Teacher, Headmaster, Administrator
Collins Julius Pekene was an accomplished educational administrator, noted for his exceptional contributions to the field. He was the pioneer Registrar of the Rivers State College of Education (now Ignatius Ajuru University of Education), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.
Who was Collins Julius Pekene?
Collins Julius Pekene (1933 – 2004) hailed from Nembe in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. A distinguished scholar in higher education management and a highly accomplished administrator, he served at prestigious academic institutions across Nigeria. As Registrar in the late 60s through the 90s, he helped numerous Ijaw individuals gain access to tertiary education. A man dedicated to social activism, he was an active member of the Pan-Ijaw movement and served as Secretary-General for the South-South zone of the Ijaw National Congress. Collins was also a devoted family man, a faithful Anglican, and passed away in 2004 at the age of 71.
Early Life and Family Background
Collins Julius Pekene was born on December 10, 1933, in Nembe, then part of eastern Nigeria, to Julius Obekuma Pekene and Mrs. Ekineta Pekene (née Ebiozu). He was the first surviving child among his siblings.
Genealogically, Collins was of royal descent, linked through Okogolotugu to King Peresuo and through Oruama to Isaidu, King Amain’s brother. On his maternal side, he traced his lineage to Chief Karetongha, Mingi’s grandson. However, his life was far from princely following the early death of his father.
Education
Collins began his education at St. Luke’s School, Nembe, from 1941 to 1949, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate. He then attended St. John’s College, Diobu, earning a Grade III Teacher’s Certificate in 1955. From 1958 to 1959, he obtained a Grade II Teacher’s Certificate at the Government Teacher Training College in Uyo.
Driven by intellectual curiosity and perseverance, Collins furthered his education through correspondence courses, eventually earning his General Certificate of Education (GCE). In 1961, he enrolled at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he studied Economics and Statistics, graduating in 1965.
Not satisfied with just a first degree, Collins pursued postgraduate studies in the United States in the 1970s, earning a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1974, and later a Ph.D. from the State University of New York, Buffalo, in 1983. His dedication to learning and work ethic earned him a reputation as a scholar of exceptional merit.
Career
Collins Julius Pekene began his career as a primary school teacher in Sangana, Akassa, and at St. Barnabas’ School, Twon-Brass, from 1950 to 1953. With his teaching certifications, he went on to serve as a teacher and headmaster at various schools, including St. Luke’s School, Nembe, and St. George’s School, Aba.
After earning his degree in Economics and Statistics, he worked at the Federal Office of Statistics and the National Universities Commission from 1965 to 1968. From 1968 to 1971, he served as Assistant Registrar for Admissions at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Upon returning to his home state (Old Rivers State), he became one of the pioneer administrative staff at the Rivers State College of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University) and later rose to the position of Deputy Registrar. In 1976, he became the pioneer Registrar of the Rivers State College of Education (now Ignatius Ajuru University of Education), serving in this capacity for 21 years until his retirement in 1997.
Public Service and Activism
In addition to his academic career, Collins served on various public service boards, including the Rivers State Library Board, Census Board, and Scholarship Board. He was also an active member of the Universal Basic Education Technical Working Committee on Social Mobilization. As a social activist, he played a prominent role in the Ijaw National Congress, serving as Secretary-General of the Central Zone from 1994 to 1996.
Family Life
Collins Julius Pekene married Mrs. Atonye Pekene (née Robert Dede) on June 15, 1975, a union that lasted nearly 30 years. The couple celebrated their Silver Jubilee in 2000. Collins was a loving and accommodating husband and father, known for his generosity. His household was often filled with relatives of various descents, many of whom were empowered through education at his expense. He and his wife were blessed with five children.
Social and Christian Life
Known for his sociable and friendly nature, Collins forged strong connections across Nigeria and abroad, developing relationships with people from all walks of life. He was a founding member of the Nembe Students’ Union in the 1960s, where he was instrumental in introducing a scholarship scheme for deserving students, which helped raise the standard of education in his community.
A devout Christian, he was baptized and confirmed in 1955 at St. Luke’s Church by Rt. Rev. C.J. Patterson. After his retirement, Collins dedicated more time to his faith, participating actively in his local churches at St. Andrew’s in Port Harcourt and St. Luke’s Cathedral in Nembe. His tenor voice in church choirs was cherished by family and friends.
Chieftaincy
In recognition of his achievements and royal lineage, Collins Julius Pekene was conferred the chieftaincy title of Alabo (Dr.) C.J. Pekene on April 17, 1995, by the Amanyanabo of Nembe. As a chief, he worked tirelessly to promote the welfare of the Nembe community.
Legacy
Alabo (Dr.) C.J. Pekene will be remembered as a visionary who helped countless individuals from the old Rivers State (now Rivers and Bayelsa States) gain admission into Ahmadu Bello University during and after the Civil War. His contributions at the Rivers State College of Science and Technology and the Rivers State College of Education left an indelible mark on the academic and administrative landscape. He was a motivator, emancipator, and educator who inspired many to pursue higher education and better opportunities.
Final Days
Collins Julius Pekene suffered from recurrent back pain and was hospitalized several times. He passed away on January 4, 2004, at the age of 71.
