The Wind of Change

The first military coup in Nigeria took place just I five days before the official resumption date of our class set at Government College, Ibadan (GCI). My letter of admission stated that new form one boys should arrive in the school before 6pm on Thursday 20th January 1966. The military coup, which had a direct or indirect effect on GCI, was staged on 15th January 1966.

I remember that beverages were served every morning in GCI with breakfast, but on Saturdays, we had water. We were told by our seniors that beverages were served even on Saturdays the previous year. This systematic decline continued, and by the time I left the school in 1972, the ration of beverage to be taken by student had been drastically reduced. This was to the chagrin of boys like 'Balinga mu kafe' of Swanston House. He was used to taking as many cups of beverage as time permitted him during any breakfast.
However, the real change that swept over GCI was not until 1968, when our Principal, Mr. D.J. Bullock(DI) who had been in charge of the school since 1959 was transferred to Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro. Mr. Bullock had created so much positive impression on our lives that we believed he was irreplaceable. We were so disturbed that even when we were told that a Nigerian would take his place we decided to demonstrate our disapproval

Our protest was confined to the school compound, and it took the form of a procession with placards from the school main gate to the assembly hall. Our placards carried inscriptions such as 'No DJ, No GCI. We want DJ'. We made so much fuss that the Military Governor of Western State then, Major-General Adeyinka Adebayo decided to visit the school. Prior to the arrival of the Military governor to the school, we had been assembled in the school hall where the Vice-Principal, Mr. A.T.O.Odunsi, tried to make us accept the transfer and welcome the new Principal. The militant ones among us continued to shout 'No, No' to all his entreaties. In exasperation the VP shouted,
You are eggs, you will break!"
The hall immediately went dead silent. Then one die-hard replied,
"Eggs don't break that easy".

Our resolve to continue our protest was partially restored. However, as soon as the soldiers heralding the approach of the military governor took positions in strategic places in the school compound, particularly around the assembly hall, our final resistance collapsed. The fear in the atmosphere was palpable.

After the usual pleasantries between the members of staff and the governor, he came on stage with the outgoing Principal, Mr. D.J. Bullock and the incoming, Chief J.B.O.Ojo. The latter, incidentally was an old boy of GCI. He scolded us for our unwarranted actions, and demanded to know the ring leaders'.
I did not think anyone would be bold enough to claim leadership under those circumstances. Alas, that was one of the lessons I learnt in GCI, leadership was not only for material benefits but also accepting responsibility for punishable actions of your followers. Promptly, Kehinde Amusan (Jeki' - later Dr. Kehinde Amusan) raised his hand. Others followed suit. The front row of the hall was cleared for them.

The governor proceeded to scold them. To everyone's relief that was all. It is pertinent to state that Kehinde Amusan became the Head Boy in the School the following year in his Upper sixth class.

Chief Ojo, being an old boy, was familiar with the school traditions. He increased the number of sports in the school activities. Badminton was added to the list of competitive games in 1971. It was introduced to the school by one of our class set - Ayo Odunlami who came to GCI for his Higher School Certificate from Ijebu Ode Grammar School.


Culled from "Looking Back and Looking Forward" - a 1966 Set Publication.