A Tribute to Dr Mrs Efunjoke Coker.

By Professor Kayode Soremekun

So the Mother of mothers, Dr Efunjoke Coker has gone the way of all mortals. Since her demise occurred at the ripe old age of 95, we are not mourning. Rather we are celebrating a life well lived in the service of Nigeria and Humanity….And If I may be allowed to rupture language here, hers was essentially a life of service to ‘’womanity’’! .But even then, Dr Mrs Coker did not just serve women, in this case, Queen’s College girls; she also served the boys. This much was evident in her autobiography. In an earlier career, it was revealed that she was a teacher at the Government College Ibadan. In this context, the GCI boys were not just taught by Dr Mrs Cokers in areas of core academic competence; they were also inducted into the basic facts of life. I am sure that a GCI Old boy like Professor Moyibi Amoda can easily bear witness to this testimony of mine. 

As an old boy of King’s College, I can also say that Dr Mrs Coker was a part of my life. After all, in those days, some of our out of class hours were spent in Queen’s College where we spent harmless time with her girls.

Thus, it was that when I became the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Oye Ekiti and we were searching for deserving individuals who could be honoured with Honorary Doctorate Degrees, I nominated her. And as a testimony to a life of industry and service, her nomination was endorsed by everyone. The point to note here is that in contemporary Nigeria, individuals who deserve honour are very few in view what passes for post-colonial Nigeria. This I believe is the essence of Dr Mrs Coker’s life. Hers to repeat, was a life well lived and totally committed to the actualization of a higher and better Nigeria. On this note, she gave her best such that in all corners of the country and indeed the world, there are QC girls that can rightly be described as Dr Mrs Coker’s ‘Daughters’.

So, Dr Mrs Efunjoke Coker, the Mother of mothers; icon in the educational sector; Woman of Substance; Remi’s Mother….; fare thee well as you go forth. You have certainly played your part and very well too on this side of the Divide. 

This much is clear, they do not make them like that anymore.

Professor Kayode Soremekun 

King’s College Old Boy and Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti.

Tribute to Late Mrs Efunjoke Coker-PQC.

As Principal of Queens College Mrs Coker had some very interesting and positive impact on the lives of many King’s College Boys.This was partially due to the long term affiliation between Kings and Queens.  The relationship became more cordial and vibrant in the days of Mrs Coker as she generously allowed many QC girls to attend activities like Debates,Lectures and Dances at King’s. These formed the foundation of our Training to be gentlemanly in relating with Ladies.As Secretary of the King’s College Society(Senior Literary and Debating Society)and President of the King’s College Thinker’s Group, I had cause on several occasions to invite Mrs Coker in 1965/66 to Speak on vital Topical issues.

She always turned up promptly . Her presence was electrifying and her presentations were deep and thought provoking.She was a Giant among the Teachers of our time.May her Noble Soul Rest in Perfect Peace.

Sir Victor C Eka 

KC 1960-66.

On behalf of USOSA

The President QCOGA

It is with immense sadness that we received the news of the passing of the first Nigerian Principal of Queens College, Dr Iphinega Efurnjoke Coker on Monday, 23rd December 2019.

While we mourn, we celebrate her life of impact, excellence and service to humanity via instilling virtues critical to the growth of the Nation as seen in the calibre of accomplished women who are products of Queens College, Lagos.

On behalf of USOSA, please accept our condolence as we immortalize her by being true to all that she stood for.

Please keep us informed on the funeral plans.

Best Regards

Lawrence Anirejuoritse Wilbert 

President General, USOSA