Babatunji Olowofoyeku - Educational Career, 1932-1949

Educational Career, 1932-1949

Olowofoyeku chose to become a teacher because of the general belief that teaching was a most rewarding career among the educated elitists of the time. In 1932, he accepted a starting position as a pupil teacher at Otapete Methodist School, his alma mater, and subsequently had a brilliant four-year career.

To further his education and become a professional teacher, he in 1935 applied for admission and was accepted at St. Andrew’s College, Oyo, for the freshman class of 1936, to train and earn a teaching certificate. With a burning desire for an education and zeal to succeed and not disappoint his family, he attended St. Andrew’s College from 1936 until October 1942.

Olowofoyeku then taught at Oduduwa College from October 1942 until 1943, a considerably short stint. The students he trained included Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) who later became the Attorney General of Nigeria during the second republic.

Methodist Boys High School, Lagos, was Olowofoyeku’s next career opportunity. From 1943 until January 1947, he was the Latin teacher, and notable among his students were the likes of Professor Olu Odumosu and Chief Adeola Odeku, who later became a very prominent Nigerian lawyer.

His first appointment as Principal was at Western Boys High School, Benin, from January 1947 until December 1948. It was during this tenure in 1948 that he took and passed the External Intermediate BA degree of the University of London by studying through a correspondence course.

He then moved to Ijebu-Ode to take up an appointment as the 3rd Principal of Olu-Iwa College (which changed its name to Adeola Odutola College in 1964) serving from January 1949 until December 1949.