Former Military Administrator and retired General, John Atom Kpera, has reflected on his years as Military Governor of East Central State in the early 1970s, recalling his personal connection with Ekulu Primary School, Enugu, as he commended alumni efforts to restore the institution ahead of its 70th anniversary celebrations.
In a goodwill message, Kpera said the school occupies a special place in his memory because his children were pupils there during his tenure in the South-East, giving him firsthand experience of the institution’s educational culture and community values.
“Ekulu Primary School holds a very special place in my heart,” he said. “During my time as Military Governor of East Central State in the early 1970s, my children attended this school. I witnessed firsthand the dedication of its teachers, the discipline of its pupils, and the unwavering commitment of the community to quality education. These virtues have sustained the school over the decades and continue to serve as the foundation of its enduring legacy.”
Established in 1956 as a mission school by the Church of England, Ekulu Primary School was founded to serve children of civil servants in Enugu, including families of British colonial administrators resident in the area at the time.
The school was spearheaded by Anglican missionary Timothy Bruce Fyffe, who played a pioneering role in establishing the Anglican Church’s presence in Eastern Nigeria. Fyffe served as the school’s manager and helped shape its early educational direction.
According to a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the alumni association, Enuma Chigbo, the school will celebrate its platinum jubilee from May 27 to 31 with activities expected to attract former students from across the world.
“This landmark event will be a homecoming of sorts, pooling different alumni dotted all over the world to grace this special occasion,” Chigbo stated.
Planned activities include a march-past involving alumni and current pupils, networking sessions, school visits, a gala dinner, and a thanksgiving service at All Saints Church.
Reflecting on the school’s history, Kpera said its influence extends beyond academics and into broader societal development.
“Seventy years is no small milestone. It represents generations of young minds shaped within these walls — children who grew into men and women contributing to our society in diverse and meaningful ways. The school’s history is woven into the fabric of our state, and its impact extends far beyond the classroom,” he said.
Despite the celebrations, the alumni association expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the institution.
“The current state of the school is debilitating and a stark contrast to what it used to be,” Chigbo said. “Seventy years is certainly worth celebrating, but with a mindset to give back to the school that gave us so much.”
Under the theme “GiveBack 26,” the anniversary programme aims to mobilise alumni and stakeholders to support the restoration of the school through the Ekulu Primary School Alumni Association (EPSAA).
Founded in 2023, EPSAA is currently led by its President, Chioma Nwosu.
Kpera used the occasion to stress the need for sustained investment in education and future generations.
“As we celebrate today, let us also look forward with hope. The world is changing rapidly, and the responsibility of equipping the next generation with knowledge, character and resilience has never been greater,” he said.
“I commend the teachers and administrators who give their best every day, often under challenging circumstances. Your work is noble, and your influence is lasting.”