Encomium
The founder of Royal City College of Education, Iyese, Ota Ogun state, Bishop (Dr.) Tom Samson visibly excited as a 17-man team from National Commission for College of Education visited the institution for full accreditation. The exercise which lasted three days was led by Mr. Vatalis Uji, the Deputy Director of NCCE who said he was impressed by the facilities.
He said the facilities met the standard of quality teaching. ENCOMIUM Weekly spoke with Bishop (Dr.) Tom Samson on the inspection, how he feels and more…
Tell us what is happening here today?
We have representatives from National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to inspect our facilities for full accreditation of all our courses in Royal City College of Education. We had a temporary accreditation before now, but they are here today to give us full accreditation.
Before now, you were accredited for 10 courses, have you been able to meet with the modalities to run the 10 courses?
Yes, starting from the facilities we have on ground, we duly follow the syllabus given by NCCE including the quality of teachers we have.
Would there be any additional courses to the 10 on ground?
The fact remains that it’s not just having additional courses but doing it well. Knowing that there are challenges in the area of teachers. That is why we are trying to sensitize people on the importance of education. Look at the rate of unemployment, people that have degrees in different disciplines are now emergency teachers. That’s why we have accredited diploma programme for such people that desire to become professional teachers.
For how long did you plan this?
We have been on it for four years. What led me into education was when I looked at myself, I attended a catholic school during my primary school, my secondary was Islamic school and my university was state owned. One way or the other, I have benefitted from these schools. Now, this is time to give back. Not only that, teaching moral education is uppermost in our c ollege.
We noticed that most schools owned by churches today are expensive…
Not all! Do not use one or two churches to generalize every school owned by churches. For example, our own schools, are very moderate. Though running a school now is very expensive, yet our own schools are affordable.
What I will advise is that when setting up a high standard school with high school fees, we should consider those that may not be able to afford the fees. I did not go to high and expensive schools and now see what I have become.
What measure have you put in place against female students harassment by male teachers?
We have put disciplinary measures in place and we have a course that goes with morals. One of the reasons we set this school is to give quality education and high standard morals.
Today, we are talking about educational standard that is going down, who are the teachers? Were they properly trained? So, we need quality teachers to handle our education system and to teach our children good morals.
Now that you have gotten the accreditation for your school, in years to come should we be expecting a university?
Yes, of course. We have thousand acres of land in Ewekoro for Monarch University. We’re beginning the registration with National Universities Commission.
Considering the situation of our country, what is the security measure put in place?
We have adequate security. Where there are children, there must be security consciousness. We have both internal and external security.
To deviate a little, the general elections is next month, what can you say about Nigeria?
Nigeria is our own. When you travel out of the shores of this nation, you will still come back. Nigeria will surpass 2015. I want politicians to know that Nigeria is ours. If we destroy this country, we have no other country that we can call our own. Looking at history of Nigeria, you will agree with me that God is in this country.
God upholds Nigeria. In 2015, we would have our elections and Nigeria would still remain intact because we are praying. 
Remember this country does not belong to one person alone. Nigeria is for the Lord and people thereof. Let’s look beyond the physical. Nigeria will survive 2015 elections and somebody will win and whosoever loses must accept it.
There are many divergent prophecies for Nigeria, if the spirit of God is one, what can you say about that?
Even in the Bible over one issue, several thousands of prophets have different views. Some use prophecies to attract politicians and that is commercialisation.
If the country disunited, why are we here? With all the prophecies, Nigeria will survive 2015. Everybody has his or her opinion about these prophecies. I am not condemning any prophesy but the fact remains that I am praying and many others too are praying that Nigeria will survive.
There are many controversies in the Christendom, how do you see this?
That is part of life. If there is no controversy, that means we are all sleeping. All of us cannot see the same thing in the same light. But the most important thing is that let every man do things according to his conviction.
What is your view about Christians joining politics since it’s believed that politics is a dirty game?
Politics is not a dirty game, it is the manner of playing it that is dirty. Let me ask, are we all corrupt in this country? No. So, if today God calls me into politics, so be it. Politics is rendering service. There is nothing wrong in a believer or a Christian going into politics. They should show the right way to do it.
-DAPO ADESEKO
