RETIRING PRINCIPAL’S HUSBAND, PROF. UGAH, HAILS ANCOPSS AS A FAMILY, SAYS WIFE NOT RETIRING TO SIT AT HOME
By Ambrose Okehi (News Emperor)
The husband of the retiring Principal of Dr. Lucas Memorial High School, Kirikiri Town, Apapa, Lagos, Pastor (Prof.) Theophilus Aku Ugah, has expressed profound gratitude to colleagues, government and well-wishers for giving his wife a befitting pen-down ceremony, describing the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) as a true family and not just an association.
Prof. Ugah, who is the Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University, Texas, USA, and also the Presiding Pastor of Springs of Life Church for All Nations, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the family during the ceremony held on the school premises on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Opening his speech with praises to God, Prof. Ugah said the family was very happy and that the programme turned out to be exceptional beyond his expectations.
“This programme is an exceptional programme. And I didn’t know it would go this way, but I see that ANCOPSS is really a family. It is not just an association,” he said.
He specially appreciated Mrs. Beatrice Oduntan, President of the Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools (ARPSON), Amuwo-Odofin Chapter, for returning to honour the event ten years after her own retirement, noting that her presence shows that the bond among principals endures.
According to the scholar, if Mrs. Oduntan could return after ten years, it is an assurance that whenever people hear from his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Kehinde Adunni Ugah, going forward, it will be for good things, and that the current celebration will not be the last to which they will invite guests.
Prof. Ugah thanked everyone for their time, sacrifice, love and prayers, praying that when it is their own time for celebration, the family would be invited to reciprocate.
He also thanked the Lagos State Government for taking care of his wife physically, mentally and academically throughout her years of service, recalling that she joined the service as a Mrs. but is retiring with a doctorate degree.
“It is an achievement and I want to challenge all of us, those of us that are still there, let’s look forward to better things in life. God will take all of us to a higher ground,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University stressed that his wife is not retiring to sit at home, as her hands are full with many things in the pipeline that will be celebrated together with those who contributed to making her who she is.
“So, we still need prayers, we need your guidance, we still need your counsel. We still need your support. From time to time we will call you, because there are many things in the pipeline which we will celebrate together,” he said.
He extended gratitude to the Vice Principal and all principals from ANCOPSS and ARPSON who graced the occasion, describing the day as memorable in the life of the family.
Prof. Ugah noted that his wife was given to him 33 years ago, and conveyed appreciation on behalf of their first son and his wife, who are based in Germany and could not fly in for the ceremony.
He explained that he was on phone conversations with his son all through the event, as he wanted to come with his wife, but Germany is not Ajegunle or Oshodi.
“He said I should express our thanks and appreciation to you all,” Prof. Ugah relayed.
He appealed that the friendship built over the years should continue and not end with the retirement, saying they will know themselves more and more.
Prof. Ugah concluded with a prayer, decreeing that all those still in service will retire healthy and without problems in their careers.
“May God strengthen our faith. And I decree that all of you that are still working will retire healthy. And there will be no problem in your career in Jesus’ name,” he prayed.
Dignitaries at the event included Pastor Efeoghene Oronana, who was the guest speaker, Pastor Ambrose Obioma Okehi, Publisher of News Emperor Magazine, Mr. Hassan Dauda Abiodun, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District V, Lagos State Ministry of Education, comprising Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ojo and Badagry Local Government Areas; the Director of School Administration, Education District V, Agboju, Lagos, who was represented by Education Officer, Mr. Ayinde Akorode Saheed; the Chairperson, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Amuwo Zone, Mrs. Bola R. Ijaware; her Vice, Mrs. Akinbola Oyebola; members of ANCOPSS and ARPSON; as well as the Vice Principal of Dr. Lucas Memorial High School.
The highlight of the occasion was the signing out of the outgoing principal , Pastor (Mrs.) Ugah and her subsequent handover to her family by the Lagos State Ministry of Education, conducted by Mrs. Beatrice Oduntan, retired principal and President of the Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools, Lagos State.
The event ended on a good note with sumptuous meals served to everyone in attendance.