KC students were assigned to one of four houses, named after former principals: Harman’s, Hyde-Johnson’s, Mckee-Wright’s and Pane’s. Boarding house management and discipline rested in the hands of the House Masters, who lived on the school’s premises. While the teaching staff always comprised some Africans, it wasn’t until 1964 that the first Nigerian principal, Rex Akpofure, was appointed. Since then, KC has been led by a succession of outstanding Nigerian principals.
King’s College always attracted the best students in Nigeria and enrollment was based strictly on academic merit. The school’s results are perennially in the top 5th to 15th percentile in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations. King’s College excelled outside the classroom also and the “Lions” won a commendable share of competitive, inter-curricular activities at the state level, as well as international tournaments against Achimota College, Ghana. The competition between the houses was fierce but always brotherly and in the best spirit. The annual Inter-House Sports Day (track & field), football, field hockey and cricket competitions were momentous events, competed at both senior and junior levels. In addition to pitches for the sports referenced above, the school grounds featured basketball, volleyball, tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis facilities. The Ikoyi Run, a 4-mile race, was conducted with much fanfare on the streets of Lagos Island, and a well-equipped gym was available for gymnastics enthusiasts. KC’s legendary debating team was intimidating. The school was also known for its funky band, The Hotspots, as well as the best choir in Lagos. Senior students were given a welcome opportunity to hone important social and dance skills — and more, at frequent balls that featured students from Queen’s College, Holy Child College, Methodist Girls’ High School and others. The King’s College Cadet Unit was exemplary, and further reinforced the discipline that has always been a hallmark of a King’s College education.
Innumerable eminent gentlemen and ladies (for a brief period in the 1950s, girls were enrolled in the “A Levels” class for seniors), have graced the great halls of King’s as students. King’s College Old Boys have excelled at home and abroad as doctors, lawyers, artists, politicians, scientists, engineers, educators and so on. The majority retain the values of selfless service inculcated in them at King’s and, through the King’s College Old Boy’s Association (KCOBA) remain connected and give back to the college.
The King’s College Old Boys’ Association of North America (KCOBANA) is a natural extension and expression of that spirit of brotherhood in this age of globalization. The independent body was incorporated in the State of Delaware and inaugurated at a festive and memorable reunion in Washington DC on May 25, 2015. Its purpose is to promote, foster and advance fellowship among alumni of King’s College, Lagos, and to advance the interests, influence and reputation of KC by establishing a medium to serve the institution in North America. KCOBANA provides an engagement forum for all Kingsmen resident in North America, and indeed, the diaspora, through intellectual discourse and networking.
A President directs the affairs of the Association in accordance with the adopted Bylaws, supported by an Advisory Committee that consists of other Officers and various Committee Directors. We welcome all to our site and invite all KCOBs to come on board as members, or as supporters with ideas and contributions as we formulate and embark on our Programs.
The call is sounded.
Floreat!
15617 Allnutt Lane
Burtonsville, MD 20866
United State of America