THE GSSA STUDENT BODY
We have all been modest that we regretfully leave out one important component of GSSA success; the student body. With the best principal, best teachers, best facilities, and the worst student body, you cannot boast of paragon. GSSA was successful because of all the right elements necessary for young minds to succeed. Afikpo environment was perfect for education. We were not distracted during the school days. We did not have noise pollution that plagued bigger cities, and sanitary condition at that time was near perfect. Discipline was enforced and was embraced by all. Every student respected hierarchy. We still embrace it after decades of leaving GSSA. We had healthy competition in academics and sports. We had true friendships with each other. Some friendships were close to brotherhood. Of course, good principals and teachers molded us in many ways, but we were also inspired by our school mates. We sought fellow students with similar interests to form alliances. In technical drawing I had Udegbunam, Clement for friendly competition. In Chemistry, Physics, Math and Add Maths I had my close friend (brother) Ezeonyim, Charles. In Statistics and art subjects I was on my own. We worked hard and played hard. It was balanced. As a member of the famous 1976/77 class 5A, our goal was to beat the previous class (1975/76) with more Distinctions. The rest as they say is history. We excelled because of all the components assembled at Afikpo to bring the best out of all of us.
Although GSSA students came from different socioeconomic backgrounds, we were easily molded into the image that was expected of students from such a distinguished institution. We developed friendships without regards to socioeconomic standings of our parents. Such was the uniqueness of GSSA. Of course, there were different types of friendships fostered during those formative years. I had my study group of friends, and my adventurous group of friends. It was not unusual to have some friends that belonged to the two groups. I am sure that other students had different groups of friends. I know that those that were gifted in sports formed their own alliances.
I had friends that studied more than was necessary. They were high achievers that perpetually worried about failure. They rarely celebrated their success, but concentrated more on how to improve in whatever they did. Majority of these students were in “A” class. The concept of “A’ class was simple. At the end of every school year, the top 25-30 students were assigned to “A” class. It was an obsession to remain in “A” class. Within the “A” class, there was subtle competition among the students. There were whispers of who was the best in Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Economics, etc. Most of us in “A” class had two different textbooks in each subject. We felt that it gave us advantage over other students when we studied from different authors. Some of us even read advanced level textbooks. I remember reading advanced level “Lawal” textbook of economics. We were GSSA boys and were slightly eccentric. We had our study “hideouts”. One memorable “hideout” for me was a local primary school classroom. In Afikpo at that time, the primary schools had no lockable doors or windows. On Sundays after mass, I spent hours studying at one of the local primary schools. The tranquil environment was very suitable for solving “physics problems”.
My adventurous group of friends made Afikpo life exciting. We climbed the hills and rocks at MacGregor Teachers College. We wondered into the woods a lot, in search of enlightenment I suppose. It was a carefree time for me. It was time to talk about ourselves and family. It was a time to learn about each other. Most of the members of this group were from big cities. We felt that Afikpo topography was alluring and had to be discovered. However, after an encounter with a big black snake, we limited our adventure to climbing big boulders at the teachers college. I am not sure if we were breaking any school rules at the time, but it was fun. This adventure was limited to only few weekends during the school year.
Friendships sometimes developed into interfamily relationships. I had a friend from Onitsha area whose mother cooked my favorite soup every time I visited their house. I felt sorry for the lady because my visits became frequent. My mother used to buy “crates of minerals” before our vacations because “Afikpo boys” are coming home. “I like your friends, they are respectful boys”, my mom used to say to me. We were not mischievous and our parents trusted us. I guess we practiced “respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor” beyond the gates of GSSA.
GSSA provided a wholesome environment for her students. Her student body at that time had simple and achievable goals. We wanted academic excellence, and excellence in sports. We were respectful to each other, to our teachers, principal and school staff. Above all, we respected GSSA. Our respect for GSSA was spiritual. GSSA was and is still like a deity. Once you pass through her door, you are sanctified.
As we rebuild GSSA, let us not forget one other important component of GSSA success; the makeup of the student body.
As the year draws to a close, I hope we reflect on our lives and recommit to our own GSSA. Give of yourself for the betterment of humanity.
Fidelis O. Mkparu, MD., FACC
Akabogu House 1976/1977
Reformatory House (AKA Tagbo’s place) 1973/1976