HISTORY OF METHODIST COLLEGE UZUAKOLI

The story of Methodist College Uzuakoli is part of the general history of educational development in Nigeria. It is the story of the inspiring efforts of Christian Missionaries to introduce qualitative education in the country with emphasis on personal initiative, societal discipline and moral rectitude

The Primitive Methodist Mission came to Eastern Nigeria early in 1910. Through the efforts of Reverend William Christie working at Bende, the church penetrated into Uzuakoli with a strong desire to establish a church. The Uzuakoli community was opposed to the idea of opening a church or school in their town. They felt that would destroy the ancient customs of the town. A small church was built in Uzuakoli in 1912 and Mr. Dappa, A Church Agent was posted there until the arrival of Reverend J. H. Slater the first missionary to live in Uzuakoli.

In 1922, The Eastern District Committee of the Methodist Church unanimously agreed to build an institution at Uzuakoli. Uzuakoli is centrally located in the Bende division and had the advantage of a Railway line passing through it in 1915. The Uzuakoli community disapproved this project because they did not understand and had no confidence on what the whiteman was going to do  there. Some of them even believed that the idea of establishing the school was to stop the booming slave trade in the area. After many entreaties and pressure, promises and gifts, the Chiefs hesitatingly gave them a site. The site was an ‘Evil forest’ were twin babies and those who died shameful deaths incompatible with primitive norms were thrown away. People who died of leprosy or small pox, women who died pregnant with child, etc were all thrown away here. It was regarded as a sporting ground for ghosts. The people really dreaded the place.

To the missionaries, it was a star of hope. They saw in it a home for future leaders of Nigeria, a chapel for praising God and a sporting ground for youngersters of a Christian community instead of ghosts. Uzuakoli chiefs who still feared the activities of the white people, prepared charms and sacrifices in order to discourage and drive them away. Thanks be to God, the charms failed to work.

The missionaries started developing the site immediately with Reverend Robert Banham, a great builder. The houses were of mud and rectangular in shape. In 1922, the College was known as Ibo Boys11111 Institute established for academic and moral excellence and in particular for sound acquisition of knowledge, skills, Christian virtues and capacity for quality leadership. On 8thJanuary, 1923, the College made its first intake of 88students. On the 7th September, the school received a letter of recognition from the government which also qualified it to receive government grant. The school took off in earnest and made waves in academics, morals and sports.

The first College Principal was Reverend J. B. Hardy. He was succeeded by Reverend H. L. O. Williams. He pioneered many of the developmental projects. In 1925, a new dormitory – Castle was commissioned and divided into four Houses namely A, B , C and D Houses. Games and sports took off in earnest. The memories of the first inter-house competition spurred many to show interest in sports. The College won laurels including the ‘Phensic cup’.

In 1926, the college was renamed ‘ The Training Institute Uzuakoli’. Staff strength increased. In addition to tutors from England, some African experienced tutors including Nigerians were recruited. Reverend W. J. Wood introduced science subjects in the college. Reverend Williams leadership trained students for self reliance. There was also Mr. W.H. Spray whose tenure as Principal brought a lot of expansion

Some notable early staff were J.B. Hardy, H.L.O. Williams, R.S.D. Williams,  A.S. Fenby, W.J. Wood,  E.W.B. Cole, J. Woods, R.E. Kerr, A.W. Hodgetts, S.W. Smith, J.E. Roebuck, N.E. Boulton, G.T. Hart, R.A. Oruamabo, E.E. Nkana, Peter Nwana, H.A. Clark, R.W. Iteke, S.N. Okorocha, S.O.Ogbuehi, J.C.Achara, W.N. Okezie, D.N. Achara, Ezekiel Jegede.

Notable Old Boys on the staff of the college were J.O. Nwamuo, C. Anab Oji, S.N. Nwosu, O. Onokala and J.U. Igwe. Mr. Obiyo Onokala was the first African to ride bicycle in Uzuakoli.

The Current Principal is Very Reverend Best Enyinnaya Okike, an Old Boy of the College.