Eighty-year-old Kolaru Eesuola, a retired teacher based in Abuja, shares his life and work experiences with OLALEYE ALUKO
Please tell us about your family background.
I was born on December 17, 1936, in Eruwa town, Oyo State. My parents are John and Adetoro Eesuola of blessed memory. We are from the Alapinni ruling family in Oyo. Although I hail from Oyo town, we settled in Eruwa eventually, where my father lived for many years.
What schools did you attend?
I attended Baptist Day School, Eruwa, for my primary education. I started schooling in 1948. I was enrolled a bit later than my age group. I came in at the time when they were in standards three and four, but I was able to weather the storm. I moved to Baptist Central School, where I completed my primary education in December, 1955.
In those days, we paid two shillings as primary school fees, but most parents could not afford that amount. In 1955, the Western region government then started the free education policy. In the whole of our local government comprising 27 towns, there was no secondary school, except in Ibadan, Abeokuta and Lagos. So, I did not start secondary school immediately after I completed my primary education. Later in 1958, I attended St. Joseph Catholic Teacher Training College in Lagos Island, Lagos State. Then, the school was located at the Holy Cross Cathedral, but it has since moved to Surulere area. In 1978, I enrolled for a Diploma in Adult Education at the University of Ibadan. Then, in 2010, I enrolled at the Evangelical Church of West Africa College for a degree in Christian Theology. However, after my primary education in 1955, I got a teaching job at a Catholic Primary School, Eruwa. I started work on January 1, 1956.
How would you describe your first experience as a teacher?
In the first place, I never knew I was going to be employed in the school because I had a Baptist background and we never had any experience of Catholic doctrines. A principal of the Baptist Primary School in Eruwa, where I had also attended recommended me for the job. My salary was five pounds. What we used those five pounds to do then, we cannot use several thousands to do same today. I would give my sisters one shilling and they would cook for us to eat (Twenty shillings equalled a pound then). I taught at the Catholic School for three years until I was transferred to St. Dominic’s in Abebi area of Ibadan in 1958. It was the headquarters of the Catholic Church in Oyo State at the time. I was posted to Lagos State, and I taught at St. Patrick School in Yaba for one year. I was later transferred to St. Thomas in Surulere, where I worked till 1964, when I was posted to St. George, Falomo, and then to the Methodist School, Subuola Street in Surulere. I taught all the primary school subjects.
Aside from teaching, what other things were you involved in?
After teaching for 21 years, I resigned in December, 1976. I briefly joined politics when I contested the position of councillorship of Eruwa Ward 1, which I won on personal merit and not on the platform of any political party. The elections were held on December 28, 1976. I remember my salary was N100 and I was in that position for three years. After that time, I still participated in politics, but not actively again. Up till now, whenever there is an election is Eruwa, they still consult me. In 1999, I became a member of the Alliance for Democracy. But one of the reasons that made me withdraw gradually from politics was the lack of trust among party members. For example, sometimes, when we agreed to go a particular way in the political party, the others would go behind us and secretly do otherwise, and there would be distrust.
As a student teacher in Lagos Island in 1960, what do you recall about Nigeria’s independence?
It was a unique event. At that time, the Tafawa Balewa Square was a racecourse. On Independence Day, a temporary structure was put up. The Prime Minister then, the late Tafawa Balewa, and other dignitaries stood under the temporary structure. There was no sitting arrangement. The police were present but there were no restrictions like you have now. There was free movement and one could decide to go to where the dignitaries sat to shake hands with them. There were also acrobatic displays and the whole town was decorated. There was a public address system. There were a few vehicles such as long Peugeots, Ox-Mobil and Pontiac brands parked in the area.
In those days, people generally respected police officers and the rule of law. There was no overload of vehicles.
How did you meet your wife?
My wife is Comfort Eesuola, nee Adebisi. We met at Yaba in February 1961. We became friends and I encouraged her to get an education. She listens and is obedient; in fact, I found all the qualities I wanted in a woman in her. We got married on October 4, 1969, at Yaba Baptist Church and have five boys and two girls. By the grace of God, they are all doing fine and gainfully employed.
You worked in Oyo and Lagos states, why did you relocate to Abuja?
My wife had always been a civil servant in Abuja. And I wanted to stay close to my wife and my seven children. So, I moved to join her and the children on December 12, 1991. Last year, I and my wife established a new school in Dutse, Abuja, and I am the one managing it. I employed three teachers and we have about 15 pupils now. I go there thrice in a week. I do not have specific hours that I work in a day. But I go out every day.
Why did you wait until you were 80 years old to start a private school?
It came by divine inspiration. We acquired the land in 2000 when I first mooted the idea of starting a private school. It was a bushy area then and I wondered if parents would want to bring their children to such an area. But I had forgotten that the plot was located at the side of the main road. If I had started the school then, it would have been bigger. By the grace of God, the inspiration came again, so I decided to start. And now, the school is growing.
Do you feel any stress at this age managing a school?
Not at all; it is actually interesting. I do not do anything at home. I love being with children. I love playing with them and they even feel my absence.
What is your favourite food?
I like amala and ewedu soup or gbegiri. I am a typical Oyo man.
Would you still love to live 20 years more, considering your school and children?
Even if God grants that grace, will I still be able to move all around? Everything is in God’s hands. My philosophy has always been to be contented with whatever God gives me. I have lived this long and come this far all by the grace of God.
What are your hobbies?
I like travelling around to meet people. I love to visit my family members and friends. I also go for walks. But my legs are aching now and I do not take long walks anymore. I cannot wear any shoe with heels and shoes that are very tight. I also prefer to wear light clothes so I can move freely.
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