Epinmi Teachers’ College Class ’78 Celebrates
The ancient town of Epinmi Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, was a behive of memorable activities recently when it hosted members of Epinmi Teacher’s College Class of 1978. The occasion which marked the anniversary of their official admission as teachers-in-training on September 6, 1975, was a showcase of culture, colour and fanfare that resonated throughout the town and the larger Akoko area of the state.
The anniversary celebration which took place in their old school hall, which has now metamorphosed into Unity Secondary School, Epinmi Akoko, attracted dignitaries from far and wide. The dignitaries included traditional ruler of the town, the Gbirimojo of Epinmi, Oba Ayodele Idris, Mr Femi Akerele, Principal of Unity Secondary School, Epinmi, Venerable B. O. Orungbemi of the African Church, Epinmi and the Chief Imam of the town, Alhaji Rasaq Ahmed.
Others present at the occasion were representatives of the 1976 set, which included Chief Augustus Leramo and Prof.Mathew Ayen of Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, as well as those who came to represent 1980 set of African Church Teachers Training College (ACTTC). This group included Elder R. Olaleye and Dr Kolade Folawumi Mufutau, Secretary Akoko North East LG Ikare Akoko, Ondo State.
In his keynote address at the occasion, Elder Benjamin Olukayode Adewumi, National President of Epinmi Class of ’78, noted that the celebration was aimed at bringing back memories of their college days and appreciate the discipline that the moral and academic teachings instilled in them in the College, played in their lives and careers.
While observing that many of his co-celebrants are now septuagenarians and had retired from active service, he called for wisdom iin navigating their old age. Specifically, the National President advised them to rest more, exercise moderately, and eat wisely in order to live healthy and longer life
Also, Elder Adewumi revealed that the celebration would be used as a template to organise a befitting Golden Jubilee anniversary of their graduation from the college later in 2028.
*A cross-section of members of Epinmi Class ’78 in a group photograph with HRH, Oba Ayodele Idris at the ceremony.
Also speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Jimoh Akadiri, Chairman of the Planning and Implementing Committee of the event, remarked that the well-attended and coordinated ceremony is a testimony of their disciplined background as trained teachers. Thanking the celebrants for their generous donations which made the event memorable and colourful, he appreciated his committee members for their cooperation and selfless service towards the hosting of the what he called ‘Landmark’ celebration.
Earlier in the day, the old students, paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of the town, the Gbirimojo of Epinmi, Oba Ayodele Idris. Expressing great joy at the visit, the monarch said that the celebrants had not only shown gratitude to God Almighty for keeping them alive since their admission into African Church Teachers College, Epinmi, in 1976, they have equally demonstrated they they have not forgotten the source of their careers.
In his own remarks, Mr Femi Akerele, Principal of Unity Secondary Schoo which now houses their old school and venue of the anniversary celebration, 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 in life.
Members of the Epinmi Class of ’78 comprise retired head teachers, principals, university dons, chartered professionals, an ex-university registrar as well as former Directors of education and political heavyweights.The event of the day, which was coordinated Dr. Michael Sunday Ayeerun, a university don and one of the celebrants, featured dance, poems, jokes and reminiscences.
African Church Teachers Training College, Epinmi-Akoko, now a Unity Secondary School, was one of the foremost teachers training colleges in the south-western Nigeria from 1950s to 1980s.
