Veteran Technical Tutor, Administrator
Amaopusenibo Emmanuel George Toby was a renowned Technical Educationist who left an enduring legacy as the foremost Principal of Technical Colleges in the Niger Delta during the 70s and 80s. He is best known for being the Pioneer Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Rivers State.
Who was Amaopusenibo Emmanuel George Toby?
Amaopusenibo Emmanuel George Toby (1943 – 2016) was an Opobo-born veteran Technical Teacher who taught and managed reputable technical schools in the old Rivers State for over two decades. He received his Master’s degree in Industrial Education and Training from the University of Manchester, UK. George Toby’s wealth of experience in Technical Education and Management was unparalleled, having shaped most of the Technical Colleges in the old Rivers State from 1972 to 1978. Additionally, he was the pioneer Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku. He took great pride in having trained and mentored numerous technicians from the Niger Delta and beyond, who have made significant contributions to various industries in Nigeria. Ultimately, his devout faith was evident as he was a dedicated member of Salvation Ministries until his passing in 2016 at the age of 73.
Birth and Parentage
Emmanuel was born to Senibo George T.M Toby of Opobo town, in the present Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, and Madam Mary George Toby (nee Umuna) of Amapu town in Abia state, on December 23, 1943. Named after his grandfather, Minimie, he was affectionately called Ogboada, abbreviated to Ada, becoming fondly known as Ada Toby.
Early Life
The young Ada lost his mother in 1948 at the age of 5 and his father in 1955 at the age of 12. Despite being orphaned at a tender age, God’s mercy and blessings were upon him through the combined efforts of his late stepmother, Madam Comfort George Toby, and Gabriel Onuoha George of Lorji Aboh, Mbaise, in Imo State, who ensured his early education was successful. His intelligence and brilliance endeared him to his father, who made him his personal secretary at the age of ten, keeping the financial records of his father’s empire and serving as the family secretary.
Education
Ada Toby attended Primary School at St. Peter’s School, Owerri, in 1951 and obtained the First School Leaving Certificate in 1956. He was one of the exceptionally talented students admitted into Government Technical Institute, Enugu, the only Technical Institute in the entire eastern region, in 1957. In 1962, he obtained both the West African School Certificate and Technical Institute Certificate, a rare feat in those days, demonstrating his focus and determination.
After leaving the Government Technical Institute in 1962, he was immediately engaged by the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN). After five months at ECN, he received an offer from Posts and Telecoms (P&T) to be trained as a Technologist specializing in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering at their training center in Oshodi, Lagos. While at the Training School, he took the City and Guilds Examinations in Machine Shop, passing the Intermediate and Finals in 1964 and 1965, respectively. He obtained the full Technological Certificate in 1971. Subsequently, he worked with P&T and resigned in 1971 as Assistant Workshop Supervisor. Passionate about Technical Education, he decided to switch to teaching to impart the skills he had acquired to younger generations. Motivated by this, he transferred to the Rivers State Government Civil Service in May 1971. Thereafter, he attended the National Technical College, Yaba-Lagos, where he obtained the Technical Teacher’s Certificate in 1972.
Between 1976 and 1977, he attended the Bolton College of Education (Technical) UK, obtaining a Diploma in Advanced Studies (Technical Education) majoring in Education Management, Economics of Education, and Comparative Education in 1977. He later obtained a Master’s of Education (M.Ed) in Industrial Education and Training from the University of Manchester, UK, in 1981.
Marital Life
Amaopusenibo Emmanuel George Toby (Ogboada) married Mrs. Belema Data Toby (nee Fubara), the daughter of late Warisenibo Theodore Jim Fubara. Their marriage, conducted in accordance with Opobo native law and customs, was solemnized at St. Cyprians Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, in 1975. The couple was blessed with five children—three boys and two girls.
Work Experience
Ada Toby amassed a wealth of experience over his 34-year career, holding various positions, including:
- Drawing Office, Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) Headquarters in 1963
- Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) in Training, Post and Telecommunications (P&T) Lagos in 1971
- Civil Servant, Rivers State Civil Service Commission in 1972
- Principal, Government Technical College, Tombia from 1973 to 1975
- Principal, Government Technical College, Ahoada from 1975 to 1976
- Principal, Government Technical College, Port Harcourt from 1977 to 1983
- Chief Supervisor of Schools, Rivers State Schools Board from 1983 to 1987
- Member, Rivers State Schools Board in 1987
- Pioneer Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Rivers State from 1988 to 1997
His leadership and discipline led to further appointments:
- Chairman, Rivers State Chieftaincy Review Commission from 1997 to 1988
- Member of the Governing Council, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University) Port Harcourt, from 2002 to 2004
Christian Life
Emmanuel was born into a devout Christian home and maintained the fear of God in all his dealings. Initially an active member of the Anglican Communion, he later sought deeper fellowship with God and joined the Salvation Ministries, where he worshipped until his passing. His home hosted the Home Cell Fellowship of the Salvation Ministries, and even on his deathbed, he expressed the desire for its continuation. He supported many Pentecostal pastors in building their churches in Rivers State and beyond, and his counsel with the word of God encouraged many to embrace Christ fully.
Social Life
A life encounter with Amaopusenibo Emmanuel George Toby would leave anyone with a lasting impression. He was honest, gentle, patient, and humble to a fault. Affectionately known as ‘Ada,’ ‘Big Daddy,’ and ‘Ada Toby live forever’ by friends, children, youths, and elders, he was a father figure to many, both within and beyond Opobo. He provided support, paying house rents, covering medical bills, and ensuring people’s needs were met. His simplicity made him easily accessible, and his wisdom was freely shared with those who sought his counsel. The affable and amiable Ada led a decent, quiet, and honest life.
Achievements
Emmanuel George Toby was an administrator, veteran educator, educationist, and disciplinarian. He believed in creating lasting legacies wherever he served. At Government Technical College, Tombia, he worked for the recognition of the City and Guilds Examination. At Government Technical College, Ahoada, he built and equipped all the college workshops. At Government Technical College, Port Harcourt, he successfully established the permanent site at Ozuboko, near the Port Harcourt Zoo, transferring it from its temporary location on Aba Road.
As Chief Supervisor of Schools in Rivers State, he designed a Staff Appraisal Format to streamline promotion criteria in the teaching service. As the pioneer Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Omoku, he transformed an abandoned Teacher Training College into a modern institution, achieving accreditation for all programs from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) within his first term, without any take-off grant.
Awards and Recognitions
- Chairman, Chieftaincy Review Committee, Rivers State (1997-1998)
- Justice of Peace (JP) by the Rivers State Government in 2002
- Member, 8th Governing Council, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (2002-2004)
- Honored with the title ‘Ama-opu-Senibo’ of Opobo Kingdom in 2011 for his contributions to Technical Education
- Member, Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (MNITAD)
- Member, Institute Plant Engineers (MIPE)
- Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Administration and Management (FNIAM)
- Fellow, National Association of Teachers of Technology (FNATT)
- Principal Emeritus, Provost Emeritus, among others
When He Died
Amaopusenibo Emmanuel George Toby reportedly passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Conclusion
Amaopusenibo Emmanuel George Toby was a beacon of technical education, leaving behind a legacy of service, discipline, and godliness. His contributions to education and community development in the Niger Delta will forever be remembered.
