18/09/2024
BRIEF HISTORY OF METHODIST BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL, ORON.
The foundation of Methodist Boys' High School Oron traces back to the evangelistic efforts of Primitive Methodist missionaries, who arrived near Oron in 1870. Their work led to a request from local Christian converts for a permanent minister. In response, Reverend R. W. Burnett and Henry Roe were dispatched by the Primitive Methodist Society, arriving in the area in February 1897. Initially, their missionary activities began in a Spanish colony where they were warmly welcomed. However, political challenges from the Spanish authorities forced them to seek a more stable location, eventually settling in Archibong Town, a British-controlled territory in Nigeria, by 1893.
Despite initial success, a boundary adjustment placed Archibong Town under German control, causing the missionaries and their followers to relocate to nearby Ikang and Afaha Eduok. It was during this time that Rev. Nathaniel Boocock, while traveling with Rev. G.E. Wiles, spotted the future site of a school, famously declaring, “There I will build my school.” This led to the establishment of the Oron Station, which quickly became the new focus of the mission.
By 1902, the first phase of what would become Methodist Boys' High School Oron was realized when a prefabricated mission house was transported from Archibong Town to Oron. Rev. Nathaniel Boocock proposed building a training institute to educate boys from both the Nigerian mainland and Fernando Po. His vision, endorsed by the Primitive Methodist Missionary Society (P.M.M.S.), included not just academic education but practical training in trades like carpentry, with the ultimate goal of preparing the boys to become native teaching evangelists. This plan materialized with the help of £1,000 raised by the Christian Endeavour Societies in England.
The school, originally named Oron Training Institute (OTI), officially opened in 1905 under the leadership of Rev. W.J. Ward, starting with two teachers and 16 students, most of whom were boarders. The campus initially consisted of three corrugated iron buildings - a classroom, a dormitory, and a common room - though much of this early infrastructure was destroyed during the Nigerian Civil War.
As the school grew, it became a melting pot of cultures, with students from Fernando Po, Urua Eye, James Town, Esuk Oron, Akani Obio, and Calabar. By 1910, the school was full, serving students from diverse backgrounds. Over the years, the school expanded its academic offerings to include Higher School Certificate courses, admitting girls into its two-year Higher Certificate (Arts) classes by 1955. The school population continued to grow, reaching 1,099 students by 1980.
Methodist Boys' High School also became a hub for extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, fostering a vibrant student community. However, the school's management faced challenges when mission schools were returned to their original owners in 2006, and the Methodist Mission took over. Declining enrollment and deteriorating infrastructure plagued the school until 2022 when the Akwa Ibom State government formally resumed management following intense pressure by the Old Boys community. By 2023, student numbers had risen again, signaling a revitalization of the institution.
Today as we commemorate the 119th anniversary of our dear Alma Mater, we remember with gratitude to God, our founding fathers, the contributions of the Methodist Church, the Governments of our Country, the different Agencies like the Overseas’ Appointments’ Bureau, the CUSO, GVSO, UNICEF, World Bank, NDDC, the NYSC, etc. We salute all our students, all our Old Boys & Old Boys in Skirt, all our past and present academic and non-academic staff. We pray that sound learning and true religion continue to flourish on the Hill of Esuk-Oron.
Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.
HAPPY FOUNDERS’ DAY! ⚓
