TELL THE TRUTH

I was in Form 1C. In fact I was in the C arm in my one to form three. The C class had some of the most troublesome boys with all sorts of pranks up their sleeves but they were also smart in their class work.
The class of 72 was filled with boys from diverse backgrounds including some of the most brilliant boys, Aiyesimoju (Mela) and Amos (Soma) of blessed memory, to mention a few.
Some of these boys were great sportsmen in football, athletics, cricket and hockey and represented the school well.
The competition was high and only the best represented the school. The class of 72 was privileged to have produced Lawrence Adegbehingbe (Pisi..) who was a great Grierson, a great athlete who represented Grier House and GCI in various athletic competitions and later represented Nigeria at the Brisbane Olympics where he won a gold medal in the 100 metres relay.
I was amongst those selected to play the junior interhouse hockey competition for Grier House and I did my best although we lost the match to Field House. I participated in the March Past at Liberty Stadium Ibadan on Children's Day in our class one in 1972.1 was so happy we came first in the March Past.
It was in Form 4 that we were distributed into classes according to our preferences for science, technology, and art. Hence, I moved to Form 4B and thereafter Form 5B.
In Form 5, the class of 72 became the most senior class in Government College, Ibadan due to the cancellation of Higher School Certificate (H.S.C) in 1974. Consequently, School and House Prefects were chosen from our class of 72, in our Form 5. I was chosen as the Grier House Master's Secretary, a Senior Powellite, as Grier House Prefects were called a post I held till I left GCI in June 1976. I passed the West African School Certificate examination in June 1976 to the glory of God. The rest is history.
I cannot fail to mention two scenarios that have shaped my life till now. On one particular Saturday, I wanted to go and see my guardian and uncle at Imalefealafia and I had no exeat but I was desperate to see him. I had never bolted before so I took a gamble and walked straight slowly along the main road to the main gate in broad daylight. After a short walk, I heard the sound of a car coming, my heart started thumping and I started having palpitations but I didn't look back. I held my composure. Lo and behold it was the principal's Mercedes Benz car and the car slowed down and stopped beside me. The principal, late Chief J.B.O Ojo then asked where I was going? Instinctively, I told him the truth that I was going to my uncle's house at Imalefalafia. He just told me to enter his car and drove to my uncle’s house at Imalefealafia (without asking for my exeat) since he already knew the place. He had taken me there before following a bout of malaria and treatment at Adeoyo Hospital, Ibadan.

Lesson number One: Tell the truth.
The second scenario was in our Form 5. The school certificate exams were fast approaching and some boys in our class started going to the Dining Hall very early in the morning before time for breakfast to play rough and as a result eating other people’s foods. This had become rampant and most times I missed my breakfast and I had nothing to eat. So I chose to go early one morning before the time for breakfast and that was the day the bubble burst.
Mr. Olanrewaju, the Vice principal, was already waiting in the dining hall as early as 6.30 am. So the boys invaded the dining hall and started playing rough not knowing that Mr. Olanrewaju was hiding in one corner writing down names of everyone playing rough. When the boys suddenly realised Mr Olanrewaju was around they started looking for ways to escape, many did but it was not before their names had been written down. I chose to stay and I did not run away. Mr Olanrewaju was shocked and surprised to find me amongst the early risers who came to play rough. I narrated my ordeal during the past few weeks leading to that day. My saving grace was the normal ration one loaf of bread and one egg that he saw with me.
All rough players were suspended from the boarding house in the weeks leading to certi but I was left off the hook!

Lesson number Two: Tell the truth.
Overall, I am privileged to have attended Government College Ibadan with the most interesting boys in my life. We are all men today and are in various spheres and strata of life. I am grateful to God that I have brothers from another mother in the class of 72 who over the past 50 years have been my family. I cherish our camaraderie. I’ll choose you guys again if ever there is a need to do so. You boys (men) are family.
I thank God for his grace, his mercies and goodness.
I thank God for my family.
To God be the glory.
May God bless and keep us all in Jesus mighty name. Amen.


Culled From: Our story (1972 Set Anniversary book)
Submitted By: ADEMOLA OREDIPE (SN 2489, Grier House)