History of Eghosa Anglican Grammar School
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
INTRODUCTION: THE VERY EARLY DAYS
Before Independence, the Missions of various Christian denominations established educational institutions in Nigeria. The Benin Diocese of Anglican Communion decided to establish a Grammar School in Benin City.
In 1958, The Benin Anglican Mission bought Adolor College, a private school, from Mr. S.O. Okpogie (deceased). The school was named EGHOSA ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL, Benin City.
The Anglican Mission developed the infrastructure and had little choice but to recruit expatriate graduate teachers to staff the school. Teachers were recruited from England, Scotland, Canada, and the United States of America. Efforts were made to train indigenous teachers for the school also.
Chief S.I. Ayela-Uwangue is one of the teachers who were trained in Nigerian Universities and recruited to teach at Eghosa. Other notable teachers who were in this group are: (deceased) Messrs Abiodun Ojeikere and M.A. Uwubamwen.
The quality of education was set at a very high standard from the inception. Boarding facilities were included since the school attracted students, of different backgrounds, from all over Nigeria. Day students also attended ‘Eghosa’.
Training and development included sports in order to ensure sound minds in sound bodies—a major goal of the institution. The school made its mark in academics as well as in sports during those heydays.
One ought to be reminded that character training and development were also emphasized through the teaching of moral values and religious instructions. Discipline was also scrupulously maintained without fear or favor. Students were forced to learn to stick to a tight schedule which included times for siesta, play, and “prop”. Students who lived in the dormitories were only allowed to leave the school premises on outing days. Even then, they could not leave without ‘exit cards.’
PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT
Initially, Eghosa depended on the recruitment of expatriate graduate teachers from Europe and the United States to fill its staffing needs. During the nineteen sixties, Nigeria benefited from the activities of the American Peace Corps Service as many Teachers from the United States were deployed to our country. Eghosa’s staffing needs were partially met through this Service.
Later, teachers from India were recruited to teach the Physical, Biological, and Social Sciences.
Chief S.I. Ayela-Uwangue was appointed Principal of Eghosa Anglican Grammar School in 1967 and became the first Nigerian Principal of the school.
Eghosa developed in leaps and bounds; all the necessary amenities were provided.
The first Graduation Exercises were held in 1963. Candidates were enrolled in subjects in the Arts, only. Science subjects were subsequently added to the curriculum. The results of the School Certificate Examinations were, as expected, quite impressive.
During that time, most students completed their Higher Schools’ Certificate programs in other schools, but several gained direct admission to Universities.
GOVERNMENT TAKE-OVER OF SCHOOLS
The Midwest Government was created by the Western Nigeria Regional Government in 1963. The pace of development of this state affected the course of development of schools including that of Eghosa Anglican Grammar School. This was more pronounced in the era of Brigadier-General Samuel Ossigbovo Ogbemudia.
At that time, in 1972, the State assumed control of all private schools.
Eghosa Anglican Grammar School was now Eghosa Grammar School and was administered directly by the Government.
This change led to improvement in some areas, such as the lives of the Service Staff members who were now Government employees who could therefore earn a pension.
The Student population increased dramatically, and more qualified graduate Teachers were hired.
Unfortunately, the emphasis on moral and religious training was curtailed and this culminated in a lowered standard of discipline amongst the student body. This trend became a major concern to many people in authority.
The high cost of running Government-controlled schools and the obvious deterioration of discipline in the student body forced the State Government to rethink its position.
RETURN OF EGHOSA GRAMMAR SCHOOL TO THE ANGLICAN MISSION
In 2004, the Edo State Government under Chief (Dr.) Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion handed over several schools to their original ‘owners’—the Anglican, Catholic, and Baptist Missions.
Eghosa Grammar School was therefore returned to the Anglican Mission who immediately launched a massive and extensive renovation and development program.
Classrooms were renovated, and a wall was built around the premises. Boarding, which had been discontinued, was then re-introduced.
More teachers were hired, and moral and religious instructions were resumed.
At this time, it would behove everyone, especially alumni, to support the program of re-inventing the “golden age” of this great institution. This support could include assisting in providing facilities and equipment to facilitate improvement in the learning environment in the school.
It is therefore relevant to commend the efforts of some ‘old boys’ both in Nigeria and in the United States—especially the members of this Association who have contributed the “Lion’s Share”. They have given much needed and most appreciated assistance in the form of renovation of blocks of classrooms, the Administrative building and attached classrooms, the science laboratory and the library.
They have also given a pledge to equip the library with modern technical equipment.
Excerpts from a discourse by Chief S.I. Ayela-Uwangue
Written By The Late: Edward Funsho Omoregie
General Secretary
Today, Eghosa Anglican Grammar School stands as a proud symbol of its founding values. The combined efforts of the Anglican Mission, dedicated staff, and the loyal alumni community continue to shape a learning environment where academic growth, discipline, and spiritual development thrive side by side.