Introduction by Ifeyinwa Obi
A Woman of Substance, Founding Principal (1977 - 1991)
Ask any alumni from the early years of FGGC Onitsha who their inspiration was, who made the most impact on them in those formative years when we were awkwardly navigating the transition from child to woman, who epitomized strength and grace in a woman, who challenged us at every juncture to aspire to greatness, while instilling in us values, which we would come to appreciate even more in later years; I am fairly confident that 9 out of 10 people would give you this one name - Mrs. Okobi.
Mrs. Mary Ann Ukachi Ngozi Okobi (Nee Maduekwe), principal extraordinaire, wife, mother, teacher, role model. What a woman!
For those alumni who never met her, there is so much that cannot be put in words, but we will try to introduce you to this very special woman.
She was the founding principal of our alma mater, FGGC Onitsha, which was established in 1977, and was its principal for over 14 years. She subsequently retired in 1991.
A truly remarkable woman of great character and integrity, she was not only our principal, but was also our guide. In her years as principal, she taught her charges so much, leading largely by example, while providing the discipline and structure we needed, being young girls away from home for the first time.
She was very intelligent, had great presence and was quite witty. She presented a stern demeanor that somewhat belied her compassionate heart, and though strict, as one would need to be with a horde of adolescent girls, her students never doubted her good intentions. Every action of hers had a purpose and she respected her students enough to share the reasons behind her decisions and directions.
She was sometimes unorthodox in her methods and approach and extremely protective of “her girls”, as a good mother would be. Whatever the situation, her students always knew she was there for them.
Mrs. Okobi was very well respected and loved, not just by her students, but also by the parents and staff. And we know she was so much more than that to so many others, especially her children.
Continue reading for more on Mrs. Okobi, in the words of her daughter…
Mrs. Okobi’s Bio
Mrs Mary Ann Ukachi Ngozi Okobi (Nee Maduekwe) was born on the 11th of August 1932 to the family of Mr. Reuben and Mrs Florence Maduekwe who were then a Catechist of the Anglican Church and a school teacher respectively.
As a daughter of a Catechist and teacher, she was brought up with the fear of God and was taught to be very disciplined, respectful, studious and hard working. These were VALUES that all through her life, she brought to bear in every area of her endeavour.
She proceeded to the University College, Ibadan in 1957 and graduated in 1960 with a combined Bachelors Honours in English & Mathematics. It is significant to point out at this juncture that on her way to commence college, she was involved in an auto accident, which eventually led to the amputation of one of her legs.
Notwithstanding this handicap, she was able to weather through the storms of life undaunted and achieved greatness.
She became a role model, a University graduate who excelled and was not deterred by her handicap; rather she utilized every challenge in life as an inspiration to greater effort and to lofty achievements.
The commencement of her career witnessed strings of “firsts”, some of which include:
- In 1962, she became the 1st Nigerian Principal of Anglican Girls Secondary School, Ogidi (A missionary school in the present Anambra State). She was the principal here till July 1967 when the civil war broke out.
- In 1973, she was transferred by the Ministry of Education of the East Central State to become the 1st Non Catholic principal of a wholly owned catholic school - The Queen of the Rosary (QRC) College, Onitsha
- In 1975, she moved to the Federal Service and was made the 1st Principal of Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Abuloma, Port Harcourt
- In 1977, she was transferred to become the 1st Principal of Federal Girls Government College (FGGC) Onitsha where she remained till 1991 when she retired meritoriously from service.
Describing my mother in very superlative terms will not do much justice to her, I mean, sometimes when we need them most, words fail us! She successfully conquered in all her endeavours! Her charm, intellect, integrity, charisma, compassion and firmness were evident at all times and under all circumstances. She was an adorable, caring and loving mother and wife.
As a principal, she was strict but yet very approachable and compassionate. She operated in the most quiet but dynamic manner. She was a great disciplinarian, counsellor, mother and motivator. She inspired her students with confidence, self-esteem, and ambition to excel in any enterprise. She helped students to demystify their fear of mathematics and in the bargain, drew many to excel in the subject.
She was always going round her schools to monitor the activities of her students and even during the nights, she paid surprise visits to the dormitories to ensure students’ safety and compliance to the rules of light out.
She always utilised the opportunity presented by the assembly time to address important issues regarding moral values, mode of dressing and bad habits which she always wanted to correct. Invariably, she would devise subtle means of attracting attention to the issue of concern, to ensure the lesson was understood and retained by adolescent young girls and staff.
A graphic picture of her “methods” is exemplified in this short story: Several years ago, while battling with a systemic problem in a school she managed, she walked sluggishly into the school assembly, unusually late and dressed in a very sloppy manner. Everybody was shocked and thought their principal had gone crazy. It turned out to be merely an act in which she wanted to draw attention to the issue of indecent and careless dressing seen amongst girls. Thereafter, comportment and self confidence was inculcated and imbibed by the students and full compliance achieved.
For us her children, she thought us that “a little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in little things is a very GREAT thing!” While seeking to help us understand and appreciate the world around us and to apply passion, love and simplicity to all things, her teachings could be summarized in this abridged poem:
“Think about the little things that bless our lives each day...
The birds’ sweet songs...the leafy trees
That twisted grassy way...
The quiet morning breeze...
Timid sunbeams peaking in to brighten up the room
Bright flowers in their full bloom...
All these reminds us, if cares may come our way,
There is a little bit of happiness in every single day!" How do I end this ramble?
Two mice fell into a bucket of milk; one drowned but the other struggled so hard that she turned milk into butter and crawled out. That second mouse was my mother, Late Mrs Mary Ann Ukachi Ngozi Okobi.
~ Dumebi Okobi, Class of 1989
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