TRIBUTE TO DR. IPHIGENIA EFUNJOKE COKER

On behalf of the Board and members of QCOGA-USA, we offer our condolences to the family of Dr. Coker. A trail blazer and first Nigerian Principal of QC,These are a few excerpts from our members:;

We were a transition set, as she just took over from Ms. Gentle, the last British Principal. I remember one distinct event: We planned a trip to Tarkwa Bay and one of the younger girls decided to cancel. When I explained that she had disrupted the team’s plans and deprived other girls, Mrs. Coker smiled at my attempt at leadership, without blaming either side, allowed the girl to cancel. This was a lesson in Leadership. Mrs. Coker had presence; she “ruled” with it, never having to yell or scream. She was tall, elegant, stoic and moved gracefully always. Every single QC girl’s life, past and present, is impacted by the groundwork she laid (Ikwo Ekpo – 1968). 

She was more than a Principal to us. She ensured that we had access to the same opportunities as boys.  She regularly held life lessons’ classes about boys and men; stressing that we were Queens and could achieve any career aspirations with hard work and perseverance. I remember excursions to important sites: homes for the less fortunate, and movies, particularly, those featuring female artists. She knew each student by name, no escape for bad behavior.(Fatima Alfa -1979).

We have lost a true giant, but we are better because she touched our lives.
Ikwo Ekpo, Interim President QCOGA-US