Human Angle

Government College Ughelli at 80: A Call for Celebration by Dele Sobowale

Published

2 days ago

Jan 5, 2025.

Goverment College Ughelli Celebrates 80 years
Dele Sobowale calls on Nigeria sto celebrate this acheivement
He says GCU has produced leaders who have shaped Nigeria’s development.

As Government College Ughelli (GCU) marks its 80th anniversary this year, a call for celebration rings loud, acknowledging the school’s significant role in shaping Nigeria’s future. Dele Sobowale, a proud alumnus, reflects on the institution’s impact and its contributions to the nation’s development.

The famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Every institution is the lengthened shadow of one man,” aptly encapsulates the profound influence of GCU on its students and the wider society. While many institutions worldwide may remain overlooked, the legacy of GCU, particularly in education and infrastructure, has shaped the course of modern Nigeria.

EDITOR’s PICK

For Sobowale, the development of transportation and education stands as a testament to the progress made over the decades.

Sobowale recalls the early days of his education, highlighting the hardships of travel in the 1960s. A journey from Lagos to Sapele, where he visited his uncle and GCU, used to take two days over treacherous roads. Fast forward to 2005, and the journey had shortened significantly, with road travel becoming safer and faster. Today, one can fly directly to Warri and drive to Ughelli in just a few hours, a clear indication of the strides Nigeria has made in transportation.

This progress extends to education. GCU’s 80 years have not only produced numerous successful alumni but also inspired the rise of high-quality private schools across Delta State. Sobowale, having worked in various capacities, witnessed first-hand the growth of educational institutions that followed GCU’s example, further cementing its legacy.

The anniversary of GCU is not only a celebration of its history but also a recognition of the extraordinary individuals it has produced. Many of GCU’s alumni, known as the “Great Mariners,” have made impactful contributions in fields ranging from architecture to banking, law, and medicine.

Sobowale emphasizes that the school’s impact is far greater than its size, with its alumni continuing to influence Nigeria’s development, much like Harvard University’s global reach.

As the school celebrates its 80th year, Sobowale urges Nigerians to recognize the importance of institutions like GCU in shaping the country’s progress.

FURTHER READING

He concludes by drawing inspiration from John F. Kennedy’s famous call to action: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” GCU has produced many individuals who have answered that call, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria.

In the face of challenges, Sobowale encourages resilience, drawing on ancient wisdom to confront the difficulties ahead in 2025. With faith in life’s journey, he believes that the legacy of GCU and its alumni will continue to inspire and propel Nigeria forward.