After I completed my primary school education I was posted to Western College Onike; I probably went to school there for three days. On the third day, my mom came to deliver my school books which was compulsory for every JSS 1 student to purchase. Unfortunately there were no chairs or benches in the class so she found me sitting on the floor with some other students. “NO, NO, NO” she yelled, “her son wasn’t going to such a school, not when she is still alive”. That night, I basically witnessed her put up a fight with my dad and trust the women to always win their battles. I was immediately withdrawn from Western College and the next morning my Dad took me to St. Finbarr’s College to seek for my admission.
That was the first day I came in contact with the Principal of the school, Mr. A. A. Kpotie. I was asked to sit outside while he and my Dad went into his office to discuss the details of my admission. After their meeting which took approximately 30minutes, Mr. Kpotie came out and said to me, “Young Man, welcome to St. Finbarr’s College. I hope you will not give me problem” and innocently I replied “No, Sir”.
Everyone feared Mr. A. A. Kpotie….. That 5 foot 6 Inches Giant with a thunderous voice which would command even your very own shadow to obey. He was strict and very principled. He was a biology teacher in the school for 10 years before assuming the office of principal which he handled for 20 more years before retiring. A disciplinarian to the core blended with a welcoming personality; a devout Catholic, a wonderful father figure with outstanding leadership abilities.
He had a regular office but spent most of his time under the tree which he frequently referred to as his second office. He loved the game of football and encouraged a lot of students to play football. Permit me to add that Coach Stephen Keshi was also his student.
Every morning, he would lead the “Come Oh Holy Spirit” prayer with us. The interesting part was when he said “Send Forth Thy SPIRIT and they shall created”. His voice still echoes in my head whenever I recite that prayer.
Everyone who went to Finbarr’s during his “reign” as principal, experienced the warmth of his care. He was strict but he was also a genuinely nice man. He didn’t beat students for no reason but when you give him a reason to, be sure that he will make it worth your while. He counselled everyone at our morning assemblies and spoke to all of us as his children. Many of us never really got very close to him or knew him on a one on one basis but from a distance we all shared in the values of his mentorship.
I want to celebrate the life of this living legend, this hero of our time. An outstanding individual who has touched the lives of thousand of young boys who have now grown up to become leaders, fathers and conquerors. Mr. A. A. Kpotie recently clocked 80 and he is doing very well.
Sir, May God continue to bless and keep you, May He make your days long with fulfilment, peace, joy and happiness. And may you continue to reap the fruits of your labour all the days of your life.
It was a great privilege to have an encounter with such a Principal, Mentor, Teacher and Father like you early in my life.
Thank you Sir and God Bless You.
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