Odu Recalls Baptist High School Legacy Urges Return To Discipline, Excellence

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has highlighted the rich legacy of Baptist High School, Port Harcourt, calling for a renewed commitment to discipline, respect, and academic excellence among present-day students and stakeholders.
Prof. Odu spoke on Saturday at the reunion and award ceremony, as well as the inauguration of newly elected executives of the Baptist High School Port Harcourt Old Students Association, held at LaSien Pavilion in Port Harcourt.
She recounted the historic moment when female students first gained access to A-Level education at the institution, describing it as a significant breakthrough for girls’ education in Rivers State.
According to her, in 1971, A-Level programmes were largely available in Lagos, the old Western and Midwestern regions, and parts of the Eastern Region, with limited opportunities for girls in Rivers State. She explained that following engagements with the then Commissioner for Education, approval was granted for girls to enroll in A-Level studies at Baptist High School.
“In 1972, about fourteen young women were admitted into the programme, becoming pioneers of female advanced education in the school,” she said, noting that one of the students, Boma Bromilow-Jack, later served as a minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Prof. Odu also reflected on the strong sense of unity and discipline that defined student life at the time. As captain of the girls’ netball team, she recalled how the team trained rigorously and achieved victory in a memorable competition at the stadium.
She commended the culture of mutual respect within the school, stating that male students respected their female counterparts and upheld clear boundaries.
“The values instilled by the teachers and school leadership helped shape many of us into who we are today,” she said.
The Deputy Governor further noted that the establishment of the College of Science and Technology in 1972 by the then military administration provided additional academic opportunities, with many A-Level students proceeding there before advancing to universities within and outside Nigeria.
Describing Baptist High School as a “small but beautiful institution,” Prof. Odu said it was known for strong leadership, disciplined teachers, and responsible students. She urged alumni and current stakeholders to preserve and promote these enduring values.
She also emphasized the importance of alumni associations in supporting the growth of educational institutions, expressing optimism that the Baptist High School Old Students Association would play a key role in the school’s revival and development.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Emi Membre-Otaji, expressed concern over the current state of the school, alleging that the Baptist Convention had done little to improve its condition over the years, aside from interventions by concerned individuals.
He noted that the school had produced numerous influential figures, revealing that at one time, about 40 percent of members of the Rivers State Executive Council were alumni of Baptist High School, alongside two federal ministers from the state.