TRIBUTE TO AN ICON: MRS. IPHIGENIA EFUNJOKE COKER (PQC 1963 -1977)

The home-call of Mrs. Efunjoke Coker is a celebration of the life of a great woman. She lived a fulfilled life crowded with school administration.
When Mrs. Efunjoke Coker assumed office in 1963, she became the 9th and the 1st African /Nigerian Principal of Queen’s College since its inception in 1927. She brought dignity, poise, and elegance to the office. Her name became synonymous with the college. She lived for it and remained passionate about it till the very end. She etched Queen’s College on the global map to become the foremost girls’ college in Nigeria.
A Queens College Old Girl (QCOG) herself, she nurtured her students with firm hand but loving care. She inculcated in them the culture of excellence by providing an enabling environment for them to thrive and attain their optimal. Mrs. Coker exuded discipline, diligence and a sense of self-worth: values imbibed by her students which motivated and propelled them to be great achievers in their various fields of endeavours. Her long tenure and motherly care gave the students a sense of belonging and a cord of love and unity which still transcend the barriers of creed, tribe or tongue.
Mrs. Coker remained a role model and mentor endearing herself to the students, parents staff and successive PQCs. She was an astute administrator, an efficient and effective leader. Underneath her seeming hard stance was a warm and humorous heart. One could not but marvel at the acuity of her mind even at an advanced age.
In appreciation of her contribution to the development of the school, a house, EFUNJOKE HOUSE was named after her.
The history of education in Nigeria, particularly that of the girl-child is not complete without reference to her. She bestrode the education sector like a colossus. In recognition of her service, the Federal Government conferred on her the award of Member of the Federal Republic, (MFR) in 1979. Her life was a symbol of courage, integrity,
dedication and nobility.
The elegant stallion has finished her race and is now resting in the bosom of her Creator.
ADIEU, MRS IPHIGENIA EFUNJOKE COKER, A MOTHER IN ISRAEL!!
GOOD NIGHT, GREAT EDUCATIONIST!!
AUREVOIR, PRINCIPAL PAR EXCELLENCE!!!

Signed:
LEAGUE OF PRINCIPALS, QUEENS COLLEGE, LAGOS. (PQCs).