The Old Students Association of Federal Government College (FGC), Ilorin, held a Valedictory Assembly on Monday. The event was in honor of the school’s late pioneer principal, Chief Amos Olaniyan. The assembly took place in the school auditorium.
The current Principal, Dr. Geoffrey Agbo, paid tribute to Olaniyan. He praised the late principal for laying a “solid foundation” for the college. Agbo asserted that Olaniyan’s name would be remembered for the excellence that has produced many great leaders in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Ilorin chapter of the old students association, Mr. Opeyemi Dele, also offered praise. Dele spoke about the strict discipline Olaniyan instilled in the students. He stressed that the foundation laid by the pioneer principal has been the basis for all subsequent school leaders.
”Although we didn’t meet him as the principal, it is the excellence and discipline that he instilled as the bedrock of the school that we enjoyed when we came and uptill now,” Dele said.
” He isn’t just a legend or an icon for FGC, but for Nigeria as a whole because he was appointed as a member of UNESCO at a particular time.
”Also, he was one of those who ensured that the 6-3-3-4 system of education we are using now became a reality.
” So, he has written his name in the sands of time and deserves to be celebrated even in death,” he said.
The second child of the deceased, Dr Tosin Elemide, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the forum meant a lot to the family.
According to her, the assembly was an indication that the school he sacrificed so much to build appreciated him.
”You know sometimes you do so much and you are not appreciated.
” All five of us attended the school and I was the one in school when he left as the principal.
” He was a father to all and it is obvious in the way everyone here talked about him,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olaniyan, born on May 17, 1935, died on Aug. 30, aged 94
NAN also reports that the college was established in 1973, with Olaniyan as pioneer principal.
