Tribute for Class of 62
Dr.(Mrs) Efunjoke Coker became PQC at the tail end of our education at Queen’s College. She carried herself with such aristocratic poise and confidence that we were in awe of her presence. She was a great teacher,mother and mentor who encouraged us to aspire to great heights. I was privileged to be her Head Girl in 1964. She impacted positively on my life. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Sheri (Akanbi) Adebiyi
Class of 62
Set of 1959 – 1963/65
In 1962, when Mrs Iphigenia Efunjoke Coker arrived in Queens College, first as VP and later as Principal, we viewed her as something of a curiousity, the school at that time being predominantly staffed by expatriates. I doubt if our young minds fully grasped the fact that we were witnessing the passing of an era; that this tall, stately, awe-inspiring Nigerian woman was more in the nature of a trailblazer, opening the way for indigenous staff at that administrative level.
She took classes too, pacing down the corridor, with that unhurried gait, on her way to us, and we quickly learnt the wisdom of focus while she taught, because she was equally adept at quelling foolishness with the sheer power of the eye, and at administering a swift tongue-lashing not easily forgotten. Always with that air of calm self-control – a truly remarkable lady.
Some fifty years later, when a group of us old girls went to visit, and she spoke with us on a range of subjects, the power of the mind behind that still-beautiful face, and the acuity of that intellect were borne in on us. She was still bolt upright, though now confined to her chair, and not only remembered each one of us, but did so with amazing clarity – a truly remarkable lady.
That is a lasting image of her – bolt upright in her chair, with that aura of dignity so peculiarly her own, wrapped around her.
Dear Mrs. Coker, you touched and moulded so many lives; we are grateful that for a brief moment in time, we were of the number.
Farewell. May light perpetual shine upon you.
Set of 1959 – 1963/65
Dolapo Coker for OGQC 60/64 Set
There was a thorough bred Lady came into QC in1962 as our English teacher. She was an English Lady in black skin. In those days, most of our teachers, including the Principal, were white. Mrs Coker then came in and blended. She taught us Phonetics and was passionate about it, ensuring that words were pronounced properly. To her, speaking phonetics had to do with the way you carry yourself, so we were groomed to carry ourselves like Ladies.
She became the Principal in 1963, so education in QC became an all-round grooming of black girls into Ladies. There was no longer the belief that the “oyinbos” were pushing us to be like them. Our Principal, Mrs. Efunjoke Coker was our role-model.
After our graduating exams, we were kept back in school till the end of term. During this period, we were invited to her quarters and groomed as to how to face life as decent ladies for the rest of our life.
This has had a great impact on many of us till today.
THANK YOU PRINCI.
We thank God for the long life he gave you to see the fruits of your labour.
We shall forever appreciate you.
God grant you eternal bliss.
Class of 65.
When Mrs. Iphigenia Efunjoke Coker became the first Nigerian principal of Queens College in December ’63, the class of 65 were mostly immature teenagers struggling with the existential questions about who we were and what our futures would be, but it was an open secret that all of us wanted to be like Mrs Coker!
What we have become today is a testament to her mentorship skills and leadership qualities.
Statuesque Mrs Coker was a quiet motivator who exuded confidence, competence, grace, poise and elegance and inspired utmost respect as she strolled the corridors and grounds of the college. Who can forget her steady and deliberate steps on her way to morning assembly. She was quietly effective, efficient, strict, and firm but fair and lovable. Her quiet air of authority was uniquely hers… She didn’t shout or bark out orders, but one look from her and you knew you had erred and immediately corrected yourself… otherwise, you joined the line of “naughty” girls outside the principal’s office.
Mrs Coker was a role model par excellence and those of us who passed through her were lucky, and we are grateful to have been influenced by her. We doff our berets to a Nigerian woman of Steel.
The torch dims but can never be put out.
E sun RE ma. Orun rere Amin.
Class of 65.
Tribute to Dr. I.E.Coker Principal Queen’s College Lagos, 1963-1977.
Growing up as young girls in Queen’s College Lagos in 1962, our set was privileged to experience the leadership of Ms Gentle our expatriate Principal before the arrival of Mrs. Efunjoke Coker in1963. Ms Gentle, was an epitome of her name. She nurtured us in the best possible way, hoping to inculcate in us attributes that would serve us well as we took our place as gentle ladies in Society. Most of the staff were expatriates and they assisted her in this regard. We listened to classical music at Assembly, engaged in debates and danced on Saturday evenings. It was a jolly time for everyone.
In 1963, Queen’s College experienced an upheaval with the arrival of the first indigenous Principal, in the person of Mrs. Efunjoke Coker. She was known to be strict, permitting no nonsense from staff or students. She was taciturn and smiled sparingly. Her imposing presence exuded elegance and commanded deep respect. Her mission was apparently was to raise young women who would not only take their place in society, but would rise as high as possible in their chosen professions.
She took a keen interest in the academic strengths of her students and nurtured a strong accademic foundation in each one of us. Predictably, our class of 1966, produced amongst other high level professionals, State High Court Judge, Lawyers, Medical doctors Women Political leaders, Deans of Faculties in Universities, Staff working for the United Nations at home and abroad and women of good standing in Church.
Towards the end of our stay at Queen’s College, the Nigerian Biafra war was upon us. Some expatriate staff left, and Mrs. Coker sought the best indigenous staff replacements for them so as not to compromise the quality of education of her charges. Our set sat for WAEC in 1966, and our results reflected her desire that the current situation in the country did not compromise the standards she set for us.
As we mourn the passing of this Iconic Amazon, our past Principal Dr. Efunjoke I. Coker, we give God thanks and gratitude for her life. We thank God for her impeccable mentoring skills. We can assure her kind soul, that like her, we will continue to ‘Pass on the Torch’ more brightly burning, to future generations and beyond. Adieu. May her Soul rest in perfect Peace. Amen.
Dr. Esohe Veronica Molokwu nee Omoregie
Tonye Unuigbe (nee Peterside) on behalf of the Class of 1963-67/69
TRIBUTE TO OUR DEAR PRINCIPAL, TEACHER AND FRIEND
When Dr (Mrs) Iphigenia Efunjoke Coker, our dear Principal, Teacher and Friend departed this earth, the news spread like wildfire that same evening. This was no surprise because she had become an icon to a whole generation of Nigerians. She had made such an indelible impression on us, her students, that she remained life-long friends with a large number of us. How did she do this? This was what intrigued me and many others who wanted to know her story. At first she was not keen but caved in when Remi, her daughter, added her voice. I was pleasantly surprised and honoured when she sent for me to publish her autobiography.
Her love for Literature influenced the inimitable style of her autobiography, which went beyond telling the story of her life to taking her readers on a journey through the Lagos of the 1930s, through the 1940s, 1950s on to the beginning of this century, painting a graphic picture in her description of the people of Lagos and a good deal of their traditions. The immense effort she put into the growth and development of Queen’s College and to the welfare of her girls, was truly exceptional.
Dr (Mrs) Coker was totally selfless and radiated love in all her endeavours. She was not just our Principal, she was also our mother and our friend. May her path be blessed.
Class of ’68
Visit to Mrs Coker as part of our 50th Anniversary program Celebrating Cokie at 93 Group photo of Class of 68 present in Lagos at our 50th Anniversary One arm of the Class of ’68 in Form 2 (1965)
CLASS OF 1969/71
Bolanle Izilein
In January 1965, we started first form at Queen’s College, Yaba Lagos. Wide eyed kids, many of us leaving home for the first time in our lives, in awe of our teachers, but more in awe of our formidable principal, Mrs Efunjoke Coker.
‘Cokie’ as we called her led a team of teachers who within five years turned us from rookies into knowledgeable confident young women who were poised to take on the world.
She constantly reminded us that ours was a secondary grammar school and we were given the best education available anywhere, having a position of privilege and opportunities that few had in the community.
Cokie did not spare the rod. She had a ruler with a middle part made of steel with which she could take on a whole class at a time, especially if she caught us being unladylike like shouting and putting one’s feet on the desk.
As we got older, we experienced the other side of ‘Cokie’- mother, guardian, immensely proud of us, and ambitious for our future. We understood the need for the strictness.
We owe much of what we are today to ‘Cokie’ and her staff.
That motley crew is now a bunch of professors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, doctors, judges, accountants, world class administrators, pastors, among others. Every where we go we carry the spirit of QC, and of course, the spirit of Mrs I. E. Coker.
She will never die as the torch passes even to future generations of Queen’s College students who never met her physically.
Thank you Cokie. Rest in peace.
CLASS OF 1969/71
1966-72 Set
OUR TRIBUTE FOR LATE (MRS) IPHIGENIA EFUNJOKE COKER
Our dear Mrs Coker,
We heard of your passing with great grief and a lot of heartfelt pain. We know we will miss you. We remember you with fondness, warmth, joy, and thank you from the depth of our hearts for the impact you made in our lives from the tender ages of 10,11,12,13, and the difference you made in our lives, developing and making us self-confident, strong, efficient, highly professional women with a high sense of integrity, honesty, and patriotism.
As we bid you farewell, different words come to our minds. The whole school fondly, behind your back of course, called you ‘Cokie’, so our Cokie, you were to us, a GAME/LIFE CHANGER, Principled, CONFIDENT. Elegant, Disciplined, Firm, CONSISTENT, REGAL, Stern, a Role Model, Motherly, Eloquent (we recall your etiquette, posture and phonetic classes in the Hall to the whole school from Form 1 to Upper Six, on Fridays), INSPIRATIONAL, Dedicated, Very Chic, Compassionate, Strict, CALM, Erudite, Articulate, Controlled, LOVING, and most especially, UNFORGETTABLE!
By and large, we are what we are today due to your training.
Know this as you go, our dear Cokie that you made a far-reaching impact on the minds of little girls who under your tutelage, grew into confident young women. Thank you!
We wish you perfect peace, our darling Mrs Coker, rest in peace.
Sheri Williams Nee Belo-Osagie
QCOG OLD GIRLS SET OF 67 – 71
ENIA EFUNJOKE COKER-
A VESSEL UNTO HONOUR, SANCTIFIED, MEANT? FOR THE MASTER’S USE, PREPARED UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK.
It did not matter how she was addressed, Mrs. Coker, Cokie, Iphigenia, Efunjoke, it could never diminish her essential self.
Tall, slim, straight, uniquely beautiful, she carried herself with the values she had imbibed, on a GOD-ordained mission to make every girl child she encountered at Queen’s College, Yaba, a vessel unto honour , fit for whatever role they are found in globally.
You cannot give what you do not have; Mrs. Coker herself was well- born and bred. It was from the depths of the wellspring of her family background, her education, the crucial beginning of which she had gained at Queen’s College too and her unusual understanding of what she had been sent to the world to accomplish, that she poured virtue into every child that walked through the school gates. She emptied herself of all and gave to each child according to her needs.
She was mindful of our development which included discipline when necessary. We turned out as pieces decorating Nigeria and the whole world. Queen’s College Old Girls are doing exploits EVERYWHERE!
Mrs Coker’s legacy cannot end with her demise; what she taught by example, is to make a trans-generational impact that outlives us.
Today, the School Song acquires new meaning as we sing with gusto, ‘Pass on the torch, still brightly gleaming’ and intentionally determine to live it.
Queen’s College Old Girls
1968-72/74 Set
A TRIBUTE IN HONOUR OF MRS EFUNJOKE COKER (PQC 1963-1977)
BY THE SET OF 1969-73/75
We mourn the loss of our dear principal, popularly referred to as Cokie, but in doing so we celebrate the life of a great woman.
Mrs. Coker became a part of our lives when we were very young. The major ambition for most of us of gaining admission into this exclusive school for girls the very best in the Country at the time, had just been realised. Unprepared were we for the impact this woman of excellent breeding would have on our lives. We from different homes had been handed over to someone who, while ladylike in nature, had the capacity to nurture hundreds of young girls at a time, and instil discipline, virtues, values, and so much more, in them.
In our early years, we perceived Mrs Coker to be extremely strict, someone whose path you dared not cross, she who must be obeyed, the one who held the cane and who would use it at the clap of her hands (much to the delight of our parents).
As we became senior girls, we began to appreciate and admire her. We would gather round her while she chatted gayly with us, lacing the discussions with humour and wit. A great impact on our life’s preparation in all its ramifications. Who can forget the word “integrity”, which she ensured was eternally ingrained within our subconscious, and which has resounded over the years?
Then we were released to the world for further education, to pursue careers, become wives, mothers, employees, employers, indeed, to conquer the world. We thank God in every milestone attained, for the excellent all-round education we had obtained from QC, and, acknowledging the award-winning role played by our dear Cokie, a God-fearing woman who positively shaped the destinies of thousands of young girls.
And so, while many of us did not get to expressly say “thank you Ma”, this tribute, written straight from the hearts of all of us, says it all.
Mrs Coker may have been a physical part of our lives for just five to seven years, but she remains in our hearts forever.
Our dear Mrs Coker, Requiescat in Pace
Class of 1969 – 73/75
The Passing of An Icon
When the news broke about the peaceful transition of our beloved Mrs Iphigenia Efunjoke Coker, the only Principal we had throughout our 5 or 7 (or for those who came for HSC, 2) year sojourn in QC, there was a spontaneous outpouring of tributes on our class platform (as would have been all over the world of QC girls), some of which are captured below:
“What an exemplary life. She was able to shape our lives….the departure of a great academic, disciplinarian and icon. Strong woman to the end”.
“Indeed the end of an era! Hers was a calling not a job. Her contribution to mankind remains unquantifiable!”
“She has left an indelible mark in the sands of time. In us she lives on. Unforgettable”
“She wore her mantle of authority with dignity and elegance providing us all with a learning environment for our educational achievements and future aspirations”
“She was an icon of education in our generation and she blessed us with life-long principles”.
“May her family find solace in the fact that she positively touched the lives of hundreds of girls giving us pride in being OGQC women with vision , to make our mark in the world at large, or in our own small corner!”
What can one say that would be different from any other QC girl that passed through her nurturing and tutelage? We remain eternally grateful for the beautiful memories of Mrs Coker’s purposeful and distinguished life of service, her legacy of competence and integrity and her ability to fearlessly take a stand on difficult issues.
Adieu to our Role Model and quintessential Teacher. We will always remember you and the great impact you had on our lives.
Hon. Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun (nee Fasinro)
Justice of the Supreme Court
President, Queen’s College 1970-74/76 Set
A Tribute to Mrs Iphigenia Efunjoke Coker MFR
Fondly known as Cokie
Written by the Old Girls of Queen’s College Class Set of 1971-75/77
We came under your tutelage Cokie , in January 1971, 60+ diamonds in the rough.
Each one was special to you. You took us all into your large heart and inspired us to be the best we could be.
From you, we learned the virtues of hard work, honesty,, commitment, self esteem, kindness, patriotism, love for the finer things of life- the arts, music, theatre and so much more.
You gave us hopes and dreams that inspired us to great heights.
You cleaned us up, washed us, scrubbed us, polished us until we shone brightly. You lit a fire in our souls and then sent us out as fine young ladies to take the world, a great force for good.
49 years later, we have taken our rightful places in society- seasoned professionals, leaders, wives, mothers and more.
We see the world differently through the prism of your views.
We can discern right from wrong because you showed us how.
We perceive things in a different style, we have a deeper understanding of things, dear Cokie, because our paths crossed yours.
Like a rare gem found in the depths of the earth, you were one of those jewels of which there is a dearth.
Like prized possessions, always kept safe and secure, your teachings and lessons will forever be in our hearts.
The fire you lit in us, a flaming torch, we pass on, because you did.
Charles Eliot said “a good teacher is like eternity. She never knows where her influence stops.”
Your legacy lives on dear principal, teacher, mentor, role model and so much more.
You were a legend who made legends of her girls.
We celebrate your meaningful impactful, rich, long life.
Rest In Peace great daughter of Nigeria as we Pass On The Torch
Still Brightly Gleaming.
Class 72-76
Class of ’76
Class of 77 Tribute
How does one capture the essence of an amazon, with limited words? The late Mrs Efunjoke Coker (“Cokie” to us) was larger than life itself.
Cokie lived a glorious, purposeful life and impacted the lives of all those who were privileged to be her students as well as those who benefited from the solid foundation she laid in Queen’s College. There was no-one more committed to instilling the right values in exuberant students in the tender years of our lives. Cokie taught us phonetics and made sure we sat quietly like young ladies to listen to Mozart, Beethoven and Bach. She taught us to believe in ourselves, to never give up, to be self-confident, and to be assertive.She was a role model who raised the bar high and made QC the pre-eminent girls’ school in the country. Cokie played a key role in nurturing generations of ladies who have distinguished themselves in their various careers.
She served her country with honour, dedication and integrity and left her footprints in the sands of time. Nigeria has indeed lost a rare gem. We will always remember her with much fondness and reverence, and her legacy will live on in all of us. However, she has served her purpose in life and returned to her Creator. As we bid her farewell and thank her for passing on the torch to us, we also thank God for a life well spent.
Adieu, our beloved Cokie.
Visit to Mrs Efunjoke Coker By QC 1977 Set: https://youtu.be/sFTdfA5WimY
Class of 73-77
Tribute to Cokie – Principal Queens College (QC) Emeritus
When we heard the news of the passing of our great ex- Principal Mrs Efunjoke Coker, aka Cokie, on our Old Girl Queens College (OGQC) set forum, our first thoughts as collectively expressed were that
‘An Iroko Tree has fallen. What a great loss! ‘
We the 0GQC 73-78/80 set mourn yet celebrate the life of this distinguished icon of our great school, Queens College (QC). A headteacher par excellence.
She was a Reformer, Mentor and a Mother to us all. Firm, strict, but fair. Cultured and graceful.
A truly outstanding and remarkable woman who, after 42 years now of our leaving QC, remains an indelible mark ,etched in our memories for her role in modelling our lives and shaping our futures; A legacy that will live on forever through us & to our children.
At our 4Oth Year class Reunion in April 2018, we visited her to show our love & appreciation & have many beautiful keepsake group pictures taken with her. We can never forget her!
She has completed her well run race and assuredly gone to a well deserved peace.
We extend our sincerest heartfelt condolences to her family and especially her daughter Remi.
May the Lord rest your good soul in his bosom eternally & give your family & indeed all OGQCs who knew you, the fortitude to bear this great loss. Amen.
Sun re o Cokie. Sun re
Omolara Hazeezat Adeyemi (Oyelola)
For & on behalf of the OGQC 73-78/80 set
OUR COKI GOES HOME
An Icon Truly Came In The Person Of EFUNJOKE COKER… A Name every QUEEN’S COLLEGE GIRL is so proud to call.
SHE EXITED WITHOUT HER STATURE BEING DIMINISHED… rather it was MAGNIFIED EVEN MORE by her deposit in every QUEEN’S COLLEGE GIRL who was fortunate to come under her care.
BLESS YOU DEAR ONE, You are a MOTHER to so many.
BLESS YOU FOR GIVING YOURSELF SO SACRIFICIALLY
We say THANK YOU Mrs Coker. WELL DONE…
We promise to live and love as you taught us.. Building a Sisterhood that transcends tribe and tongue, religion and Politics, one that lives in a united love for Queen’s College.
You have run a fulfilling race. Rest In Perfect Peace Ma. We send you forth with a Thunderous Applause 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Class of 79
Farewell Mrs Coker
We entered Queen’s College, young and impressionable in 1975 and Mrs Coker began transforming us into ladies. She imbibed in us the QC ethos of excellence, discipline, intellectual rigour and an esprit de corps which shaped us into the women we are today. Three claps of her hands announced her arrival and we would quickly adjust our uniforms, buff our shoes and compose ourselves. After all, Queen’s College was for queens.
Cokie, as we fondly referred to her, was elegant with a commanding yet reassuring presence; she was authoritative but fair minded – a true mother. She instilled in us a fear that came from not wanting to disappoint her and standing before her, we knew we would get what we deserved – praise or punishment!
As news of her passing broke, classmates shared how she impacted their lives. One spoke of how she intervened in a difficult family situation, reversing the outcome. She referred to Mrs Coker as their destiny helper. Indeed, she was that to all of us.
Her retirement in 1977 saddened us but some of us were privileged to pioneer Efunjoke House. As she still remained so dear to us, we planned to visit her as part of our 40th anniversary activities, but sadly this is not to be. Her integrity and her commitment to make us strong and confident women will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on in each of us, and for this we are eternally grateful.
We celebrate her life and may her memory remain blessed.
Set of 1975-80
Mrs Funmilayo Onafowokan
TRIBUTE TO MRS IPHIGENIA EFUNJOKE COKER
‘Cokie’ as she was fondly called was the epitome of a distinguished lady in every sense.
Being the youngest set in Queens College in 1976 the year of her retirement, we were privileged to have experienced her motherliness, though firm and strict. Everyone knew that if you dared step out of line and caught in the process, hearing those 3 distinct claps of hers meant you were doomed and could only pray that God would be your redeemer. She was a disciplinarian in totality but fair to the core.
‘Cokie’ imbibed hard work, discipline, honesty and all the good qualities of upbringing in all her ‘girls’ as we were fondly referred to.
The news of her demise, brought a great sense of loss to us all in the 76 – 81 set and indeed to all the Old girls of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos. She will be greatly missed.
May her gentle soul rest in peace!
OGQC 76 – 81 SET.
Class of 82 Tribute
Set of 82 was the last set that had the priviledge of having Mrs. Efunjoke Coker as principal, in our form one.
Mrs. Coker (Cokey as we called her) was an epitome of class from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes. Her genteel and cultured attributes she endeavored to instill in us. She would always remind us that we were ladies and as such had to sit, walk and talk like ladies. Some of us even experienced “seniors” putting heavy textbooks on our head and making us walk from one end of the dormitory to the other, without the books dropping (you can imagine the poise that one had to summon up to achieve this feat) all in a bid to turn us into graceful and elegant young ladies that Mrs Coker would be proud of.
A vivid memory that most of us carry till today, is that of Mrs Coker and the Lawn. Walking on the lawn in Mrs Coker’s days as principal of Queens College was a “sacrilege”. How dare you be caught walking on Mrs Coker’s Lawn (as we called it). Some 41 years after, some of us still find ourselves walking round a lawn to get to the other side of it rather than taking the shorter route of walking across it.
Indeed, Class of ‘82 can confidently say that the seeds of any semblance of ladylike behavior (culture, class and elegance) exhibited by us now, were sown way back in 1977/78 by Mrs. Efunjoke Coker. What a legacy!
Rest in Peace Dearest Cokey
Class of 82
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