Tinubu’s King’s College Connection

A Distinguished Honour and a Lingering Promise

On January 5, 2025, President Bola Tinubu was bestowed with a significant honour, becoming an honorary old boy of the prestigious King’s College, Lagos. This distinguished recognition, Nigeria’s second-highest award, was marked by the presentation of the college tie, a symbol of deep connection and a privilege reserved for a select few. The occasion was presided over by Alhaji Femi Okunnu, SAN, a respected elder statesman and former President of the King’s College Old Boys Association, at President Tinubu’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The ceremony took place at the close of Ramadan, a period of fasting, sacrifice, and penitence that, coincidentally, mirrored the Christian observance of Lent. This convergence of religious observances is a notable recurrence, with a similar alignment anticipated for the current year.

However, the event was more than just an investiture; it was a pivotal moment that saw a formal request from the King’s College Old Boys Association for the full handover of the college. In a remarkable display of magnanimity, President Tinubu immediately granted this request, declaring, “Since this request is from my uncle, Alhaji Okunnu, SAN, I cannot refuse it. I hereby grant the request. The college will be handed over to its old boys.” This presidential decree was unequivocal, with no conditions or exchanges sought.

The Unfolding of a Presidential Directive

Despite the clarity of the presidential order, the Ministry of Education has since introduced its own interpretation, framing the handover as a “concession.” This has led to a divergence of perspectives, with Alhaji Okunnu maintaining his stance on the unambiguous nature of the President’s declaration.

The King’s College Tie: A Symbol Tested

The significance of the King’s College tie, a symbol of a unique bond, was starkly illustrated by a recent incident involving an old boy. The individual, a former student of Hyde-Johnson’s House, found himself in a confrontation with Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials. Accused of a traffic violation for allegedly failing to stop at a traffic light, the situation escalated when he refused to move his vehicle.

A fellow motorist, a woman who witnessed the exchange, intervened, urging the old boy to “settle” with the LASTMA official. Upon recognizing the King’s College tie, she expressed her dismay at his perceived arrogance and stubbornness. This led to a physical altercation, drawing the attention of a policewoman who subsequently arrested the old boy for traffic violation, disorderly conduct, and assaulting the woman.

Despite his pleas of innocence and his assertion of his honour as a King’s College Old Boy, he was taken to the police station. His protests of being a KCOB were met with mockery and torment, culminating in his overnight detention in a cell alongside individuals accused of various crimes.

The following day, his family arrived at the police station only to find he had already been brought before a court. The magistrate, with apparent disdain for the King’s College Old Boys, denied bail and imposed a four-month jail sentence, explicitly stating it was a warning to those who believe they are a “special breed” and “own the country.” The magistrate further elaborated that while leniency might be expected for a first-time offender, no King’s College Old Boy could qualify as such in her view.

It eventually required the intervention of another King’s College Old Boy to secure the offender’s release on bail pending an appeal. The legal battle continues, with a firm of lawyers providing pro bono services, and the case may ultimately reach the President’s desk seeking a pardon.

Echoes of the Past and Present Challenges

The King’s College tie holds personal significance for the author, evoking memories of his father, Chief J.K. Randle, who treasured his own tie. The author fondly recalls his father’s anticipation of a photograph together, both wearing their King’s College ties, a moment tragically cut short by his father’s untimely death before the author could officially wear his own tie.

In recent times, King’s College has faced scrutiny on the internet, with reports highlighting instances of unruly behaviour among students.

• Student Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions: Reports have detailed incidents of fighting among students, theft of personal belongings, and confrontations with house wardens. These behaviours have led to suspensions and deboarding of students. In one instance, a final-year student was sent home to complete his exams due to his involvement in an altercation with a teacher. Another student was suspended and required to read a letter of apology to the affected house warden in front of his peers.

  • House wardens have expressed concerns that some students exhibit spoiled behaviour, often reflecting their home environments. They note that some students, due to their physical stature, perceive themselves as peers to teachers and wardens, leading to disrespect. While acknowledging that some staff may have become overly familiar, the wardens emphasize that rudeness and physical altercations are unacceptable, even when provoked.

• Mysterious Death of a Teacher: A 48-year-old teacher, Mr. Ezekiel Akano, was found dead under mysterious circumstances within the school premises. Police investigations revealed no visible signs of violence on the body. The deceased was taken to the hospital, where his death was confirmed, and his remains were deposited for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. A full investigation has been launched by the police.

• Bullying Concerns: The issue of bullying has also surfaced, with a video shared online allegedly depicting the bullying of younger students. The reactions to the video have been mixed, with some defending the practice as “normal,” while others express shock and concern for the safety and well-being of the children. This has ignited a debate about the normalization of violence against young students and the potential for serious injury.

The prevalence of bullying in boarding schools, despite disciplinary measures, is a long-standing issue. While some argue that the boarding system itself should not be condemned, as many successful individuals have experienced bullying and emerged strong, the incidents at King’s College, given its elite status, have attracted significant public attention. The author posits that while such incidents may be isolated, the public outcry is amplified due to the school’s profile.

These revelations underscore the complex challenges facing educational institutions, highlighting the need for continued dialogue and robust measures to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. The narrative of King’s College, its esteemed traditions, and its contemporary struggles, continues to unfold.