Father O'Connell Science College, Minna

Father O'connell Science College (F.O.S.C. Minna) formerly known as Government Secondary School (G.S.S. Minna) [1], is an All-boys school and one of the best and prestigious schools in Niger state and Nigeria as a whole.[2]

Nigerian School (Established in 1965)

F.O.S.C MINNA (formerly known as Government Secondary School, Minna).

Father O'connell Science College, Minna - Nigeria

The school was established on January 5th, in 1965 as Fatima Co-educational Secondary School, before it was taken over and renamed as Government Secondary School (G.S.S.) Minna by the government in 1973.[3] An Irish priest; Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Dermot O'connell became the Principal in 1967. The school became an all-boys school after girls were moved to Government Girls College, Minna in January 1975. The school celebrated it's 50th year (Golden Anniversary) which was held on the 30th January, 2016.[4] Father J.D. O'Connell was the longest-serving Principal in the World as he retired after 50 years of meritorious service and contributions to the education in Minna, Niger state. [5] Due to his hardwork, diligence and service, he was honored with the epithet 'Jagaban Ilimin Minna'. Upon his getting-ready-to-return-home to Ireland, he was bade farewell by the People and the Government of Niger state.[6] He was highly commended by His Excellency, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, the Executive Governor of Niger state, who said Father O'connell deserve a slot in Guinness World Book of Records, even as the longest-serving Principal in the World.[7] The Governor thereafter named the school as Father O'connell Secondary School [8] now known as the prestigious Father O'connell Science College (F.O.S.C. Minna). [9]

On the 14th of March 2018, the aged Father Jeremiah Dermot O'connell SPS, MFR, HFHe, Mnae (Jagaban Ilimin Minna) died in Ireland, his hometown on his sick-bed at 85.[10]

F.O.S.C. Minna is a school of academic uprightness, diligence and high discipline. It was the alma mater of many great Nigerians. Over the years, it has produced notable people like Cyril Stober,[11] Amb. Zubairu Dada (Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs for State), Barr. Abbas Bello (former head of service), Dr. Bashir Nuhu Tachi (former Commissioner for tertiary education), Alh. Nuhu Kuso, HRH. Alh. Muhammad Balarabe Sa'eed (Emir of Gagere in Nassarawa State), Justice Aisha Lami Bawa Bwari (Nigerian Judge), Dr. Ndagi Abdullahi, Daniel Tsado, Godwin Ashituabe and many others.[12]

The School's motto is INTEGRITY. And it is still nurturing it's students to greatness.[4]

References
  1. "governmentsecondaryschoolmx.org - contact with domain owner | Epik.com". governmentsecondaryschoolmx.org. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  2. "Brainy Students of Father O'connell Science College Mx". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  3. "Father O'connell Science College, Mx". www.findglobal.com. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  4. "Father O'Connell Science College Minna Nigeria « HEYSCHOOLS.COM.NG". heyschools.com.ng. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  5. Admin (2017-03-26). "Irish Priest spends 50 yrs as Principal in Niger state school". Leadership.ng. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  6. admin (2017-05-03). "A Worthy Farewell". THISDAYLIVE. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  7. "Rev. Fr. O'Connell Deserves Slot In Guineas' Book Of Records – Gov Sani Bello". New Nigerian Newspaper. 2017-03-26. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  8. Admin (2020-09-08). "GSS Minna now Rev. Fr. O'connell College - NGSG". Sundiatapost.com. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  9. Admin. "NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT IMMORTALIZES RETIRING REV. FATHER O'CONNELL, GSS MINNA NOW 'O'CONNELL SECONDARY SCHOOL | TRENDY VIBE". Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  10. "Longest serving school principal in Nigeria dies at 85". Pulse Nigeria. 2018-03-19. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  11. Agbugah, Fumnanya (2015-12-11). "Here is what you didn't know about Nigeria's Ace broadcaster, Cyril Stober". Ventures Africa. Retrieved 2021-01-26.
  12. "MY EXPERIENCE IN FATIMA (G.S.S MINNA)". Kobe's Blog. 2014-07-04. Retrieved 2021-01-27.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.