Teacher, Administrator
Muna Oluwatoyin Nyananyo was a prolific school teacher who dedicated over 30 years to the classroom. She was best known for her diligence and her uncanny ability to reach people in deep and positive ways.
Who was Mrs. Muna Toyin Nyananyo?
Born on January 19, 1955, in Lagos, to Nembe (Ijaw) and Yoruba parents, Muna Oluwatoyin Nyananyo was a remarkable woman. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA. She then embarked on a teaching career with the Federal Ministry of Education, serving at Federal Government College Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Federal Government College, Odi, Bayelsa State. Her contributions to these institutions were immense, and she retired as Deputy Director in 2015. Muna was a virtuous woman, married to the erudite Professor (Barrister) Biobele Louis Nyananyo of the University of Port Harcourt. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 61.
Parents and Birth
Muna was born on January 19, 1955, in Lagos, then Western Nigeria. Her father, Chief Samuel Diepereye Fetepigi-Ebifa, hailed from Nembe-Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and her mother, Madam Olufunke Juliana Adeoti, was from the Adeoti family of IIugboro town in Ibogun Local Government Area, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Both parents were well-educated and hardworking, serving in Nigeria’s public service. Chief Samuel retired as a Commissioner of Police, and Madam Olufunke retired meritoriously from the Federal Civil Service.
Early Life and Education
Muna grew up in a cosmopolitan setting in Lagos, determined to achieve a solid educational background. She began her primary education at Methodist Primary School, Ebuta Metta, Lagos, in 1964. Midway through, she moved to Enugu to stay with her paternal uncle, Chief Itongha Fetepigi, and completed her primary education in 1966.
In 1967, Toyin, as she was fondly called, gained admission to Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Grammar School (A.C.M.G.S), Elelenwo, Rivers State. However, her education was disrupted by the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1969). She sought refuge in Nembe with her grandmother, Marie (“Opu Mama”), and Aunty Leah (“Uncle Kala”), who instilled in her the culture and traditions of the Nembe people.
After the war, Toyin continued her education at Nembe National Grammar School (NNGS), Nembe, and later returned to A.C.M.G.S Elelenwo. She obtained her West African School Certificate in 1976 and her Higher School Certificate from Federal Government College Rumuigbo, Port Harcourt, in 1977. Toyin then pursued a degree in Business Administration at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA. She furthered her education with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and a Master of Education (M.Ed) from the University of Port Harcourt.
Career
Muna joined the Federal Civil Service on February 18, 1987, and was deployed to Federal Government College (FGC), Port Harcourt, later transferring to FGC, Odi, where she taught Economics. Known as Mrs. Nyananyo, she was celebrated as the best Economics teacher at FGC Odi. A strict disciplinarian, she instilled order and discipline in students and colleagues alike. She rose to the rank of Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Education, and Vice Principal (Administration), FGC, Odi, retiring meritoriously on January 19, 2015.
A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Family
Muna was happily married to Professor (Barr) Biobele Louis Nyananyo, known as Uncle B. Bio, and they had three biological sons and a foster daughter, her cousin’s daughter.
Community Services
Muna positively impacted many young lives as a teacher and mother. One of the doctors who treated her at the University of Port Teaching Hospital was her former student at FGC, Port Harcourt. As a devoted member of Our Saviour’s Chapel (OSC), Interdenominational Chaplaincy, University of Port Harcourt, she supported the Music Ministry and the Youth body, receiving numerous honors and awards.
Christian Life
Muna embraced the Anglican faith from her secondary school days at A.C.M.G.S Elelenwo. At Our Saviour’s Chapel, University of Port Harcourt, she was an active member of various groups, including the Chapel Management Council, Prayer Squad, Evangelism Team, Queen Esther group, Women Christian Fellowship, and Fund Raising Committee. In the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, she was a licensed Lay Reader, a member of the Women’s Guild and Mother’s Union, and a leader at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke’s Nembe.
When She Died
Muna Oluwatoyin Nyananyo passed away from cancer-related complications on December 18, 2016, in Port Harcourt. She was buried in her paternal hometown, Nembe-Bassambiri, Bayelsa State, at the age of 61.
