Honouring the life and legacy of a pioneer principal, mentor, and community builder
By Dahiru Ali
The passing of Chief Sale Andrew Idakwo, the pioneer Principal of Government Secondary School, Ulayi, has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him. His death marks the end of a golden chapter in the story of education, discipline, and community leadership in Benue State and beyond.
When Government Secondary School, Ulayi, opened its gates in 1976, Chief Idakwo stood as its first principal — a young, visionary educator determined to shape not only a school but a generation. Through his firm leadership and boundless energy, he transformed GSS Ulayi into a beacon of academic excellence and moral discipline. To him, education was not merely about books and classrooms; it was about nurturing character and preparing young people to lead with integrity and courage.
Chief Idakwo was a seasoned administrator, a respected community leader, and an exemplary patriot. He was also an alumnus of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, where he deepened his understanding of governance, national integration, and strategic leadership. The lessons he drew from that experience reflected in everything he did — from managing institutions to guiding young minds and fostering unity in his community.
My personal encounter with him remains one of the defining experiences of my life. In 1976, I approached him as a young, hopeful boy seeking admission into Government Secondary School, Ulayi. I did not possess a First School Leaving Certificate, having advanced to college ahead of my time. (My late Headmaster, Mr. J. A. Anteyi, haven decided at the time, that some of the very outstanding students should be encouraged to proceed to secondary school, if they could pass the Common Entrance Examination.) When he reviewed my papers, he looked up at me sternly and said, “Young man, you don’t meet the requirement.” My heart sank.
But after a moment of thoughtful silence, he looked at me again and said, “You seem determined — let us see what you can make of this opportunity.” That act of fairness and insight changed the course of my life. He almost denied me admission, yet his ability to see potential where others might not prevailed. It was under his mentorship that I learned the virtues of hard work, humility, and perseverance — lessons that have guided me ever since.
Yet, behind his strictness was a man of warmth, humour, and humanity. Chief Idakwo was an athlete — a passionate footballer who often joined us, his students, on the field, running, cheering, and sharing in the camaraderie of youthful energy. Those moments revealed another side of him — approachable, lively, and genuinely interested in our growth beyond academics. He also never failed to socialise with us during weekend parties at the school dining hall, where he would sit among students, share laughter, and remind us that life’s discipline must be balanced with joy. His presence at those gatherings made us feel valued and seen — a rare quality in a man of his position.
After his pioneering years at Ulayi, Chief Idakwo joined the Federal Civil Service, where he continued to distinguish himself through diligence, integrity, and professionalism. His service to the nation spanned various capacities, culminating in his retirement as a Director in the early 2000s. Even in public service, he carried the same principles that defined his teaching career — commitment to excellence, fairness, and public good.
Our paths crossed again in Abuja, where Chief Idakwo was a life-time member, Patron, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ofu K’Idoma for Unity and Development Association, a community service organisation devoted to promoting unity, education, and social advancement among the Idoma people. When I joined the association, I had the honour of serving as General Secretary for over five years, working closely with him once more. Even there, his leadership shone brightly — calm, wise, and grounded in service. He inspired us to give back to our community and reminded us often that “true leadership is not about power, but about purpose.”
Beyond education and public service, Chief Sale Andrew Idakwo was a traditional leader and man of peace — a figure whose words carried weight and whose example inspired trust. He was a bridge-builder between generations, a listener to all, and a steady moral compass in turbulent times.
Last Friday, the quiet town of Ogwule, in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, witnessed a deluge of personalities — government officials, educationists, traditional rulers, former students, and community leaders — who converged to pay their last respects. It was a fitting farewell to a man whose influence had touched so many. After the funeral service, he was laid to rest at his family compound at Ogwule-Kaduna, where the earth embraced one of its finest sons — a teacher, mentor, and nation builder.
To his students, Chief Idakwo was more than a principal; he was a father, coach, and friend. To his colleagues, he was a mentor and a model of professional integrity. To his community, he was a pillar of unity and peace.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life beautifully lived — one defined by service, discipline, and love for humanity. His legacy will continue to shine in the lives of those he taught, mentored, and inspired.
May Almighty God grant his noble soul eternal rest and comfort his family, friends, and all who mourn him.
Rest well, Chief.
You built more than a school — you built a people, and your light will never fade.
About the Author:
Dahiru Ali is an alumnus of Government Secondary School, Ulayi, and one of the pioneer students who studied under Chief Sale Andrew Idakwo. He later served as General Secretary of the Ofu K’Idoma for Unity and Development Association, Abuja. He writes from Abuja.
