The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on students of St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi, to cherish the values, discipline, and knowledge instilled in them by the school. He reminded them that these lessons will shape their character and conduct as responsible members of society long after graduation.
Send-Forth Ceremony for Outgoing Administrator
Martins spoke at the send-forth ceremony organized in honor of the immediate past administrator of the college, Emmanuel Ayeni, who served the 97-year-old institution for 11 years. The event, held on the school premises, brought together clergy, staff, students, parents, and alumni of the St. Gregory’s College Old Boys’ Association, as well as other well-wishers. They celebrated Ayeni and formally welcomed his successor.
Ayeni, described as a dedicated priest, visionary leader, and distinguished administrator, was praised by speakers for his years of selfless service, which brought remarkable transformation, growth, and development to the college community.
Holistic Formation of Students
During his homily and remarks, Martins emphasized that Catholic education is understood by the church not merely as the transmission of academic knowledge but as the holistic formation of the human person—spiritually, morally, intellectually, and socially. He urged students to hold fast to what they have been taught and treasure the knowledge imparted by their teachers, so they become better ambassadors of St. Gregory’s College.
“You will be students we can speak of with pride, joy, and enthusiasm, knowing that we played a part in shaping you as students of St. Gregory’s College,” he said.
The archbishop commended the students for their disposition and conduct during the ceremony, noting that their comportment was a source of pride to their teachers and the outgoing administrator. He said their behavior reflected the values of diligence, respect, and responsibility that the school has labored to instill over the years.
Praise for Emmanuel Ayeni
Commending Ayeni for his outstanding performance over a decade, Martins said the outgoing administrator distinguished himself as a faithful steward and a visionary administrator. According to him, throughout his tenure, Ayeni combined academic excellence with discipline, compassion with firmness, and administrative competence with evangelical zeal.
“Your leadership reflected the mind of Christ, who came ‘not to be served but to serve’. Your administration consistently sought to form young men who are not only intellectually sound, but also morally responsible and spiritually grounded—citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to the Church and society,” the archbishop said.
New Administrator’s Remarks
In his remarks, the new administrator of St. Gregory’s College, John Njorteah, said the event was organized to honor a man whose presence shaped lives in ways words may never fully capture. He stated that Ayeni was more than an administrator; he was someone who embodied the essence of the college and served as a steady, guiding light for many students, teachers, and parents.
Njorteah expressed appreciation to Archbishop Martins for his presence and fatherly support, while also commending the school’s alumni association for playing a critical role in the development trajectory of the college through projects and mentorship.
Alumni Association’s Tribute
The President of St. Gregory’s College Old Boys’ Association, Francis Kudayah, said Ayeni’s tenure had been one of the longest and most impactful in the recent history of the school. He noted that under Ayeni’s leadership, the college not only upheld its legacy of academic excellence and moral formation but also witnessed tangible growth and transformation across multiple fronts, including infrastructure upgrades, digital learning initiatives, and stronger alumni engagement.
Ayeni’s Response
Responding, Ayeni expressed appreciation to God, to Archbishop Martins, and to the staff and students of the college, noting that he could not have achieved anything without their support and cooperation. He acknowledged the challenges of administering a historic institution but said the commitment of the entire school community made the work rewarding.
Ayeni asked school stakeholders, staff, and students to extend the same support and loyalty to his successor so that he could build on the achievements recorded and take the school to greater heights in the years ahead.
