The truest teachers are going home

…As school dismisses for Victoria Opurum; and to her the bell chimes

When Mary Odili, retired justice of the Supreme Court, who is wife of former Governor Peter Odili of Rivers State, called for the return of the old Grade Two Teachers system of education, and the reinstatement of the Teachers Training Colleges (TTC), she must have had in mind 84-year-old Victoria Nwenendah Opurum.

The retired Supreme Court Justice spoke at the unveiling of a book on the life of Christie Toby, wife of Gabriel Toby, Odili’s deputy in government. What Mary Odili had in mind was that education collapsed because good and dedicated teachers are no more. To her, good teachers are extinct because the system of training, the TTC system that grilled young men and women into true teachers was no more. The cadre is fast running out and the ones left are dyeing; and have since retired.

For education to be restored, the TTC system must be restored, she demanded. This seems to be where Victoria (Opurum) comes into view.

On the day, she was laid to rest by His Grace, Blessing C. Enyinndah, AP Dean, Church of Nigeria, the ArchBishop of Niger Delta Province, and G.O Ojirika, Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese Reverend Canon G. O. Ojirika, assisted by Okechukwu Chezu, Joseph S.B Lebara, and Polister Chigbu, all topmost clerics of the Anglican Order in Isiokpo, her marital home, the testimony was that Victoria was not just a teacher but teaching herself, what many call the Teachers’ Teacher.

According to Chuka Hamilton Opurum of the University of Port Harcourt, one of her sons, the Lady (Victoria) did not merely live in the passage of years, but richly expressed life in service, integrity, and unwavering faith.

The son said their mother was a woman of purpose and quiet distinction. The son opened a window into the life of teachers of those days of TTC system. He said: “In the field of education, she gave the best of her intellect, her discipline, and her compassion to the noble task of shaping young minds. Her ascent to the role of Headmistress was not accidental; it was the natural consequence of excellence, dedication, and a deep commitment to nurturing both knowledge and character. Through her, countless lives were formed, guided, and inspired toward meaningful futures.”

Little wonder beyond the walls of the classroom, their mother stood as a steadfast pillar within her community. “Her active involvement in the Nigerian Union of Teachers and the National Council of Women Societies reflected a life devoted to service beyond self.”

Only well-honed teachers (in learning and character) could leave the classroom and fit into any role outside education, carrying – respect. “She championed the cause of women, strengthened communal bonds, and contributed to the steady advancement of society. Her voice conveyed wisdom; her actions embodied compassion; her presence inspired trust and collective progress. Yet, the truest measure of her life was found in her faith. She was a devoted Christian whose walk with God was marked not by outward display, but by quiet consistency, humility, and grace. She lived the virtues she professed—kindness in spirit, perseverance in trials, and generosity in service.

“In her leadership, we saw humility; in her strength, we saw gentleness; in her life, we saw a testimony of selfless devotion. Today, as we face the reality of her passing, we are reminded that while death brings sorrow, it does not extinguish legacy.

“The seeds she sowed—in education, in community, and in faith—continue to flourish. “Her influence endured in the many lives she shaped, the values she instilled, and the hope she inspired. And so, though we mourn, we do not mourn without hope. For we are comforted by the assurance that a life lived in faith finds its rest in eternal peace.”

Chuka said their mother completed her earthly race with honour; “She has fulfilled her calling with dignity; she has kept the faith. Let us, therefore, rise above grief into purpose. Let us honour her not only in remembrance, but in imitation—by living lives marked by service, guided by integrity, and enriched by compassion. Let her legacy challenge us to be better, to do more, and to love more deeply. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may her enduring legacy remain a light to guide us all.”

A window the life of a truest teacher:

Opurum Nwenendah Victoria was born on November 28, 1942, and lived a life of remarkable service and dedication until her passing on February 27, 2026, at the age of 84. Her journey was defined by an enduring commitment to education, community development, and faith.

Her educational path began at St. Peter’s Primary School, Isiokpo, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate in 1954. Driven by a passion for teaching, she proceeded to the Women Training College, Isiokpo, earning her Teachers Grade 3 Certificate in 1960. She further advanced her qualifications at St. John’s Teachers Training College, Port Harcourt, where she obtained the Teachers Grade 2 Certificate in 1973.

In pursuit of continuous professional development, she completed an Associateship Course at the University of Ibadan in 1981, earning the Associateship Certificate of Education. She also participated in several professional trainings, including intensive courses organized by the Nigerian Union of Teachers and leadership programs focused on women’s education.

Her teaching career spanned several decades and multiple schools across Rivers State. She served diligently in various institutions, including St. Peter’s School Isiokpo, St. Stephen’s School Omerelu, St. Luke’s School Egbeda, and several Universal Primary Education (U.P.E.) schools in Rumuola, Elekahia, and Elelenwo.

Her dedication and leadership qualities led to her appointment as headmistress, a role she held in several schools, including State School Imogu Omagwa, St. Patrick’s State School Alimini-Isiokpo, and St. Paul’s State School Ogbodo.

Through these roles, she shaped the lives of countless pupils and contributed significantly to the development of primary education in her community.

Beyond the classroom, she was deeply involved in professional and community organizations. She was an active member of the Headmasters Association, the Education Authority in Ikwerre Local Government, and various literacy and development committees.

Her influence extended into women’s advocacy and community leadership, where she played key roles in cooperatives, development committees, and national initiatives such as the National Programme on Immunization.

A devoted Anglican, she was baptized in 1953 and confirmed in 1957. Her faith found expression in decades of service within the church. She held numerous leadership positions, including Secretary of the Parochial Church Committee of St. Peter’s Church, Secretary of the Ikwerre Archdeaconry Women’s Association, and Treasurer of the Women’s Guild.

She was also a key participant in the establishment and growth of church structures within the Diocese of Ikwerre, eventually being honored as a Knight of St. Mary in 2009. Her service to the church spanned administrative, spiritual, and developmental roles, leaving a lasting legacy.

Her leadership extended into many areas of society. She served as Treasurer and Examiner of Accounts for the Nigerian Union of Teachers at the Ikwerre/Etche Local Government Branch, and as the first President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in the area.

She also contributed to community development, women’s cooperatives, and educational governance, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to service and empowerment.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received numerous awards, including the NCWS Merit Award in 1996 for her role in advancing Nigerian womanhood. She was also honored with the Archdeaconry Pastoral Award, the ‘Golden Mother’ Award, and other distinctions celebrating her pioneering role as the first Ikwerre Headmistress and her impact on society.

Mama’s life was a testament to dedication, leadership, and selfless service. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched—as a teacher, leader, community builder, and woman of faith.

Victoria Opurum had only male children: Ken, C. A. C Opurum (barrister, late); Hamilton, and Igo.

Others agree:

The most trusted testimony of any departing teacher is a person he or she taught in school. Peace Gina, now a married woman, said Opurum taught her in school. She recalled the protection she got from the departing teacher.

She recalled: “Life is nothing but a passing shadow, it’s as glitters and flourishes for sometimes only to wither and fade. Death has stolen a treasure that can never be replaced, but no one can question God Almighty for He gives and takes.”

Gina focused on Lady Victoria Opurum’s boldness, goodness, generosity, kindness and Godliness which she said would be truly unforgettable in the physical, but would be genuinely rewarded by the Almighty God.

“Aunt, you were my first teacher and my fiercest shield. You taught me how to speak up without raising my voice. And you protected me from harm.

“I didn’t see it coming. I’m living on lessons you gave me for free. I’m walking in armor you helped me forge.”

From Texas, USA, the Ogbakor Ikwere where Igo, her last son belongs, came with touching tributes, represented by Max E. Oparaodu, the President.

He said: “I write this condolence note to the family of Dame Victoria Nwenendah Opurum – the mother of our beloved member, Mr. Igochukwu Opurum. The passing of this great lady and a personality in Ikwerre land was made known to us. As our custom here, our members rallied to console our brother – Igo, and his family. Needless to say, that they were well comforted with the love and care of our Ogbakor family. At the same time, we acknowledge that the loss of his dear mother weighed heavily on him as evidenced on the day of our visitation and wake of our beloved mama. Igo summoned courage to tell us a lot about mama. There were no dry eyes in the room.

“From his account and that of few illustrious sons and daughters of Isiokpo, we appreciated the contributions of this great lady to her family, and the community in general. Few of her students/pupils in attendance testified of how she shaped them to become and attained higher grounds of achievements. She had truly contributed to humanity.

“She was a gem and well accomplished. And so, as we say goodbye to a life well lived, we thank Lord Almighty for the lives that she touched and shaped to goodness. To Him be the glory. To mama, we wish you wonderful entrance to the presence of your maker. May the host of heaven grant you celebrative welcome. To the family that she left behind, be grateful for being a part of this great woman of God.

“The baton that she handed you must be carried forward to achieve the crown of a good family.”

Lady Opurum may not have direct daughters but her daughter-in-law, Ifeoma Helen Azubuike-Opurum, made all the difference.

She said from the first day both of them met: “You welcomed me into your home not as a daughter in-law but as a daughter you never had. You welcomed me into your family with open arms and a heart that had room for one more child.

“Your kindness was quiet but powerful, your strength was steady even in difficult seasons, and your love was the kind that made everyone feel seen and valued. Though you are no longer here with us in body, your presence still lingers in our home. I see it in the way we gather at the table, in the values you passed down, and in the gentle compassion you taught us to show one another.”

She said the lessons Victoria lived of patience, of faith, of putting family first would continue to guide them. “We miss your voice, your counsel, and the comfort of your embrace. But we are forever grateful for the years we had and for the legacy you left behind.

“You shaped our family with love, and that love will not be forgotten. Rest peacefully, Mama. We honor you today, we carry you in our hearts, and we keep your memory alive in all we do.”

John Igbokwe Imenwo, her brother, now an elder, saw in his sister the full manifestation exemplification of the modern saying that ‘what a man can do, a woman can do better’.

He said: “You were hardworking, outspoken and intelligent. You nursed, taught us as a teacher in primary school 1960’s and 1970’s in the primary schools in Isiokpo Kingdom. You were outspoken and stood by your words unshakable.

“You made daughters of Mgbu-owhara great as their Secretary after Chief G.W. Amos died. You listened to advice as you also advised your brother and sister. Because of your experience in education, when you departed to Isiokpo boys and girls, you were called Head Miss without them to know that your real name is Victoria Opurum.”

Conclusion:

When the likes of Victoria Opurum manned classrooms, governments were rest-assured, and pupils turned a great leaf. That seems to be what Mary Odili wants to return through the restoration of TTC system. While the state government tries to sort that, school has dismissed for Victoria Opurum. It is to her that the bell chimes.