By Julius Uche | Fact Frontier.
Click here to read more about the reporter.
In the serene and spiritually nourishing environment of Ikoyi, Osun State, a significant milestone in the annals of educational and faith-based development was celebrated with great pomp and reverence. Seat of Wisdom College, under the steadfast and inspirational leadership of its Principal, Sister Pauline Nkechinyere Ohakwe, marked its 25th Anniversary with a memorable Silver Jubilee celebration today. The event, a vibrant tapestry of gratitude, reflection, and hope, was a fitting tribute to a quarter-century of molding young minds and hearts.
The atmosphere on the school grounds was electric with a sense of shared history and communal pride, as gathered by a member of Fact Frontier News. The day’s proceedings commenced with a ceremonial and heartfelt welcome extended to the distinguished fathers of the day, whose presence was not merely ceremonial but profoundly consequential, lending spiritual weight and gravitas to the occasion. Their esteemed ranks included revered clergymen such as Rev. Fr. Philip Egunjobi, Rev. Fr. Joseph Baranjoko, Rev. Fr. Calistus Afolabi, Rev. Fr. Michael Adebola, and several other respected figures whose contributions to the community and the church are widely acknowledged.
Setting the tone for the day’s reflections, the Principal, Sr. Pauline Nkechinyere Ohakwe, delivered a powerful and poignant welcome address. After first commending the meticulous planners and coordinators whose dedicated efforts brought the Silver Jubilee event to fruition, she moved to the heart of her message. She articulated that the celebration was far more than a formal ceremony; it was, in her profound words, "a testimony." She elaborated that this testimony stands on three pillars:
to God's unfailing grace, to the vision of our founder, and to the unwavering commitment of our leaders, both past and present.
Sr. Ohakwe emphasized that the celebration would be incomplete without the expression of profound gratitude to the pillars who have sustained the institution. On behalf of the entire Seat of Wisdom College family, she extended special appreciation to a pantheon of benefactors and guides.
Foremost among them was the Proprietor, His Grace, The Most Rev. Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan. The Principal lauded his unwavering support, his consistent fatherly guidance, and his resolute dedication to sustaining the mission of holistic education within the Archdiocese. His leadership, she noted, has been a bedrock upon which the college’s mission has thrived.
A special tribute was paid to the visionary founder of the college, The Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Adeosin Job, Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan. Sr. Ohakwe recounted his remarkable vision, his unparalleled courage, and his deep pastoral commitment, which collectively laid the unshakable foundation upon which Seat of Wisdom College stands today. His foresight a quarter-century ago has blossomed into an institution of academic and moral repute.
The appreciation also encompassed the Dean of the East Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, acknowledging his regional oversight and support. Specific gratitude was directed towards Rev. Fr. Philip Egunjobi for his enduring pastoral care, his invaluable administrative support, and his continuous encouragement, which have been a source of strength for the college community.
The spiritual life of the college, a core component of its holistic education, was acknowledged through the recognition of the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Joseph Baranjoko. His spiritual guidance, his leadership presence, and his profound dedication to nurturing the moral and sacramental life of both students and staff were described as an invaluable and continuous blessing to the institution.
The religious community was further represented in the gratitude extended to the Regional Superior of the DMMM Ibadan, Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Ann Aniakor, and all the religious men and women present, whose prayers and collective mission reinforce the school's ethos.
The celebration was also graced by the august presence of traditional rulers and esteemed community leaders, to whom the college expressed its deep appreciation. These royal fathers and mothers of the day included:
• His Royal Majesty, Oba Iyiola Taofeeq Akande Morenigbade, Oyeboade I, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi Kingdom.
• His Royal Majesty, Oba Olatunde Falabi, Olambeloye III, the Akire of Ikire Kingdom.
• His Royal Majesty, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, Atoyebi I, the Alapomu of Apomu Kingdom.
The occasion was further honored by the presence of the Chairman of the event, the Distinguished Senator Lere Oyewumi, alongside other notable personalities such as Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adedeji and Alhaja Rasidat Owolabi. Their participation underscored the deep-rooted connection between the college and the wider community, bridging educational pursuits with traditional and contemporary leadership.
A Teacher’s Testament: A Legacy of Excellence and Moral Fortitude
Beyond the formal addresses and ceremonial recognition, the heart of any educational institution lies in its educators. In a special engagement, a member of Fact Frontier had the privilege of interviewing one of the school's most renowned and respected teachers, Mr. Fapohunda Yemi Stephens, whose long service has made him a living repository of the college's history and values.
When asked,
Sir, what can you tell us about this school?Mr. Stephens responded with a calm confidence born of years of witness. "This school," he began,
has already said a lot about herself through her actions and her alumni. With the blessings of Almighty God, which form the very cornerstone of our endeavors, achievement is made attainable here. Our students, buoyed by this divine favor and a supportive academic environment, are consistently excelling academically, not just within the nationwide context but also on international platforms. The results speak for themselves.
Probed further on what message he would impart to convince parents to choose Seat of Wisdom College for their children, Mr. Fapohunda’s answer was both a compelling summary and a persuasive invitation.
Seat of Wisdom College, located along Oranran Road, Off Ori-oke Road, Ikoyi Osun, has earned its place as one of the most respected citadels of learning in Osun State,he stated.
It is a school that harmonizes essential elements for a complete education: a corps of standard, dedicated teachers; modern, state-of-the-art equipment; a well-equipped laboratory for practical scientific exploration; a student body that is academically oriented and self-motivated; and, most critically, a foundation of morally sound principles that guide daily conduct. For any parent who seeks a genuine, quality education that prepares a child for both university and for life, this is the ideal environment. Parents should confidently bring their children here for an education that shapes character as much as it sharpens intellect.
The 25th-anniversary Silver Jubilee of Seat of Wisdom College, therefore, was not just a look back at past glories but a powerful reaffirmation of its ongoing mission. It was a day that beautifully waved together threads of divine gratitude, foundational vision, communal support, and a forward-looking commitment to continue being a beacon of wisdom, knowledge, and moral integrity for the next generation and beyond.
