About
The Inner Circle of Friends
Inner Circle of Friends
The Inner Circle (IC) of Friends, University of Ibadan, is a non-political, non-tribal, and non-religious social-philanthropic organization founded in 1958. It is a fellowship of conscientious gentlemen bonded by friendship, integrity, and a shared commitment to humanity. While material support may not always be possible, members are known for their unwavering concern for others — a core trait of every IC.
Our Origins
The Circle began informally in 1957 at the then University College Ibadan (now University of Ibadan), when a small group of students in Kuti Hall — David U. U. Okali, Festus Nwoke (late), Sam Okonkwo (late), Joshua Ogbonnaya, Godswill Okezie, and Frank Ukoli (late) — began to gather regularly. Their camaraderie attracted like minds from other halls, including Eddie Bayagbona, Mark Nwagwu, Anya O. Anya, Bertram Uboma, Sylvanus Cookey, Maximus Ikeme, and Anthony Eze.
By 1958, recognizing the unique bond among them, the group formally registered as The Inner Circle of Friends. The name was proposed by David U. U. Okali.
Vision
To cultivate a dynamic and inclusive circle of honourable men committed to lifelong fellowship, personal growth and uplifting our communities through shared values and celebration—building a strong network of friendship and support that transcends time and strengthen families
What Sets Us Apart
Though members belonged to other prominent student groups, the Circle offered a rare space for genuine friendship, mutual support, and gentlemanly refinement. Members became known for their academic excellence, distinct sartorial style, cordial yet principled character, integrity and altruism.
Certain customs organically evolved, including the IC handshake — which came about because the members reasoned that ordinary handshakes were not sufficient for true friends and holding hands to the elbow was going to be better, references to the Circle’s leader as the IC Star, and the scribe as the Starlite. Punctuality, honesty, and modesty were adopted as core tenets — principles that have withstood the test of time.
Despite the absence of a written constitution, the Inner Circle’s values and traditions remain remarkably preserved. Unique modes of greeting, calling, and mutual recognition continue to bind members across generations. The Inner Circle anthem — revered but neither sung nor written — remains one of the Circle’s most symbolic traditions.
Respect for these customs, and for one another, is integral. A call from an IC demands immediate response, regardless of status or setting — an unspoken code of loyalty and solidarity.
Admission into the Circle is strictly by nomination. There are no applications, advertisements, or open invitations. This exclusivity preserves the integrity of the brotherhood.
Though sometimes misunderstood or mischaracterized in its early years, the Inner Circle has always stood on a foundation of transparency and goodwill. It is not a secret society, but a community committed to character building, mentorship, and leadership by example.
Since its inception, the Circle has nurtured distinguished men of honour — many of whom have risen to prominence in academia, business, civil service, and other spheres of national and global impact. The organization continues to serve as a formative ground for cultivating future-ready gentlemen who lead with purpose, serve with empathy, and live with honour.
The Inner Circle’s enduring relevance lies in the active mentorship of its alumni and the strength of its traditions. As it evolves with time, it remains rooted in the same ideals that have sustained it for over six decades: friendship, excellence, and service to humanity.
Long Live the Inner Circle of Friends.