Indelible Stamps on My Mind

Government College was an obvious natural choice for most primary school leavers in the old Western Region, because it was highly regarded as the best secondary school at the time in the Region. GCI therefore was the automatic choice made on behalf of very bright pupils of Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, by its Headmaster, Mr. Adekoya (of blessed memory). I was one of the few from that school that was admitted into GCI So, I congratulate myself.

Schooling at GCI was an awesome experience. The tutor/boy my tior) mentorship tradition is extremely laudable and unforgettable. This tradition entails handing over a new intake to another student who was two years his senior The primary responsibility of the "rior" (the mentor) is to mentor, guide and in a way protect his boy (the mentee). The advantage in this is that the mentee could confidently face whatever challenges came his way, given the knowledge that there is a strong pillar to lean on in the mentorship 'family. At a general level, this afforded all old boys of GCI the opportunity to develop their individuality, grow their self-confidence and exhibit critical 'can do' spirit. These have been helpful to me in every area of life from that time until now.

My Geography teacher, Mr. Aluko also had a big influence on my ability to see the big picture in every situation, with his vivid, lifelike and picturesque description of the expansive 'American corn fields' as he took us on the imaginary train ride through the North American corn field. This gentleman had an uncanny knowledge of the entire physical geography of America, and during his lectures, he would regaled us with stories on the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the west coast and the Appalachian mountain range on the west coast. I remembered him during my university years in the USA. God bless him.

It is amazing that 50 years have so quickly passed since I had the privilege of meeting the wonderful lads that, today, have grown to become fathers and grandfathers. I thank God for our lives. Blessings...

By: Ayankoya Adetunji