Glamour, celebration as class ’78 of African Church Teachers’ College, Epinmi marks anniversary

–Monarch, Principal urge revival of fading glory of School

It was a parade of colour and fanfare recently when the 1978 set of graduates of African Church Teachers’ Training College, Epinmi Akoko gathered and rolled out the drums for the 50th landmark anniversary celebration of their admission to the College that gave them a career boost.

The College was later transformed and metamorphosed into Unity Secondary School, Epinmi Akoko.

The old students rolled back the years as they danced, celebrated and went on a tour of the campus of the College with many of them recalling fond memories of how things used to be.

Speaking at the event, the National President of the set, Mr. Olukayode Adewumi, noted that the celebration is aimed at bringing back memories of their college days and to appreciate the discipline that the moral and academic teachings instilled in them in the College played in their respective careers.

He also said that the meeting would be used to strategize towards organising a befitting 50th year celebration of their graduation from the college which used to be one of the foremost teachers training colleges in the South-West.

While observing that many of them are now septuagenarians and retired from active service, he called for wisdom and understanding in navigating their evening years.

Specifically, the National President advised them to rest more, exercise moderately, and maintain a healthy diet in order to live healthier and longer.

He urged the old students to help in inculcating the omoluabi ethos of the Yoruba culture in their children and grandchildren, even as he called for the observance of a minute silence for some of them who have passed to the great beyond.

Many of the old students took time out to recall past experiences and the games they used to play as students and the many aliases they fondly called themselves.

They also recalled experiences from their career in diverse professions from all walks of life.

The event, which featured dance, poems, and jokes, also included discussions on the forthcoming golden anniversary celebration of the graduation of the set slated for 2028.

Several speakers including Ven. B. O. Orungbemi of the African Church, Epinmi, and the Chief Imam of Epinmi, Alhaji Rasaq Ahmed; urged the old students to be thankful, reflect on their youthful days, and to make peace with their maker in their twilight years.

The representatives of the 1976 set, Chief Augustus Leramo and Prof. Mathew Ayeni; and those of the 1980 set of graduates, Dr. Kolade Folawumi and Elder R. Olaleye; as well as some invited guests took turns to deliver goodwill messages in which they congratulated the former students and called on them for concerted efforts and meaningful contributions towards the uplift of the academic and infrastructural image of the school.

The old students, who had earlier paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of the town, the Gbirimojo of Epinmi, Oba Ayodele Idris, informed the monarch that their visit was to appreciate the town for accommodating them during their studentship and to formally inform the king of their presence for the celebration.

In his response, the monarch expressed happiness at the visit and congratulated the old students on the golden anniversary of their admission to the defunct college.

He, however, expressed sadness at the fading fortunes of the institution that has transformed to the Unity Secondary School.

Oba Idris recalled the glory days of the College when it teemed with students, as well as academic and extra-curricular activities that brought immense fame and economic boom to the ancient town.

He urged the old students to leverage their contacts and goodwill to help in the repairs of dilapidating and crumbling structures, dormant laboratories, and hostels that now dot the school.

The monarch pledged to make more land available if necessary, and to mobilise people of the town to help in the bid to revive the flagging fortunes of the college.

In his own remark at the celebrations, the Principal of Unity Secondary School, Epinmi, Mr. Femi Akerele called on the old students to assist in boosting the dwindling fortunes of the school and restore her lost glory.

He particularly sought intervention in the areas of adequate teachers, re-equipping of laboratories, and renovation of classrooms and the hostel, and also in the provision of other needed amenities and facilities.

He congratulated the old students for witnessing the 50 years of their entry into the college and thanked them for deeming it fit to plan to give back to the institution that contributed to their success.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Planning and Implementing Committee of the event, Alhaji Jimoh Akadiri thanked the old students for their generous donations that made the event memorable and colourful, just as he also appreciated his committee members for their cooperation and selfless service.

Members of the ’78 set comprises retired head teachers, principals, university dons, chartered professionals, an ex-university registrar, former Directors of education, and political heavyweights, among other professionals from all walks of life.