inspiration.
• Career Resource Support: Provide ICT tools that enable research, e-learning, and exploration of diverse career fields.
• Co-curricular Development: Support the establishment of a music club and provide musical instruments to nurture creative talents alongside academic development.
• Structured Career Guidance: Integrate alumni experiences into a broader career guidance and life-skills framework for students.

Conclusion

The alumni mentorship session of 9 February 2026 was impactful and strongly aligned with the objectives of the North America GCIOBA Mentorship Program. Through the sharing of lived experiences, interactive dialogue, and practical advice, the session broadened students’ perspectives on education, career pathways, and personal discipline.

The engagement reaffirmed the value of alumni mentorship in shaping confident, disciplined, and future-oriented young people who are well positioned to contribute meaningfully to society and eventually give back to their alma mater.

We sincerely thank our donors and partners on GlobalGiving for making these mentorship and learning opportunities possible. Your support is opening doors for students to see new possibilities for their education and future careers. Every contribution helps inspire the next generation to dream bigger and work harder toward achieving their goals.

GOING BACK TO BASICS – CONTINUATION SUMMARY REPORT

Overview

Between October and November 2025, five mentorship sessions were held to support students’ personal growth, academic performance, and career awareness. Participation increased from 10 to 18 students, showing growing interest and engagement. The sessions focused on SMART goal setting, mindset development, effective study skills, and building connections with GCIOBA alumni.

Session Highlights

• Session 1: Introductions, review of students’ career goals, and discussions on sponsorship, gratitude, and responsibility.
  Outcome: Improved understanding of sponsorship and renewed academic commitment.
• Session 2: SMART goal setting and reflection on strengths, supported by insights from the Old Boys’ Reunion Luncheon.
  Outcome: Stronger appreciation for planning and alumni role models.
• Session 3: Deep dive into SMART goals, motivational storytelling, and personalized guidance.
  Outcome: Clearer academic and personal goals with improved discipline.
• Session 4: Growth vs. fixed mindset activities, belief reframing, and identification of academic challenges.
  Outcome: Increased resilience and understanding of mindset influence.
• Session 5: Study skills training, learning styles, study schedules, and time-management strategies.
  Outcome: Better study habits and stronger exam preparation.

Key Observations

• Higher student participation and enthusiasm
• Improved self-awareness and ownership of academic progress
• Stronger discipline and motivation
• Greater sense of belonging through alumni engagement
• Continued need for career exposure and professional interaction

Impact

The sessions improved students’ discipline, confidence, goal clarity, study skills, and long-term planning. Students showed more positive attitudes toward learning and personal development.

Recommendations

• Host a Career Day with professionals
• Maintain weekly goal journals
• Conduct monthly progress checks
• Continue reinforcing growth mindset principles
• Introducing peer learning groups

Conclusion

The mentorship program was successful, strengthening students’ focus, confidence, and academic habits. The North America GCIOBA sponsorship continues to positively influence students’ development and long-term aspirations.